CDC Sets A
New Standard of Care
For Stethoscope Hygiene
The CDC draft 2024 Guideline to Prevent Transmission of Pathogens in Healthcare Settings has been approved, and sets a new standard of care.
Previous Guidance Both Vague and Weak
Categorizing stethoscopes as a “noncritical device”, the CDC recommended disinfection:
“…when visibly soiled and on a regular basis (such as after use on each patient or once daily or once weekly).” ¹
For a vector demonstrated in literature to harbor similar levels of contamination as unwashed hands, this guidance was insufficient.
Experts Called On The CDC To Update Stethoscope Hygiene Guidelines 2
Mounting evidence pointing to the gaps in existing stethoscope hygiene methods and recommendation were reviewed and considered.
A SIGNIFICANT ELEVATION OF GUIDANCE
______________________________________
The CDC has finally considered the data, and has set a new standard of care for stethoscope hygiene in their 2024 guidelines. 3
Stethoscopes Are Now Touch-Free For Patients
The DiskCover System immediately applies a touch-free, aseptic disk cover to the stethoscope diaphragm prior to every patient auscultation, eliminating the “transmission via touch” aspect of stethoscopes for patients.
Stethoscope Hygiene
Policy & Procedure (P&Ps)
Written by professionals in Critical Care, Healthcare Quality, & Infection Control
The first evidence-based stethoscope hygiene policy & procedures are now available to help healthcare facilities prepare for new guidelines.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008. CDC.gov, www.cdc.gov/infection-control/media/pdfs/guideline-disinfection-h.pdf. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.
2. Kalra S, Amin A, Albert N, et al. Stethoscope hygiene: A call to action. Recommendations to update the CDC guidelines. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2021;42(6):740-742. doi:10.1017/ice.2021.115
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024 Guideline to Prevent Transmission of Pathogens in Healthcare Settings. Cdc.gov, www.cdc.gov/hicpac/media/pdfs/DRAFT-2024-Guideline-to-Prevent-Transmission-of-Pathogens-2023-10-23-508.pdf. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.