LEVEL OF STETHOSCOPE CONTAMINATION IN A H OSPITAL ENVIRONMENT

The aim of this study was to determine the extent of the contamination of stethoscopes and their possible role in transmission of microorgan isms. The stethoscopes of the medical doctors of the hospital of La Ch aux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, were cultured and the date of the last clea ning recorded. 38 of the 62 stethoscopes surveyed were contaminated wi th microorganisms (61%). The majority of isolated organisms were gram- positive bacteria, primarily Staphylococcus species (89%). The cleanin g of the stethoscopes was frequent for 32% of the doctors, rare for 46 % and non-existent for 22%. After more than one day without cleaning o f the stethoscope, the level of contamination rose from 0% to 69%. Ste thoscope use may be an important factor in the spread of infectious ag ents, so that regular disinfection should be carried out (once a day a t the very least).