Study: Stethoscopes may spread bacteria

A study published in the February 27 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that the diaphragm of a stethoscope, which is typically places against a patient’s body, can become contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. Researchers discovered that a diaphragm will pick up more bacteria during a patient exam than any part of the physician’s hand except the fingertips, according to HealthDay.

 

The stethoscope’s tube can also pick up bacteria, with the contamination level of both diaphragm and tube increasing depending on the amount of the bacteria on the physician’s fingers, according to the study. Researchers recommend that stethoscopes be cleaned properly after each use.

 

Read the article here.