A new study in the journal Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology underscores the importance of adhering to rigorous infection control procedures beyond handwashing. The study was conducted in a human hospital intensive care unit. Itcompared single-use stethoscopes to traditional reusable stethoscopes carried by medical personnel.
All stethoscopes were significantly contaminated with a large number and extensive variety of bacteria. . .
Source:HealthDay, December 12, 2018. Link.
The researchers also assessed cleaning of stethoscopes with hydrogen peroxide wipes, alcohol swaps and bleach wipes. Each method reduced the amount of bacteria but did not consistently lower contaminationto the level of clean, new stethoscopes.
INSIGHTS: Attention sales representatives!This is important information to share with your veterinary clinic and shelter customers. Note the references to Staphylococcus bacteria, S. aureus, pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Whether or not stethoscopes that were cleaned transferred disease is not known, but stethoscope disinfection needs to be an important consideration for animal health pros.