The correct way to wear a medical stethoscope

Posted by aijj on March 19th, 2020

Medical stethoscopes are "standard" for doctors, either tucked into white workwear pockets or hung around the neck. But you may not know that what looks like a small stethoscope is a lot to carry.

Extensive literature has demonstrated that medical stethoscope membranes can pass pathogenic bacteria from one patient to another through medical staff. Some researchers have isolated the same Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the patient's skin and the membrane of the stethoscope they used. It is homologous K. pneumoniae, and the same strain was found in the sample of the stethoscope membrane.

Introduction of Medical Stethoscope

Since the stethoscope has been used clinically, its appearance and sound transmission methods have been continuously improved, but its basic structure has not changed much. The stethoscope is mainly composed of a pickup part (chest piece), a conductive part (hose) and a listening part (ear piece). Modern medicine began with the invention of the stethoscope.

How is it reasonable to wear a medical stethoscope?

Before answering this question, we need to know about the cleanliness zone of the white coat.

1.Upper pocket

These are relatively clean pockets. Do not touch them when you are not washing your hands. Generally put disposable gloves, hats, etc.

2.Left pocket

It is a semi-polluted pocket and contains various pens, notes and related medical documents. After touching the patient, it is best to wash your hands before taking things out of your pocket.

3.Right pocket

It belongs to the contaminated pocket and contains the body parts of the stethoscope, percussion hammer, flashlight and so on. Do not touch this pocket after washing your hands. (Because the right hand has more chance to contact the patient than the left hand, this is listed as a pollution pocket, but the left hand can be used the other way around)

How to wear a medical stethoscope

1. Cool wearing style: The stethoscope is hung horizontally behind the neck, which is more common in American dramas.

Comment: Place the stethoscope body in a relatively clean area. Not recommended. Concave shape is OK.

2. The most common way of wearing in China: The whole stethoscope is placed in the right pocket of a white coat.

Comments: The body and ear pieces of the stethoscope are entangled and placed in a contaminated pocket, which increases the probability of cross infection. Not recommended!

3. Hong Kong drama style wearing method: body parts are placed in the left pocket, ear pieces are hung on the neck.

Comment: Put the stethoscope body in a clean pocket. Not recommended.

How to wear a medical stethoscope?

The earpiece of the stethoscope should be placed on the neck clean area and should be hung on the neck. Because the body parts are in direct contact with the patient, it is first recommended to place the body parts in the right pocket.