It is known that both the hands of the healthcare worker and the stethoscope are similarly colonized with potential pathogens. Here is a recent article on the topic.Is there an ideal method for disinfecting stethoscopes in between patients? Here is a brief report suggesting that stethoscopes may be either wiped down with alcohol swabs or with hand sanitizer. When using hand sanitizer, the stethoscope is disinfected as part of the hand hygiene process, with the alcohol product rubbed onto the stethoscope by the hands of the healthcare worker.
Both are effective but which one is the most practical?
Compliance data are lacking.
