10 Real-World Examples of How Stethoscopes Spread HAIs in the ICU—And How Stethoscover Helps Prevent Them

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When we think about infection control in the ICU, we often focus on hand hygiene, central line protocols, and environmental cleaning. But one critical tool is often overlooked: the stethoscope.

Despite being used dozens—if not hundreds—of times per day, stethoscopes rarely receive the same disinfection attention as other clinical equipment. This oversight can have serious consequences for patients—particularly in high-risk environments like the ICU.

Stethoscopes: An Underestimated Source of Pathogen Transmission

Stethoscopes make direct contact with patients’ skin, wounds, catheters, and airways. When not properly disinfected or protected between uses, they can act as vehicles for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Multiple studies have shown that the stethoscope diaphragm can harbor bacterial loads comparable to the clinician’s hands—yet disinfection compliance remains alarmingly low.

Examples of How Stethoscopes Spread HAIs in the ICU

Here are 10 clinical scenarios that demonstrate how quickly and easily contamination can occur:

  • MRSA on the Skin
     A stethoscope is used to examine a patient with a known MRSA infection. It’s then used—without cleaning—on a post-operative patient. Days later, the second patient develops a surgical site infection.
  • Clostridioides difficile Spores from a Bedside Table
     A clinician places their stethoscope on a C. diff–positive patient’s tray table. The next patient—who is immunocompromised—receives an abdominal exam. They later test positive for C. diff.
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Tracheostomy Patient
     A stethoscope is used on a trach patient colonized with P. aeruginosa. Minutes later, it’s used on a ventilated patient in the same unit. That patient later develops ventilator-associated pneumonia.
  • VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus) on Scrubs
     A clinician rests the stethoscope against their scrub top after examining a VRE-positive patient. Hours later, it’s used on a neutropenic oncology patient, resulting in VRE bacteremia.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae from a Groin Exam
     A stethoscope is used during a femoral line exam in a patient with a groin catheter infected with Klebsiella. It is then used on a new admit with recent femoral access. That patient develops a line-associated infection.
  • Acinetobacter baumannii Post-COVID ICU Rounds
     After being used on a COVID-ICU patient colonized with Acinetobacter baumannii, the same stethoscope is used on a post-surgical patient. The latter develops a deep surgical site infection.
  • ESBL-producing E. coli from a Foley Catheter Site
     A clinician places their stethoscope near the catheter site of a patient with an ESBL-producing E. coli UTI. It's later used on a peritoneal dialysis patient—who develops peritonitis.
  • Candida auris Transmission During Night Shift
     A night shift nurse uses the same stethoscope on multiple ICU patients, including one colonized with Candida auris. Days later, an ECMO patient develops fungemia.
  • Influenza Virus via Neck Placement of Stethoscope
     During flu season, a clinician wears their stethoscope around their neck while seeing patients. Airborne droplets from a coughing patient contaminate the device. It’s used moments later on a COPD patient, who deteriorates from flu-related complications.
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Suspected TB Case
     A stethoscope is used on a patient being evaluated for tuberculosis. Later that day, it's used in the transplant unit on a severely immunosuppressed patient—posing a major airborne infection risk.

The Compliance Challenge

Even the most diligent providers can forget to disinfect a stethoscope in a fast-paced ICU. Alcohol wipes are inconsistently used, UV cleaning stations are impractical mid-rounds, and shared stethoscopes add another layer of risk.

This isn’t just a procedural gap—it’s a patient safety issue.

Stethoscover: A Simple, Effective Barrier Against HAIs

Stethoscover offers a practical, single-use barrier that fits over the stethoscope diaphragm. It creates a sterile interface between the stethoscope and the patient—without slowing clinicians down or disrupting workflow.

Benefits of Stethoscover:

  • Quick application before each patient interaction
  • Physical barrier that blocks pathogens like MRSA, VRE, Pseudomonas, Candida auris, and more
  • No need for chemical disinfection after every use
  • Supports compliance through simple, intuitive design

In a high-stakes environment like the ICU, Stethoscover adds a vital layer of protection for both patients and providers.

Rethinking Routine Practice

Stethoscopes are foundational tools in patient care—but they must be treated with the same infection control standards as hands, catheters, and surgical instruments.

Stethoscover makes it easy to close the gap—without adding burden to the provider’s workflow.

Want to protect your patients with every stethoscope exam?
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