DOI: https://doi.org/10.22263/2312-4156.2021.5.15
Dikareva E.A., Pimanov S.I.
Ultrasound examination and the risk of iatrogenic infections development
Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus
Vestnik VGMU. 2021;20(5):15-22.
Abstract.
Ultrasound examination is used in all areas of modern medicine and occupies the leading positions in non-invasive instrumental diagnostics. Ultrasound is believed to be safe for patients. At the same time, there is a dangerous effect of ultrasound, manifested by bacterial and viral contamination of ultrasound equipment and the examined patients. Numerous studies have convincingly shown that ultrasound is dangerous in terms of iatrogenic contamination of a patient with bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Each ultrasound examination includes contact between the probe of the device and the patient’s skin, or his/her mucous membranes, or sterile tissues during intraoperative examinations. When the ultrasonic sensor comes into contact with the patient’s body, it may become contaminated with pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms. It is also possible to contaminate the ultrasound equipment and the hands of a doctor who conducts this study. All this will subsequently contribute to the microorganisms transmission to other subjects being examined. Therefore, every patient should be considered as a potential source of pathogenic microorganisms and viruses.
The purpose of the work was to analyze the literature data on bacterial and viral contamination during ultrasound examination.
Key words: ultrasound examination, microbial contamination, iatrogenic pathology.
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Information about authors:
Dikareva E.A. – Candidate of Medical Sciences, associate professor of the Chair of Internal Diseases & Ultrasound Diagnostics of the Faculty for Advanced Training & Retraining, Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University;
Pimanov S.I. – Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, head of the Chair of Internal Diseases & Ultrasound Diagnostics of the Faculty for Advanced Training & Retraining, Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University.
Correspondence address: Republic of Belarus, 210009, Vitebsk, 27 Frunze ave., Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, Chair of Internal Diseases & Ultrasound Diagnostics of the Faculty for Advanced Training & Retraining. E-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра. – Elena A. Dikareva.
