Infection Control

Only perform POCUS if there is potential to significantly change patient management
Do not perform purely “educational” scans
Scanning should be delegated to the most experienced operator to minimize exposure time to the patient environment
Do not use POCUS during aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMP)
Strict infection control measures must be followed before and after every patient encounter, regardless of COVID-19 status

Remove all extra equipment prior to entering the patient room (e.g. towels, gel)
Configure appropriate transducer settings, patient details, and login information prior to entering the patient room
Try to use sterile probe sheaths if patient is on airborne/droplet/contact precautions
Use only single-use sterile gel packs
Minimize scanning time
After completing the study, remain donned in PPE without exiting the patient room, sanitize gloved hands, and sanitize the machine with viru/bactericidal wipes:
- Tranducers, cables, and transducer holders
- Keyboard/trackpad, tranducer selection buttons, and cart handles
- Screen and lid
- Power extension cord (if used, which ideally should not be)
- All other surfaces that were in contact with the patient environment, except the wheels
Outside the patient room, don new gloves and repeat the machine sanitization process