A national cross-sectional survey (Aug–Sep 2025) of 143 U.S. emergency departments assessed changes in ultrasound gel and probe cover practices for ultrasound-guided peripheral IV (US-PIV) placement following the May 2025 CDC/DPH warning about *Paraburkholderia fungorum* contamination in non-sterile ultrasound gel.
Only 34 institutions (23.8%) made changes after the CDC alert; 31 of those switched to sterile gel. Of the 98 institutions (68.5%) that made no changes, 72 (73.5%) already used sterile gel. Overall, 105/134 (78.4%) institutions using single-use packets chose sterile gel, but 9 (6.3%) still used multi-use gel bottles, and inconsistent probe cover use was a recurring theme.
Survey respondents were recruited through emergency medicine ultrasound organizations, likely overrepresenting academic and ultrasound-engaged institutions. The study window was short (about 6 weeks), and self-reported data may not reflect actual bedside practice. International responses were included but not separately analyzed.
Nearly 1 in 5 institutions still used non-sterile gel for US-PIV after the CDC alert — clinicians should verify their ED uses sterile single-use gel packets and probe covers for all percutaneous ultrasound-guided procedures. Multi-use gel bottles should be eliminated from procedural settings given contamination risk.
Explore related topics
