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Examination of staphylococcal stethoscope contamination in the emergency department (pilot) study (EXSSCITED pilot

Patrick H P Tang1, Andrew Worster, Jocelyn A Srigley

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

CJEM
|July 5, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Stethoscopes used by emergency department staff show high contamination rates, but the risk of Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is low. Most staff do not regularly clean their stethoscopes due to time constraints.

Area of Science:

  • Infection Control
  • Microbiology
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Stethoscopes are frequently used medical devices in emergency departments (EDs).
  • Contamination of stethoscopes with bacteria poses a potential risk for healthcare-associated infections.
  • Previous studies highlight varying rates of stethoscope contamination in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus contamination on stethoscopes used by ED staff.
  • To identify the proportion of contaminated stethoscopes harboring Staphylococcus aureus or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • To assess stethoscope cleaning practices among ED personnel.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational cohort study was conducted.
  • Bacterial cultures were obtained from 100 stethoscopes belonging to ED staff across three EDs.
  • A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather data on cleaning habits and reasons for non-compliance.

Main Results:

  • High rates of coagulase-negative staphylococci were found on stethoscopes.
  • One instance of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was detected; no MRSA was cultured.
  • Only 8% of participants, all nurses, reported regular stethoscope cleaning. Lack of time and forgetfulness were primary barriers.

Conclusions:

  • While stethoscope contamination is prevalent in EDs, the risk of S. aureus and MRSA carriage is low.
  • Current stethoscope cleaning practices among ED staff are inadequate.
  • Interventions to improve stethoscope hygiene are warranted to mitigate potential infection transmission.

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