Rarely. Observational studies report that stethoscopes are disinfected in only about 5–18% of patient encounters(5), meaning most are used on multiple patients without cleaning. Because disinfection is often left to individual discretion rather than enforced protocols, preventable gaps in infection control persist. This underscores the need for solutions that make stethoscope cleaning quick and reliable, with minimal disruption to a caregiver's workflow.

Yes. Research shows that stethoscopes are frequently contaminated and can spread infection. Studies have found that approximately 86% carry pathogens, yet fewer than 4% are cleaned according to CDC guidelines(1). Organisms such as MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus, norovirus, and C. difficile have been cultured from stethoscope diaphragms(2) with contamination levels often comparable to unwashed hands(3). These findings highlight the importance of consistent stethoscope hygiene in preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Yes. Unclean stethoscopes (specifically the diaphragm of the stethoscope that touches the patient) can contribute to the transmission of healthcare-associated infections by transferring bacteria and viruses between patients, providers, and clinical surfaces. Contamination has included multidrug-resistant organisms and other clinically significant pathogens such as Acinetobacter (4). Without routine disinfection, stethoscopes remain an overlooked but preventable factor in infection transmission.

Healthcare workers report several barriers to consistent stethoscope cleaning(6). Nurses have described limited knowledge about which disinfectants to use, minimal training, and a lack of awareness of existing guidelines as obstacles(7). In large physician surveys, the most common barriers to stethoscope disinfection included forgetfulness, lack of time, concern about damaging the device, and confusion about cleaning responsibility for communal stethoscopes kept in hospital hallways or shared workspaces. Studies also highlight missing visual reminders and poor access to disinfecting materials as everyday challenges(8). These findings show that both knowledge gaps and workflow constraints make regular stethoscope hygiene difficult in practice(9). However, point-of-care stethoscope-disinfection stations (like the Skope Station) have been associated with higher stethoscope - and hand-hygiene - compliance in real-world settings(10). We believe this is because the Skope Station just takes seconds to use, and it serves as a visual reminder to engage in infection control behaviors – both stethoscope cleaning and hand hygiene.

Stethoscopes should be disinfected before and after every patient encounter using a method that is both effective and practical in the clinical setting.  Chemical disinfection is the most studied and widely recommended method, with even a single application of solution shown to significantly reduce microbial contamination. UV-C light has been used, but it has not been widely adopted due to cost and workflow limitations. Methods that combine proven efficacy (such as the EPA-approved hypochlorous acid-based solutions) with point of care placement, support compliance by making disinfection convenient and consistent.

Hypochlorous acid kills microorganisms using different mechanisms, resulting in an incredibly wide range of pathogens that it’s effective against. It is an EPA registered hospital disinfectant that rapidly inactivates bacteria, spores, and viruses while being non-irritating, non-corrosive, and safe for frequent use. These properties make it particularly well suited for high-touch medical equipment such as stethoscopes. With its fast action, ease of integration into workflow, and strong safety profile, hypochlorous acid stands out as a practical solution for routine clinical disinfection.