CDC investigating reports of contaminated ultrasound gel

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is assisting in a multistate investigation on the use of contaminated non-sterile ultrasound gel for ultrasound-guided percutaneous procedures. Reports of Paraburkholderia fungorum detected in blood cultures from patients across multiple health care facilities prompted the investigation, and the CDC said it was aware of 40 confirmed cases of the bacteria in four states and two other countries as of May 8. Tests found at least two contaminated products under the MediChoice and ClearImage brands that are manufactured by NEXT Medical Products Company. The CDC provided a series of recommendations for health care providers to ensure patient safety and prevent potential outbreaks.