Personal stethoscope disinfection practices and bacterial contamination: A cross-sectional study at the University Hospital Emergency Department in Belgrade, Serbia - 25/01/24
Résumé |
Background |
A significant reduction in bacterial growth on stethoscope membranes has been noticed after performing daily disinfection. Nevertheless, disinfection is rarely performed. We aimed to assess self-reported stethoscope disinfection practices among medical doctors, detect bacterial contamination on personal stethoscopes, and estimate the effectiveness of 70% ethanol as a stethoscope disinfecting agent.
Methods |
To determine stethoscope disinfection practices, participants filled out a questionnaire (N = 47), followed by providing stethoscopes for bacterial analysis. Differences in bacterial contamination were observed through the self-reported frequency and method of stethoscope disinfection. The effect of disinfecting with 70% ethanol was evaluated by comparing the presence of bacterial growth before and after disinfection.
Results |
The presence of bacterial growth was found in 78.7% of the stethoscope samples, with the median (interquartile range) number of colony-forming units at 25 (10-105). The frequency of disinfection greatly impacted the number of colony-forming units, and the method affected the presence of bacterial growth. Disinfection of stethoscope membranes using 70% ethanol resulted in a compelling 97.3% reduction of bacterial growth.
Conclusions |
Adequate stethoscope disinfection is highly efficient in reducing bacterial contamination and as such should be considered a critical step in hygienic practices.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Graphical abstract |
Highlights |
• | Higher frequency of stethoscope disinfection revealed a decrease in bacterial load. |
• | Wiping the stethoscope with an alcohol-saturated pad is the most efficient method. |
• | Stethoscope disinfection using 70% ethanol reduced bacterial growth by 97.3%. |
Key Words : Stethoscope hygiene, Bacterial growth, Health care–associated infections
Plan
| Conflicts of interest: None to report. |
Vol 52 - N° 2
P. 176-182 - février 2024 Retour au numéro
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