Methods of Disinfecting Stethoscopes: Systematic Review

Margherita Napolitani, Daiana Bezzini, Fulvio Moirano, Corrado Bedogni and Gabriele Messina
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Margherita Napolitani: Post Graduate School of Public Health, University of Siena, 53100 Siena; Italy
Daiana Bezzini: Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Fulvio Moirano: General management, LHA Sardinia, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Corrado Bedogni: Medical and General Management, S. Croce e Carle Hospital, 12100 Cuneo, Italy
Gabriele Messina: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-14

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.

Keywords: stethoscope; healthcare-associated infections; copper; chlorhexidine; UV-LED; triclosan; isopropyl alcohol; benzalkonium; 90% ethanol; sodium hypochlorite (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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