In order to assess the knowledge and cleaning practices regarding the disinfection of stethoscopes, the healthcare personnel were administered a questionnaire at the same visit while collecting samples from their stethoscopes. 0D and S0B, respectively) were collected using sterile swabs moistened with sterile saline from one half of the stethoscope to document the baseline microbial load on the diaphragm. The stethoscope was then cleaned by alcohol-based disinfectant (Sterillium), commonly used as hand disinfectant in the hospitals. After cleaning and allowing the stethoscope to dry for 30 s, two samples were further collected using sterile swabs (labelled S1D and S1B) from the other half of the stethoscope’s diaphragm and bell. This division of the stethoscope into two parts was done to obviate the effect of physical removal of microbes by the first swab, thereby affecting the assessment of reduction in microbial load after cleaning, if any. In order to eliminate confusion and maintain uniformity, one of the researchers collected the samples from the stethoscopes whereas another researcher cleaned the stethoscope and administered the questionnaire.
This finding is statistically significant with P < 0
Both swabs was branded into date and time of collection along with the clinical part of work of one’s new member.Read More