Comparing Sheaths for Endovaginal Ultrasound Probes
Author Information
Author(s): Ronald Jimenez, Patrick Duff
Primary Institution: University of Florida College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Is there a difference in contamination rates between latex gloves and condoms used to sheath endovaginal ultrasound probes?
Conclusion
Using condoms as sheaths for endovaginal ultrasound probes results in a higher rate of visible contamination compared to gloves.
Supporting Evidence
- 4 of 128 used gloves (3.1%) had perforations.
- 7 of 102 used condoms (6.9%) had perforations.
- 1 instance of visible contamination occurred with gloves (0.78%).
- 8 instances of visible contamination occurred with condoms (7.8%).
- The prevalence of defects in unused gloves was 2%.
- There were no defects in unused condoms.
Takeaway
This study found that using condoms to cover ultrasound probes can lead to more mess and contamination than using gloves.
Methodology
The study compared latex gloves and condoms as sheaths for ultrasound probes by testing for perforations and contamination during procedures.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-random assignment of sheath types and the belated introduction of the comparative portion.
Limitations
The study design may introduce bias as the second half was not randomized and the comparison was introduced later.
Participant Demographics
Patients undergoing endovaginal ultrasound examinations at Shands Hospital, University of Florida.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.007
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. 1.6-4.6% for gloves; 95% C.I. 4.4-9.4% for condoms
Statistical Significance
p<0.007
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