Cleaning Stethoscopes: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Stethoscopes have been essential for healthcare and veterinary providers for many years. They are considered the "extra hand," enabling professionals to listen to internal body sounds such as heartbeats and breathing. Despite technological advances and alternative diagnostics, the stethoscope remains a crucial medical equipment.

Stethoscopes are used routinely by almost all healthcare providers across various patients (pet, human, otherwise) and hospital locations.??

However, despite their frequent use, stethoscopes are often given a different level of protection than other medical equipment.

Unlike surgical instruments, which undergo thorough sterilization after each use, stethoscopes are commonly used on patients without proper disinfection. This puts both patients and healthcare providers at risk of cross-contamination and infection.

The material used to make stethoscopes is often porous and can harbor bacteria and viruses. This makes it crucial for healthcare providers to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their patients when using a stethoscope.

One way to ensure proper protection is by using disposable covers or sleeves on the stethoscope's diaphragm. These covers act as a barrier between the patient's skin and the stethoscope, reducing the risk of transmission of infectious agents.

Additionally, make it a routine practice to clean and disinfect stethoscopes after each use.

General cleaning tips by 3M Littmen?

• If your stethoscope needs to be disinfected, wipe with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution.
• Do not use hand sanitizer as a cleaning agent as there are additives that may damage parts of the stethoscope.
• Do not immerse your stethoscope in any liquid, or subject it to any sterilization process.
• Keep your stethoscope away from extreme heat, cold, solvents and oils.
• Tunable diaphragms can be removed from the chestpiece and their surfaces wiped with alcohol or soapy water. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembly.
• Eartips can be removed from the eartubes for thorough cleaning. For safety, snap eartips firmly back onto the ribbed ends of the eartubes.

References:

https://punchout.medline.com/product/Disposable-Stethocap-Stethoscope-Covers/Accessories/Z05-PF108660?question=&index=P1&indexCount=1#

https://www.littmann.com/3M/en_US/littmann-stethoscopes/my-stethoscope/using-your-stethoscope/care/

MEDPAGE TODAY?

https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/second-opinions/106706?xid=nl_secondopinion_2023-10-10&eun=g2202741d0r

Abhay Dhand, MD,?is an infectious diseases physician at New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York.

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