More Clinicians Are Turning to Disposable Stethoscope Covers—Here’s Why

In the healthcare world, infection control is a constant battle—and not all threats are visible. While hand hygiene and surface disinfection often take center stage, one tool continues to fly under the radar: the stethoscope.

According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), stethoscopes—though classified as non-critical devices—are frequently overlooked yet can harbor significant pathogen loads. In one review, contamination averaged 85%, with up to 100% of swabs testing positive. These rates closely mirror bacterial loads found on clinicians’ hands. Despite CDC, SHEA, and IDSA guidance recommending disinfection or the use of patient-dedicated stethoscopes, compliance remains consistently low—often under 4%.

But that’s beginning to change.

Recent clinical studies are highlighting a shift in how healthcare providers address this risk. In one ICU-based study published in Frontiers in Medicine, a single-use stethoscope barrier was tested for both acoustic quality and usability. Across more than 500 auscultations, over 86% were rated as having ‘good’ to ‘very good’ sound quality. Even more notably, clinicians reported no usability issues—regardless of their level of experience—and no adverse events occurred. The takeaway? Disposable covers are not only practical, but effective in real-world clinical workflows.

Another independent study published on PubMed further demonstrated that aseptic stethoscope barriers prevented microbial growth—even after exposure to high-risk biological materials like stool and sputum. The stethoscope diaphragm remained sterile for up to 24 hours. In vitro testing showed that the barriers also blocked Clostridioides difficile spores—an especially resistant threat—while unprotected diaphragms saw colony growth in every sample.

While these studies evaluated other barrier products, they reflect a broader trend: clinicians are increasingly turning to disposable stethoscope covers as a reliable, easy-to-use layer of protection.

The shift toward disposable barriers for the stethoscope is already happening—and Stethoscover helps lead the way.