Time‐effectiveness and convenience of transvaginal ultrasound probe disinfection using ultraviolet vs chlorine dioxide multistep wipe system: prospective survey study

ABSTRACT Objectives To compare the efficiency, ease of use and user satisfaction of two methods of transvaginal ultrasound probe high‐level disinfection: ultraviolet‐C radiation (UV‐C) and a chlorine dioxide multistep wipe system. Methods This was a prospective survey study. UV‐C units were introduced into a busy early pregnancy assessment service and compared with a multiwipe system for disinfection. Before seeing each patient, healthcare professionals (HCPs) measured with a stopwatch the time taken to complete a cycle of disinfection using either UV‐C or chlorine dioxide multistep wipes and responded to a quick‐response (QR) code‐linked survey. Additional essential tasks that could be completed before seeing the next patient during probe disinfection were also documented. Using another QR code‐linked survey, data on ease of use, satisfaction with the system used and preferred system were collected. The ease of use and satisfaction with the system were rated on a 0 to 10 Likert scale (0 poor, 10 excellent). A free‐text section for comments was then completed. Results Disinfection using UV‐C (n = 331) was 60% faster than the chlorine dioxide multiwipe system (n = 332) (101 vs 250 s; P