NHS hospitals have been issued a warning after some patients became seriously ill from contaminated ultrasound gel.
They have urged staff to ensure that ultrasound gel is stored and used properly.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) established a strong link between outbreaks of the bug Burkholderia cepacia and the use of non-sterile ultrasound gel in hospitals in the UK and Ireland.
The findings were sent in a new Patient Safety Alert to hospitals across the country.
UKHSA has noted a shocking 144 cases of the bug since 2010 linked to ultrasound gel contamination.
Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) is a group of bacteria found in soil and water which can causes serious respiratory infections in patients who are susceptible to illness.
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Common symptoms include with fever, cough, congestion, shortness of breath and wheezing.
There are around 20 different species of B. cepacia, and many of them are resistant to antibiotics, which makes treating any infections more difficult.
UKHSA has said that cases have "spanned a wide age range and were predominantly hospitalised patients in England, including individuals cared for in critical care settings".
It added: "The nature of samples and available information indicated that there were a range of clinical presentations, including some cases with serious illness.
"Although we are not aware of deaths attributed to B. cepacia infection in this outbreak, it is possible that it may have been a contributory factor for some patients."
B. cepacia was detected in samples of a single brand of ultrasound gel from NHS trusts across the UK.
The brand has now been removed from central NHS stocks and UKHSA has urged hospitals to ensure only sterile ultrasound gel in single-use containers is used in some procedures.
Sterile gel must be used in invasive procedures, ultrasound within 24 hours of an invasive procedure, and during childbirth where a Caesarean may be needed or the baby needs an instrumental delivery.
Individuals who are severely immunocompromised and all procedures in high-dependency and intensive care settings, including neonatal intensive care units, must also use the sterile gel.
In instances when non-sterile gel is used, it must be from pre-filled disposable bottles or single-use sachets.
UKHSA also says that hospitals must no longer store ultrasound gel in large containers used for decanting, and any remaining containers must be disposed of.
Dr James Elston, consultant in public health at UKHSA, said: "A UKHSA investigation has previously linked contaminated ultrasound gel to cases of Burkholderia cepacia in hospital patients.
"In order to prevent further cases of this infection, we are reminding healthcare professionals to follow guidelines on the safe use of ultrasound gel."
