PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA — A new study has found that doctors' stethoscopes maybe filled with infectious bacteria.<br /><br />The researchers tested 20 traditional reusable stethoscopes and 20 single-use disposable stethoscopes used in intensive care units. These were compared with 10 unused stethoscopes.<br /><br />High levels of Staphylococcus aureus and other bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were found to be present in the tested ICU stethoscopes.<br /><br />The study found that hydrogen peroxide wipes, alcohol swabs and bleach wipes reduced bacteria present but did not eliminate all of it completely.<br /><br />Dr. Ronald Collman, lead author of the study, said stethoscopes should regularly be cleaned using an EPA approved disinfectant. He added that future studies should focus on improving present cleaning methods.<br /><br />The research was published in the journal Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
