Based on multiple clinical studies, ultrasound gel has been shown to harbor and spread infection. Gel can cause bacteria to be introduced into the blood stream.8,9
Nearly 1 in 20 patients annually acquire an "HAI". Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSls) are considered one of the most DEADLY healthcare-associated infection (HAIs). 1 Preventing HAIs, and CLABSls in particular, has become a national safety priority.
Source: APIC.ORG/Resource_frinyMceFileManager/2015/APIC_CLABSI_WEB.pdf. 2015. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. ISBN: 1-933013-56-7
Mortality Rates associated with CLABSI infections are as high as 25%.
Source: APIC.ORG/Resource_mnyMceFileManager/2015/APIC_CLABSI_WEB.pdf. 2015. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. ISBN: 1-933013-56-7
Each CLABSI infection costs $46,000.
Source: Haddadin Y, Regunath H. Cen/ral Line Associated Blood S/ream Infections (CLABSI) {Updated 2017 Mar 28].https:llwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430891/
Estimated 30,100 CLABSI occur in intesive care units and wards of U.S. acute care facilities each year.
Source: CDC National and State Healthcare-Associated Infections Progress Report, published October 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/hai/datalportal/progress-report.html