Eastern J Med. 2020; 25(3): 330-339 | DOI: 10.5505/ejm.2020.06978

Automated UV- C LED stethoscope decontamination: a useful barrier in the time of COVID-19.

Rosalia Ragusa¹, Gabriele Giorgianni², Alessandro Lombardo³, Giuseppina Faro⁴, Lorenzo Lupo⁵, Marina Marranzano^2
1Health Technology Assessment Committee, University Hospital “G. Rodolico”, Via Santa Sofia, 78 95128 Catania, Italy
²School Of Specialization In Hygiene, University Of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania Italy. Cuniversity Hospital “g. Rodolico” Via Santa Sofia, 78 95128 Catania, Italy
³University Hospital “G. Rodolico” Via Santa Sofia, 78 95128 Catania, Italy
⁴Department Of Medical, Surgical And Advanced Sciences, University Of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
⁵Department Of Medical, Surgical And Advanced Sciences, University Of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 78 95128 Catania, Italy

INTRODUCTION: INTRODUCTION: The use of incorrectly cleaned or disinfected hospital’s equipment can also pose an infection risk and may contribute to the dissemination of microorganisms. Generally, stethoscopes are not considered a main infection risk, but the stethoscope is the most-used medical tool in the world. A new light-emitting diode (LED) disinfection option has recently been introduced by the LED industry. We wanted to determine where and when this new disinfection system would be useful in reducing contamination and whether any specific type of patient would benefit more from the use of this device.

METHODS: The evaluation was conducted using a multidisciplinary approach and has provided an analysis of the 7 domains recommended by EUnetHTA (Health problem and current use of the technology, technical characteristic, clinical effectiveness, safety, economic evaluation, organizational aspects, ethical aspects).
RESULTS: We observe the use of sthethoscope while delivering routine care in three different intensity of care departments on at least one hour every week for three months. Between one patient and another, a disinfection or cleaning procedure is never performed by most operators. We collected 248 samples from different departments to evaluate the efficacy of a new device. We observed a reduction in the bacterial load in 70% of the cases after using the UV-C LED device.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This device could be useful in encouraging the adoption of good hygiene practices and could reduce the risks associated with the treatment of infections. The tool has proved to be particularly useful in the intensive care unit.

Keywords: stethoscopes decontamination, HAI prevention, UV-C disinfection, intensity of nursing care, UV-C LED, Healthcare worker’s habits, nursing education, HTA

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