Stethoscope cleaning
How do I clean my Littmann stethoscope?
3M knows that the cleaning of hands, surfaces, and stethoscopes in hospitals is now done with the use of disinfectant gel (hand gel). Some of these products can damage the rubber parts of stethoscopes as well as some plastics, and our tests have shown that even the 3M Littmann diaphragms can be damaged. We discussed the matter with some of the manufacturers of the most widely used products of this kind and they confirmed to us that they have not tested their products on such surfaces or medical instruments, and that they should not be used for such purpose.
For the proper cleaning - disinfection of the stethoscope, only the following are suggested:
To clean your 3M™ Littmann® stethoscope, use 70%
isopropyl alcohol solution on a cloth or pre-packaged wipe, and wipe all
patient contacting surfaces of your stethoscope between each assessment
.
Do not use hand sanitizer or wipes with multiple ingredients, as they
may include other agents that could damage parts of the stethoscope.
Practical advice: Do not immerse your stethoscope in any liquid, and do not undergo any sterilization procedure. Keep your stethoscope away from hot spots, oils, solvents, and extreme cold. Adjustable baffles can be removed from the instrument and cleaned with alcohol or soapy water. Dry all parts thoroughly before reassembly. The headphones can be removed from the ear canal for thorough cleaning. For safety, make sure that the ends are firmly attached to the pipe during repositioning. Customers who would like to use another cleaner should first be informed by the manufacturer of its suitability for cleaning stethoscopes. Please note that the use of cleaning products not recommended by 3M is a reason to cancel your stethoscope warranty.
Refer to your Littmann stethoscope owner’s manual for detailed instructions on removing and cleaning parts, and reassembly.
