Methods of Disinfecting Stethoscopes: Systematic Review.

Margherita Napolitani,Gabriele Messina,Daiana Bezzini,Fulvio Moirano,Corrado Bedogni

doi:10.3390/ijerph17061856

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of various disinfection methods available for stethoscopes. In March 2019, we performed a search in PubMed and Scopus using the search terms: “reducing stethoscopes contamination” and “disinfection stethoscopes”; the Mesh terms used in PubMed were “Decontamination/methods” or “Disinfection/methods” and “Stethoscopes/microbiology”. Selection criteria were: English language; at least one disinfection method tested. A total of 253 publications were screened. After title, abstract, and full-text analysis, 17 papers were included in the systematic review. Ethanol at 90%, Ethanol-Based Hands Sanitizer (EBHS), triclosan, chlorhexidine, isopropyl alcohol, 66% ethyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, and benzalkonium chloride have been proven to lower the presence of bacteria on stethoscopes’ surfaces. In addition, alcohol wipes show effective results. A wearable device emitting ultraviolet C by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) resulted efficacious against common microorganisms involved in Healthcare Associated Infections. The cover impregnated with silver ions seemed to be associated with significantly higher colony counts. Instead, copper stethoscopes surface reduced bacterial load. The disinfection of stethoscopes appears to be essential. There are many valid methods available; the choice depends on various factors, such as the cost, availability, and practicality.

Highlights

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a significant public health problem worldwide [1,2], with significant negative consequences, including impairment of patients’ health, mortality, and longer hospitalization, with the need for longer treatment and the associated higher costs [3,4]
The hands of healthcare professionals are the main vehicle for the transmission of microbes [3,8], but it is known that contaminated medical devices can transmit microorganisms to patients [1,2,5]
Datta et al [27] proved that Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is significantly effective in disinfection

Summary

Introduction

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a significant public health problem worldwide [1,2], with significant negative consequences, including impairment of patients’ health, mortality, and longer hospitalization, with the need for longer treatment and the associated higher costs [3,4]. The hands of healthcare professionals are the main vehicle for the transmission of microbes [3,8], but it is known that contaminated medical devices (stethoscopes, otoscopes, and thermometers) can transmit microorganisms to patients [1,2,5]. Stethoscopes, which are considered the symbol of medicine, are widely used medical devices but, if they are not disinfected, they can cause cross-contamination [9,10]. These instruments are in direct contact with

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion