There are many different types of stethoscopes available to suit a wide range of requirements in the healthcare professions, and since they are such a valuable tool, we thought we'd provide some stethoscope care, cleaning and maintenance advice. With proper care, customers report their equipment lasting for decades. Yours can too—however, taking the time to clean or replace individual parts of the stethoscope is extremely important, as well as ensuring that you treat your equipment well over the long term.

Here then, we take a look at how to care for your stethoscope as well as a few stethoscope cleaning guidelines to ensure you get the most of our of your equipment.

Why Stethoscope Care Is Essential for Healthcare Professionals

Stethoscope care is highly important to medical professionals, ensuring that this vital tool remains in optimal condition for accurate auscultation. Proper maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of your stethoscope but also upholds the integrity of clinical assessments. Neglecting to care for it can lead to compromised performance and, potentially, jeopardise patient care. This guide outlines crucial steps, including sterilisation, reassembly, and disinfecting, to guarantee your stethoscope serves you reliably throughout your medical career.

Step-By-Step Guide — How to Clean Your Stethoscope Properly

Disassembling Your Stethoscope — Begin by carefully detaching the earpieces, diaphragm, and any other removable parts of your stethoscope. This ensures a thorough cleaning of all components.
Sterilisation Process — Prioritise sterilisation to eliminate any potential pathogens. Utilise approved methods, such as wiping down with isopropyl alcohol or using specialised sterilisation products like a dedicated stethoscope cleaning solution.
Disinfecting — After the sterilisation process, focus on disinfecting the stethoscope. This step further ensures the removal of any remaining bacteria or viruses that may pose a risk during patient examinations.
Reassembly — Once sterilised and disinfected, reassemble your stethoscope, paying close attention to secure all parts properly. Ensure the earpieces fit comfortably for accurate and comfortable use.
Air Dry — Allow your stethoscope to air dry thoroughly before use. This prevents any residual moisture from compromising the performance of the instrument.
Final Check — Before putting your stethoscope back into regular use, inspect all components to ensure they are free from any visible dirt, debris, or signs of wear.

It is recommended that you clean your stethoscope regularly for hygiene purposes and to ensure the longevity of the individual parts of the stethoscope. Regular cleaning is the best form of preventative care, ensuring optimal acoustic performance and that items such as chest pieces, ear tips, ear tubes and binaurals, and headsets don't degrade.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Products for Your Stethoscope

Selecting appropriate cleaning products is a critical aspect of stethoscope care. To ensure thorough cleaning, it's advisable to use hand sanitiser or isopropyl alcohol wipes. These agents effectively disinfect and remove contaminants without causing damage. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or additives that may degrade the integrity of the instrument. Remember, the choice of cleaning agents can influence the warranty of your stethoscope, so consult the manufacturer’s instructions ensure you maintain coverage.

Stethoscope Care

Caring for your stethoscope on a daily basis is also extremely important, and while medical students are sometimes a little lazy in this department, when it comes to forking out the cash for a new piece of equipment they soon regret not making the effort! Luckily, however, whether its a top of the line 3M Littmann Cardiology IV or an entry-level student model, caring and maintaining your stethoscope is simply and pretty much the same.

Stethoscope Tubing Care

Most stethoscope tubing is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). When exposed to skin oils or direct sunlight for extended periods of time, PVC has a tendency to harden, which makes it more brittle and prone to cracking. If you're wearing your stethoscope around your neck, keep it under the collar of a shirt so it doesn't spend extended amounts of time in contact with your skin or the sun. As a bonus, this also prevents the transfer of bacteria from the skin to the stethoscope and vice versa. Similarly, if you are someone who folds your stethoscope up tightly to squeeze into your already bulging pocket, this can damage the tubing and cause it to split. While this is more common with some of the cheaper stethoscope brands, even Littmann stethoscope tubing is not invincible and needs to be looked after with care.

Stethoscope Carrying Techniques

From our experience, the ideal way to transport your stethoscope really varies based on personal preference. At Medshop Australia, we offer several choices to cater to different needs. We've seen many who favor a hip-clip; it easily attaches to your scrub pants' waistband and keeps the stethoscope safe and accessible. Others opt for a pick-pocket or a pouch, which are great for carrying not just the stethoscope but also other essential items. Alternatively, you might find it convenient to keep your stethoscope in a roomy lab coat pocket.

Best Practices for Stethoscope Maintenance

Maintaining your stethoscope is crucial to ensure its longevity and accurate performance. Here are some best practices for stethoscope maintenance, including care for the stethoscope and its tubing.

Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting

Follow a routine cleaning schedule to prevent the build up of dirt, debris, and contaminants.
Disinfect all parts, including the earpieces, diaphragm, and tubing, after each use to maintain a sterile environment

Proper Handling and Storage

Handle your stethoscope with care to avoid dropping or subjecting it to unnecessary stress.
Store it in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Refrain from using bleach or strong chemical cleaners, as they can damage the stethoscope's components and tubing. Go for approved cleaning agents instead.

Use Hand Sanitiser or Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes

These products are effective in disinfecting without causing harm to the stethoscope's materials.

Stethoscope Tubing Care

Inspect the tubing regularly for any signs of cracks, discolouration, or stiffness.
Clean the tubing with a mild soap and water solution, avoiding excessive moisture.

Thorough Cleaning of Earpieces

Remove earpieces regularly and clean them to prevent the build-up of earwax and debris, which can hinder auscultation.

Sterilisation Process

Prioritise sterilisation, especially in high-risk environments, to eliminate potential pathogens.

Reassembly and Inspection

After cleaning, reassemble the stethoscope, ensuring all parts fit securely.
Inspect for any loose components or signs of wear before use.

Air Drying

Allow the stethoscope to air dry completely to prevent moisture-related issues that can affect performance.

Adhere to Manufacturer Guidelines

Follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different stethoscope models may have unique maintenance requirements.

Regular Check-Ups and Servicing

Periodically have your stethoscope professionally inspected to address any potential issues and ensure it meets performance standards.

Replace Damaged Parts Promptly

If you notice any wear, tear, or damage to the tubing, earpieces, or diaphragm, replace them promptly to maintain optimal performance.

Conclusion

Whether it's a fun pediatric stethoscope or a professional cardiology stethoscope, regular cleaning, care, and maintenance will help extend the life of your stethoscope. In addition, packing away your stethoscope in a box or carry-case, is an excellent way to extend its life. To help you do this, Medshop Australia stocks a great range of replacement parts for your Littmann or Spirit stethoscopes.

For more information on stethoscopes, including our top selling Littmann Classic III stethoscope, as well as other medical equipment and consumables, contact the Medshop team today.

Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).