Stethoscope Tips

It is encouraged that physicians to use their stethoscope when she checks a patient. That way, she can avoid contaminating her own stethoscope and perhaps exposing her next patient to infection.

Finally, for some patients, such as those with an antibiotic-resistant infection, you may want to leave a stethoscope in the patient's room for use on that patient only. Check with your infection control coordinator for guidelines.

Disinfecting Your Stethoscopes

Don't risk the potential for transmitting infection with your patients.  Try these simple cleansing techniques. If possible, use a hospitalissued stethoscope that's kept in a single designated area. This eliminates stethoscopes' being used throughout the facility and traveling outside the facility.

Disinfect stethoscopes regularly. You'll probably want to use isopropyl alcohol, which is not only readily available, but also less corrosive to metal and rubber than other germicides. Alternatively, you can use 70% ethyl alcohol, another effective germicide.