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

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.