The Journal of hospital infection
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The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa and the concomitant implications for healthcare services have resulted in unique and complex challenges for infection prevention and control teams (IPCTs) worldwide. A substantial weight of responsibility was placed on IPCTs to adequately protect both patients and colleagues in the face of sometimes discrepant and often rapidly evolving national and international guidance. We reflect on our local experiences and describe some of the barriers that we faced when preparing our organization for EVD.
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Review
The stethoscope and healthcare-associated infection: a snake in the grass or innocent bystander?
There is a concern that stethoscopes may transmit infectious agents which could result in healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). The aim of this review was to evaluate the available literature as to the role of the stethoscope in the development of HCAI. A literature search was conducted across several databases for relevant studies and reports. ⋯ The optimum method for stethoscope cleaning has not been defined, although alcohol-based disinfectants are effective in reducing bacterial contamination. In conclusion, a link between contaminated stethoscopes and HCAI has not yet been confirmed, but transfer of bacteria between skin and stethoscope has been shown. The available information would suggest that stethoscopes should be decontaminated between patients.