The dermatoscope: a potential source of nosocomial infection?

Dermatoscopes are directly placed on the skin of patients and therefore may harbour potentially pathogenic bacteria. In this study we assessed bacteri al contamination of dermatoscopes during routine use and examined the effec tiveness of isopropyl alcohol and disposable lens covers. Aerobic bacterial cultures were performed on randomly selected dermatoscopes after examinati on of 39 patients. In addition, bacterial contamination of dermatoscopes af ter cleaning with 70% isopropyl alcohol and after using a disposable transp arent lens cover was tested. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, M icrococcus species and Corynebacterium species, which are usually present o n the skin, were repeatedly identified, In addition, rare bacteria such as Moraxella species were found. Known nosocomial micro-organisms such as Stap hylococcus aureus were recovered from hospitalized patients. Disinfection w ith 70% isopropyl alcohol and the use of a disposable lens cover significan tly reduced the number of bacteria. Image quality was identical with and wi thout the use of a transparent lens cover. Dermatoscopes harbour potential pathogens and may be a source of bacterial transmission. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective cleaning agent for dermatoscopes. Disposable lens covers co mpletely prevented bacterial transmission and are therefore recommended for routine dermatoscopy, especially in hospitalized patients. (C) 2001 Lippin cott Williams & Wilkins.