Different faces of the stethoscope: history, usefulness, evolution, contamination, and disinfection practices
A stethoscope is a tool mainly used by physicians of various specialties in their daily work. Over the centuries, newer designs of this diagnostic tool have been improved and developed. A stethoscope in medical practice, which comes into contact with many patients, poses a high risk of infection tra...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Termedia Publishing House
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Studia Medyczne |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.termedia.pl/Different-faces-of-the-stethoscope-history-usefulness-evolution-contamination-and-disinfection-practices,67,54992,1,1.html |
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| Summary: | A stethoscope is a tool mainly used by physicians of various specialties in their daily work. Over the centuries, newer designs of this diagnostic tool have been improved and developed. A stethoscope in medical practice, which comes into contact with many patients, poses a high risk of infection transmission and thus may increase the incidence of infection in healthcare facilities. Research data indicate that a stethoscope can be contaminated by 21–100% with clinically relevant bacterial pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains. A stethoscope is considered non-critical equipment, and the recommendations for cleaning the stethoscope are after each patient, once a day, or once a week. However, there are still no clear-cut algorithms for its handling. The use of disinfectants requires the selection of a suitable agent that, with frequent disinfection of stethoscopes, will not damage sensitive parts and at the same time effectively remove pathogens. |
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| ISSN: | 1899-1874 2300-6722 |