Authors
Abstract
Background and purpose: Nosocomial infections are one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity, and increases the cost and duration of hospitalization. Equipment and supplies, particularly stethoscopes, play an important role in the transmission of nosocomial infections. Therefore, care must be taken in cleaning and sterilizing them. This study was mainly intended to determine the effectiveness of two solutions (isopropyl alcohol 70% and micro-10, 5%) on the bacterial infection of stethoscopes used in Malayer Hospitals in Malayer, Iran.
Methods and Materials: This interventional two-group study was conducted in Malayer Hospitals and all stethoscopes used were taken into consideration as the population was limited. Sampling was done in two stages. First, microbial samples were taken from the diaphragms. Then, every other stethoscope was assigned into separate groups: one to be sterilized with isopropyl alcohol 70% and the other with micro-10 5%. In the second stage of sampling, samples were taken from diaphragms 10 and 15 minutes after sterilization.
Results: The most common microorganism, in both groups, was found to be the negative coagulase staphylococcus. Also, it was revealed that mean colony forming unit, in the alcohol group before sterilization, was 79.3; while in the second group, it was 76.6. After disinfection, the figures amounted to 6.8 and 1.6 respectively. Statistical measures indicated that both solutions were effective in reducing the colony forming units but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: The effect of both solutions in the disinfection of the stethoscopes has been equal.
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