Evaluation of a Hydrogen Peroxide‐Based System for High‐Level Disinfection of Vaginal Ultrasound Probes

Objectives Because of the complex process and the risk of errors associated with the glutaraldehyde‐based solutions previously used at our institution for disinfection, our department has implemented a new method for high‐level disinfection of vaginal ultrasound probes: the hydrogen peroxide‐based Trophon system (Nanosonics, Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia). The aim of this study was to compare the time difference, safety, and sonographers' satisfaction between the glutaraldehyde‐based Cidex (CIVCO Medical Solutions, Kalona, IA) and the hydrogen peroxide‐based Trophon disinfection systems. Methods The Institutional Review Board approved a 14‐question survey administered to the 13 sonographers in our department. Survey questions addressed a variety of aspects of the disinfection processes with graded responses over a standardized 5‐point scale. A process diagram was developed for each disinfection method with segmental timing analysis, and a cost analysis was performed. Results Nonvariegated analysis of the survey data with the Wilcoxon signed rank test showed a statistical difference in survey responses in favor of the hydrogen peroxide‐based system over the glutaraldehyde‐based system regarding efficiency (P = .0013), ease of use (P = .0013), ability to maintain work flow (P = .026), safety (P = .0026), fixing problems (P = .0158), time (P = .0011), and overall satisfaction (P = .0018). The glutaraldehyde‐based system took 32 minutes versus 14 minutes for the hydrogen peroxide‐based system; the hydrogen peroxide‐based system saved on average 7.5 hours per week. The cost of the hydrogen peroxide‐based system and weekly maintenance pays for itself if 1.5 more ultrasound examinations are performed each week. Conclusions The hydrogen peroxide‐based disinfection system was proven to be more efficient and viewed to be easier and safer to use than the glutaraldehyde‐based system. The adoption of the hydrogen peroxide‐based system led to higher satisfaction among sonographers.