7

Science

Ultra Violet Light Stethoscope Sterilizer

A quick way to reduce contagions that are commonly carried on stethoscopes.

by Joe Magee on December 17th, 2014, 7:13 pm PST. This Ivia has been viewed 6,976 times. Last improved on December 17th, 2014, 7:20 pm PST.

Stethoscopes used by most medical professionals are known carry problem organisms such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus) and spores of C. Difficille which are causes of costly and deadly hospital-acquired infections. Adequately cleaning stethoscopes is nearly impossible and is rarely done in clinical settings. UV light kills MRSA, Clostridium Difficile and other organisms known to cause these infections.

A counter-top device, the size of a small microwave, could be fitted with pulsed UV lights, delivering a short dose of UV light in multiple directions that would effectively reduce the infection risk of an dirty stethoscope. Hand washing will still be needed, thus these could be conveniently located near hand washing stations.

Call it the "StethoCleaner" or "SteriScope".

Vote for 7 this Ivia

Contribute to this Ivia!

|

Zachary Adam Zell 9 years ago

Awesome ivia! I am wondering if we could replace all the outer metal pieces of stethoscopes (and any metal in contact with patients on a daily basis) with a copper-alloy. Apparently copper-alloy surfaces kill bacteria. 


Source - Wikipedia

Antimicrobial properties

Copper alloy surfaces have intrinsic properties to destroy a wide range of microorganisms.

Edited 9 years ago

|

Reed W. Solomon 9 years ago

That is super cool. does it not exist yet? because it's a huge idea