How To Clean Your Stethoscope Littmann Properly

You just purchased a Stethoscope Littmann, and you have no idea how to clean it? Then you are reading the right post. One of the major challenges you might face is how you can clean your Stethoscope Littmann properly for it to last longer.

Stethoscopes are mostly at risk of getting contaminated because they are used directly on patients.  Bacteria can grow around the diaphragm, which you wouldn’t want to come in contact with your patient’s skin. 71% of stethoscopes had significant bacterial growth according to a study carried out in the Journal of Hospital Infection.

To ensure that your patients are not at risk, clean your stethoscope regularly after diagnosis. Scroll down and follow these steps as we teach you how to clean your Stethoscope Littmann properly.

To start cleaning your stethoscope, you should get the following supplies.

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Mild soap
• Water
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls
• Paper towels

Do not do the following to your Stethoscope Littmann:

• Use hand sanitisers
• Use any sterilization process as you clean
• Do not immerse the stethoscope in water

Cleaning The Stethoscope Littman Earpieces

The earpiece of the stethoscope is quite easy to clean because the ear tips can easily be removed before you start cleaning.

We advise that you dip a cotton swap in the rubbing alcohol and clean the earpieces thoroughly. This will help to disinfect the two parts of the piece. Additionally, since the cotton swab is thinner, it can get into the cervices that wouldn’t have ordinarily been accessible if you were cleaning with a different tool.

To clean the headset that is directly under the earpieces, soak the cotton balls into the rubbing alcohol, then gently wipe it on the headset.  Afterwards, dry the headset with paper towels, don’t allow it to stay moist.

Cleaning Your Stethoscope Littmann Tubing

You might be wondering how you can clean the stethoscope tubing, it is quite simple. The easiest way to do it is to use mild soap and water. Soak the paper towel in soapy water, then gently wipe the tube. Afterwards, you can dry the tube with a paper towel or clean cloth.

Cleaning The Stethoscope Littmann Diaphragm and Bell

The most important part of the stethoscope that is supposed to be cleaned is the piece you place on your patients because they pick up more bacteria than the other parts.

Even if you don’t have time to clean the other parts of your stethoscope often, always clean the diaphragm and the bell.

Soak another cotton ball into the rubbing alcohol and clean the diaphragm and bell properly. These parts should be kept wet for some seconds so that they can absorb the alcohol and be disinfected properly. If you have to rub alcohol prep pads, you can use them instead.

The Stethoscope Littmann is made of different materials, so you must use different cleaning materials for each part. If you haven’t been cleaning your stethoscope, this is surely a good time to start.

Do you know the interesting part?

It will only take some minutes out of your busy day to clean and improve the safety of your patients and yourself!

More information about cleaning and keeping your stethoscope last longer you can find here under Cleaning & Maintenance