Bacterial aerosolization from an ultrasonic cleaner.

An ultrasonic device used for cleaning surgical instruments was found to produce a significant microbial aerosol. No correlation was found between the concentration of aerosol generated and the bacterial contamination in the cleaning solution. Table top contamination around the cleaner was due essentially to splash and dripping, and not from the settling of the aerosol. Recommendations are made for cleaning and disinfection protocols.