Beyond the Transducer: A Risk-Based Approach to Ultrasound Infection Prevention & Survey Readiness

ULTRASOUND SOLUTIONS CORP. is excited to welcome back Tara Cielma, BS, RT(S), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, Medical Affairs Specialist with Nanosonics, for a comprehensive discussion of infection prevention in the ultrasound department.

Course Description:

Infection control relies on strict hygiene practices, appropriate probe reprocessing, and environmental decontamination to prevent cross-contamination. This session will help participants identify infection prevention risks unique to ultrasound, apply the Spaulding classification system to transducer-use scenarios, recognize common reprocessing failure points, evaluate workflow and documentation practices, and implement risk-based strategies to support safe patient care and year-round survey readiness. (Approved for 1 SDMS CME credit, provided one is present for the entire event)

Course Objectives:  Upon completion of this educational activity, the participant will be able to:

• Describe infection prevention risks unique to ultrasound and echocardiography, including transducer use, gel handling, sheath use, transportation, storage, and workflow considerations.
• Apply the Spaulding classification system and a risk-based approach to determine appropriate cleaning, disinfection, barrier use, and sterile-versus-clean practices based on transducer use and procedure type.
• Identify common ultrasound reprocessing and workflow failure points, including point-of-use cleaning, low-level disinfection wipe use, contact time, documentation, traceability, and storage practices.
• Explain what surveyors commonly assess during ultrasound infection prevention walkthroughs, including environmental conditions, documentation, staff competency, workflow validation, and observed practice.
• Develop strategies for year-round readiness, including policy alignment, routine auditing, tracer activities, staff education, competency assessment, and continuous process improvement.

About Our Speaker: 

Tara Cielma, BS, RT(S), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FSDMS, brings over 18 years of experience in diagnostic medical sonography, driven by a passion for clinical excellence, education, and innovation. Throughout her career, she has held diverse leadership roles, including Lead Sonographer, Clinical Educator, Interim Vascular Lab Supervisor, Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Liaison, and Medical Affairs Specialist, contributing significantly to the advancement of ultrasound practices and patient care.

Tara leads initiatives focused on improving pediatric sonography education and strengthening infection prevention standards across multiple medical specialties. She is known for blending deep technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to patient care.

She holds multiple credentials through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) in Abdomen, OB/GYN, Neurosonography, Vascular Technology, and Fetal Echocardiography, as well as a Sonography registry through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Her leadership and contributions to the profession have been recognized with the distinguished title of Fellow of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (FSDMS).

Tara is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of sonographers and POCUS providers through active engagement and volunteerism. She serves on several committees, including the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Events Management Committee, Continuing Medical Education (CME) Review Team, Micro-Volunteer Team, and the Inteleos POCUS Education Committee.

An accomplished writer and educator, Tara has authored numerous journal articles and textbook chapters, co-authored a pediatric registry review textbook, and regularly contributes as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS). She also shares her expertise through workshops, mentorship programs, and hands-on training sessions that support institutions in establishing or enhancing their pediatric imaging capabilities.

With a deep commitment to elevating professional standards, fostering education, and driving innovation, Tara continues to shape the future of sonography, bringing vision, energy, and expertise to every endeavor she undertakes.

This activity is an approved SDMS CME activity – approved for 1.0 SDMS CME credit.

Please note that partial credit will not be issued.

The CME participant roster will be reported by Ultrasound Solutions Corp. to the

SDMS CME Tracker System.

Important update from the SDMS:

SDMS no longer allows its CME providers to issue Partial Credit for attendance. If you join late or leave early, the SDMS will no longer permit us to award partial pro-rated credit.

Therefore, from now on, in order to receive CME credit, you must be in attendance for the ENTIRE event via your own unique Zoom link that Zoom emailed to you when you registered. Then, and only then, will USC be able to award you any credit. So, please be prompt and attentive to the time schedule. We apologize for any inconvenience, but again, this is a new SDMS policy we must abide by. Thank you for understanding.