Sheathing of the Endovaginal Ultrasound Probe: Is It Adequate?

Abstract

The purpose of this prospective investigation was to compare two methods for sheathing of the endovaginal ultrasound probe. The study was conducted over a 7-month period in 1991-1992. In the first half of the investigation, latex examination gloves were used to sheath the endovaginal probe; during the second half of the investigation, latex condoms were used. Following the ultrasound examination, the probes were inspected for gross contamination by the ultrasonographer. The sheaths were then tested for perforations by filling them with water to twice their usual volume and observing for leaks. Fifty unused gloves and condoms were similarly tested to determine the prevalence of preexisting defects. One hundred twenty-eight gloves and 102 condoms from patients were tested. Four gloves (3.1%, 95% C.I. 1.6-4.6%) and seven condoms (6.9%, 95% C.I. 4.4-9.4%) had perforations (NS). When the probe was covered by a glove, one instance of visible contamination occurred (0.78%, 95% C.I. 0-1.6%) compared with eight instances when the probe was covered with a condom (7.8%, 95% C.I. 5.2-10.4%, P