How To Properly Clean Your Stethoscope

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The chemical I used to clean my stethoscope gave ma a rash. I hope no one notices.

Stethoscopes should be properly cleaned. How do you clean your stethoscope? Share your tips with the community.

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Specializes in Oncology (Prior: Ortho-Neuro, Metabolic Surgery).

I keep my stethoscope in a Bat Clip (check it out on Amazon, awesome product) on my waist so it is never around my neck. After each use I wipe the bell and tubing with an alcohol wipe. I generally do it pretty fast while I'm educating the patient on something or another (generally on how to use the incentive spirometer). At the end of the shift, I wipe down the whole thing, clip and all with Cavi wipes. I don't bleach because I've turned too many of my navy scrubs purple that way.

If I'm concerned enough to want the bleach, I'm not taking my own scope in the room, and I'm using a disposable.

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