Antimicrobial stethoscope covers

neneRN, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2002

I just saw one of these on a medic's scope the other day- it looked like a little condom! No clue where you would get one though.

In addition to alcohol wiping after each use, on some of the "less clean" pts that come into the ER I stick a latex glove over my scope- doesn't seem to muffle it too badly.

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Aug 30, 2002

I grabbed some covers at the ANA convention. I used it with my master cardiology scope. It didn't seem to muffle, in some instances I thought that I could actually hear better. The only disavantage is that they are meant to be short term use. Less than two weeks. But the idea behind it is great. I think I would hate to have someone culture my scope, EWWW.

Youda · Aug 30, 2002

I always use them. Love them! I can tell a definite increase in subtle sounds with it. Plus, I'm not picking up MRSA to pass around to everyone. Also, they look cool! :)

I get mine at http://www.allheart.com

midwestRN · Aug 30, 2002

Never seen one. But it sounds like a good idea. I've seen some doctors with some gunky-looking stethoscopes. Then some doctors want MINE to use. I hate that. I don't know where the doctors ears might have been. Yuck!

delirium · Aug 30, 2002

Not that this has anything to do with antimicrobial anything, but I looooove the dalmation scope cover on that site.

How cute!

I'm going to buy one for my scope when I graduate and get my dream job at Children's Hosp.

(the power of positive thinking, eh?)

sharann, BSN, RN · Aug 30, 2002

Take a disposable glove (non-latex if prefferred). Cut off one "finger at a time and viola, you have 5 clean disposable scope bell covers. (Strech the glove finger ove the bell...). Works for me , and is cheap.

pappy · Apr 27, 2008

I learned about them just recently while on my oncology rotation. A preceptor was wearing one and explained what it was after I asked. I figured it's a good idea so I just got done looking for information on them when I came accross a google link to here. Just prior to this I was at a web site: www.quickmedical.com/drg/diaphragms.html. They ofered a DRG (Doctors Research Group) brand of "SafeSeal" covers. Here's their advertisement: "The SafeSEAL Antimicrobial Soft Stethoscope Diaphragm by Doctors Research Group features the non-chilling attribute against the patient's skin. The DRG stethoscope diaphragms are acoustically sensitive to sound, latex-free, non-allergenic and resistant to ripping. The SafeSEAL Antimicrobial Soft Diaphragm kills 99.9% of MRSA for up to 2 weeks. The diaphragm is impregnated with AgION Antimicrobial compound, which is designed to prevent the growth and migration of bacteria, mold and fungus." It looks like I can buy a box of 25 for just over $35.00 including shipping. If you use them for 2 weeks each that's about a years' worth I figure. Like I said I just started looking but figured I'd offer what I found so far. Happy hunting.

Kyluh · Sep 21, 2008

I have used these since I have had a stethoscope. I think they are great and do not muffle the sound at all. I purchased mine from reddingmedical.com . They are made by SafeSeal. They are one of the best purchases I've made second to the gel earpieces for my stethoscope. Highly recommend them!

Kaiserstudent · Apr 10, 2009

I jusstttt started using these the other day with my Littman and I LOVE them. I got home after my shift using them, and I bought 2, 25 pack boxes (www.azream.us) Im one of those people who complain about never being able to hear well enough. I have an ultrascope as well...works very well, but not as good as these soft diaphragms

:twocents:

jadey1 · May 6, 2009

Here is an article regarding these antimicrobial stethoscope covers. Hope it helps. I also found a site that sells them.

Antimicrobial stethoscope covers impregnated with silver ions have been developed to prevent surface contamination and potential transmission of bacterial pathogens to patients. To test their practical utility, covers were distributed with the manufacturers' recommendations to a mixed group of health care professionals in a medical/surgical intensive care unit and an emergency department. Seventy-four clinicians were selected from a convenience sample for surface cultures and standard questioning regarding cleaning and cover use. Surface colony counts were significantly lower for uncovered stethoscope diaphragms (mean, 71.4 colonies) compared with covers used ≤1 week (mean, 246.5 colonies) and those >1 week old (mean, 335.6 colonies). After controlling for type of clinician, frequency of stethoscope cleaning, and method of stethoscope cleaning, only the presence of a stethoscope cover was associated with higher colony counts (P

http://www.quickmedical.com/drg/diaphragms.html

Hope this helps.

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · May 24, 2009

Here is an article regarding these antimicrobial stethoscope covers. Hope it helps. I also found a site that sells them.
Antimicrobial stethoscope covers impregnated with silver ions have been developed to prevent surface contamination and potential transmission of bacterial pathogens to patients. To test their practical utility, covers were distributed with the manufacturers' recommendations to a mixed group of health care professionals in a medical/surgical intensive care unit and an emergency department. Seventy-four clinicians were selected from a convenience sample for surface cultures and standard questioning regarding cleaning and cover use. Surface colony counts were significantly lower for uncovered stethoscope diaphragms (mean, 71.4 colonies) compared with covers used ≤1 week (mean, 246.5 colonies) and those >1 week old (mean, 335.6 colonies). After controlling for type of clinician, frequency of stethoscope cleaning, and method of stethoscope cleaning, only the presence of a stethoscope cover was associated with higher colony counts (P
http://www.quickmedical.com/drg/diaphragms.html
Hope this helps.

Now there you go again, using evidence based practice to challenge the perceived value of Neat-O-Keen Super-Kewl accessories!

Verrrrry interesting - I'll probably need to look up that study & pass it on to a few folks.

Thanks!