You decide to use ultrasonography to help you establish peripheral IV access for and obtain blood cultures from your patient. How can you ensure that you get a sterile sampling to avoid blood culture contamination? Do you need to open a full central-line ultrasound probe cover?
Trick of the Trade:
Use a sterile glove
Thanks to Dr. Haney Mallemat (Univ of Maryland, @CriticalCareNow) for the video and tip.
I am a little confused. Doesn't the probe cover need to be sterile?
ReplyDeleteIs a pair of sterile gloves cheaper than a sterile probe cover?
Otherwise, what is the big deal about using a probe cover?
Good question:
Delete1. For must-be-sterile peripheral IVs: I find that I don't need the long covered sheath for the ultrasound cable. Cost difference exists ($6 per sterile probe cover vs <$1 for sterile glove).
2. For need-to-be-clean peripheral IVs: You can use a sterile or just regular medical glove. Ultrasound probe cover is likely overkill.