CDC Releases Report and Recommendations on Multiuse Ultrasound Gel

CDC published an investigation of a cluster of Burkholderia stabilis (B.stabilis) infections in MMWR. The article, Outbreak of Burkholderia stabilis Infections Associated with Contaminated Nonsterile, Multiuse Ultrasound Gel — 10 States, May–September 2021 | MMWR (cdc.gov), reports on a cluster of eight invasive infections among hospitalized patients in 2021 that were traced to use of nonsterile ultrasound gel, resulting in a national recall of all ultrasound gel products produced by Eco-Med Pharmaceuticals.

CDC advises that healthcare facilities should always use single-use, sterile ultrasound gel packets for ultrasonography used in preparation for or during transcutaneous procedures, such as placement of central and peripheral intravenous lines, amniocentesis, and paracentesis. This includes:

• Avoiding use of bottles of nonsterile ultrasound gel for visualization prior to such procedures (e.g., vein marking, visualizing ascites).
• Reviewing facility practices related to ultrasound probe reprocessing to ensure they are aligned with manufacturer’s instructions for use and appropriate professional society guidelines.
• Training of health care personnel for the appropriate use of ultrasound gel associated with ultrasounds and ultrasound-associated procedures, including that only sterile, single-use ultrasound gel should be used before and during invasive percutaneous procedures to prevent additional outbreaks of serious patient infections