“Of the 50 stethoscopes, 16 had MRSA colonization and the same number couldn’t remember the last time their stethoscopes were cleaned,” said Merlin, who also is medical director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Stethoscopes are known potential transmitters for MRSA. Still, Merlin was surprised by this study’s results. “I thought maybe one percent of stethoscopes would be infected,” he said.
Researchers suspect the length of time between stethoscope cleanings may increase the possibility of transmission. According to the study, the median reported length of time between cleanings was one to seven days. “The longer period of time between cleanings, the more likely it is you have this bacteria,” Merlin said.
Additional study details are available in “Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus on the Stethoscopes of Emergency Medical Services Providers,” an article appearing in the current issue of Prehospital Emergency Care.
The research team is following up this study with two others. In one study, stethoscopes with MRSA are inoculated and researchers will try to determine the best cleaning method -- soap and water vs. isopropyl alcohol. The second study examines how long MRSA can survive on the surface of the stethoscope.