Contamination and decontamination of Doppler probes.

INTRODUCTIONNosocomial infection occurs in 2–9% of patients undergoing vascular surgery and can lead to death, amputation or require complex revision surgery. Neck ties, pagers, stethoscopes and Doppler probes have been shown to carry pathogens. We measured bacterial colonisation of Doppler probes on a vascular unit and audited the effect of staff education at reducing this contamination. MATERIALS AND METHODSBacteriological culture swabs were taken from hand-held Doppler probes on the vascular surgical ward and clinic. There was no protocol for cleaning the Doppler probes, so manufacturers were contacted for their recommendations. The results of cultures were presented to nursing and medical staff, who were then asked to clean the probes with alcohol wipes after each use. After an interval of 1 week, bacteriological cultures from the same Doppler probes was repeated. RESULTSFifty bacteriological cultures were performed from 10 Doppler probes over a 4-week period. Thirteen (26%) cultures were positive for...