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Examination of staphylococcal stethoscope contamination in the emergency department (pilot) study (EXSSCITED pilot study)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2015

Patrick H.P. Tang
Affiliation:
Divisions of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Andrew Worster*
Affiliation:
Divisions of Emergency Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Jocelyn A. Srigley
Affiliation:
Division of Clinical Pathology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
Cheryl L. Main
Affiliation:
Division of Clinical Pathology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON
*
Hamilton General Hospital, 237 Barton Street East, McMaster Clinic, Room 250A, Hamilton, ON L8L 2X2; worster@mcmaster.ca

Abstract

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Introduction:

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus-contaminated stethoscopes belonging to emergency department (ED) staff and to identify the proportion of these that were Staphylococcus aureus or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of bacterial cultures from 100 ED staff members' stethoscopes at three EDs. Study participants were asked to complete a questionnaire.

Results:

Fifty-four specimens grew coagulase-negative staphylococci and one grew methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. No MRSA was cultured. Only 8% of participants, all of whom were nurses, reported cleaning their stethoscope before or after each patient assessment. Alcohol-based wipes were most commonly used to clean stethoscopes. A lack of time, being too busy, and forgetfulness were the most frequently reported reasons for not cleaning the stethoscope in the ED.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that although stethoscope contamination rates in these EDs are high, the prevalence of S. aureus or MRSA on stethoscopes is low.

Type
Original Research • Recherche originale
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2011

References

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