Doctors Aren’t Disinfecting Their Stethoscopes Enough
There are two things you need to have to be recognized as a doctor, even from 100 feet away: a white coat, and a stethoscope. The stethoscope is the most recognizable piece of medical equipment there is, and no matter what type of medical treatment you need, there’s a good shot one will be pressed up against you at some point.
Because of this, you’d think doctors would be more careful to disinfect their stethoscopes after they see each patient – but according to the July issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, “Stethoscope Hygiene is rarely done. We report a rate of zero” (emphasis ours).
That’s right: the one piece of medical equipment every patient is bound to touch isn’t being properly disinfected at all. For patients who are seriously ill, or who have immune disorders, or who are very young or elderly, this lack of proper protocol could increase their chances of developing a life-threatening illness.
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, we help people who have been hurt because of medical negligence in any form. If you developed a life-threatening infection because a doctor, nurse or other member of the staff failed to follow proper protocol, we may be able to help. Please call our South Carolina medical malpractice lawyers at 803-327-7800, or fill out our contact form.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
Read more about S. Randall Hood