Disinfection

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home

Author/s: 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Cleaning with a household cleaner that contains soap or detergent reduces the amount of germs on surfaces and decreases risk of infection from surfaces. In most situations, cleaning alone removes most virus particles on surfaces. Disinfection to reduce transmission of COVID-19 at home is likely not needed unless someone in your home is sick or if someone who is positive for COVID-19 has been in your home within the last 24 hours.

Persistent Value of the Stethoscope in the Age of COVID-19

Author/s: 
Vasudevan, R.S., Horiuchi, Y., Torianni, F.J., Cotter, B., Maisel, S.M., Dadwal, S.S., Gaynes, R., Maisel, A.S.

Abstract

The stethoscope has long been at the center of patient care as well as a symbol of the physician-patient relationship. While advancements in other diagnostic modalities have allowed for more efficient and accurate diagnosis, the stethoscope has evolved in parallel to address the needs of the modern era of medicine. These advancements include sound visualization, ambient noise reduction/cancellation, Bluetooth™ transmission, and computer algorithm diagnostic support. However, despite these advancements, the ever-changing climate of infection prevention, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, has led many to question the stethoscope as a vector for infectious diseases. Stethoscopes have been reported to harbor bacteria with contamination levels comparable to a physician's hand. Although disinfection is recommended, stethoscope hygiene compliance remains low. In addition, disinfectants may not be completely effective in eliminating microorganisms. Despite these risks, the growing technological integration with the stethoscope continues to make it a highly valuable tool. Rather than casting our valuable tool and symbol of medicine aside, we must create and implement an effective method of stethoscope hygiene to keep patients safe.

•Stethoscopes are clinically valuable and integral to the doctor-patient connection

•Technological advancement will augment the utility of the stethoscope

•The stethoscope has high utility for assessment of COVID-19 patients

•Pathogen contamination in light of COVID-19 is a concern for the stethoscope

•Innovations in stethoscope hygiene will allow safe auscultation

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