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One size does not fit all: choose your ultrasound transducer cover wisely

rapm · 2026-04-01 · canonical JSON source

1 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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A recent life cycle assessment, which evaluates the environmental impact and identifies carbon hotspots of a process from raw material extraction to disposal, evaluated 17 000 ultrasound scans over a 1-year period. It demonstrated that more than one-third of the total carbon footprint of diagnostic ultrasound is from disposable supplies such as ultrasound transducer covers.1 Linens and disposable supplies together contributed 11 of the 17 total annual metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions at a large US academic hospital.1 There is limited data on ultrasound transducer covers alone; however, there is a continual growth of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block use. Given the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine infection control guidelines in regional anesthesia practice recommending transparent film dressings should not be used in lieu of dedicated, manufacturer-approved, commercially available ultrasound transducer probe sheaths,2 the ultrasound transducer covers can result in a significant plastic burden but represent a modifiable component of disposable waste.