The stethoscope is the primary diagnostic instrument used by healthcare professionals to listen to internal body sounds, a process known as auscultation. For immediate access and ease of movement during patient care, many practitioners choose to wear this instrument draped around their neck. This practice requires specific attention to technique to ensure the device remains ready for use, comfortable, and safe. Understanding the correct method for wearing the stethoscope can optimize its function and longevity.
The Proper Technique for Draping
When preparing to drape the instrument, the first step involves adjusting the binaurals. The earpieces should be positioned to face forward or slightly outward as they rest on the back of the neck. This orientation ensures the device is immediately ready to be placed in the ears for auscultation. If the earpieces are facing backward, the wearer must manually twist the device before use, which is inefficient.
The long, flexible tubing needs to be handled to prevent kinks or twists before resting on the shoulders. The tubing should lie flat across the back of the neck and shoulders without any significant slack or tension. A simple fold or loop of the tubing over the collarbone helps maintain a neat appearance and keeps the instrument stabilized against the body.
The chest piece should rest flat against the upper chest or be gently tucked into a shirt pocket or lapel. Allowing the chest piece to swing freely can cause damage or create distracting noise. The overall drape must be loose enough that the tubing does not exert upward pressure against the throat, which could pose a risk of discomfort or interfere with breathing.
Safety and Infection Control When Wearing a Stethoscope
Wearing the stethoscope around the neck turns the device into a high-touch object that can easily transfer microorganisms between patients and environments. The diaphragm and tubing can harbor pathogens after clinical use. To mitigate this risk, the entire device, especially the chest piece, should be routinely cleaned using alcohol-based wipes or specific germicidal solutions after each patient encounter.
The tubing draped around the neck can inadvertently become a physical hazard, particularly in a fast-paced environment. The loop of the tubing can catch on door handles, medical equipment, or bed rails, potentially causing injury to the wearer or damage to the instrument. Constant exposure to body heat and skin oils from the neck can cause the polymer tubing material to prematurely harden, crack, or become sticky over time. Therefore, it is advisable to wear the tubing over clothing, rather than directly against the skin, to prolong its lifespan.
Practitioners must also consider patient safety when wearing the stethoscope around the neck. A freely swinging chest piece can accidentally hit or brush against a patient, which may startle or injure them. Maintaining control over the chest piece, either by tucking it or holding it, is a simple measure of professional courtesy and safety.
Professional Alternatives to Neck Draping
Scrub Pocket Storage
Many healthcare providers opt to carry the stethoscope in a scrub pocket, which offers quick access and keeps the instrument secure against the body. This method is highly convenient for immediate use but introduces a risk of contamination, as the pocket environment may not be sterile. If using a pocket, it is best to place only the chest piece inside while allowing the tubing to drape outside, minimizing contact with potentially soiled items.
Holsters and Clips
Specialized stethoscope holsters or clips provide a more secure and hygienic alternative. These accessories typically attach to a belt or the waistband of scrub pants, holding the instrument vertically and preventing it from swinging or touching surfaces. While these devices require a brief moment to attach and detach the stethoscope, they significantly reduce the risk of accidental snagging and keep the device away from high-contamination zones.
Protective Cases
For situations involving transport between clinical sites or when the instrument is not needed immediately, carrying the stethoscope in a protective medical bag or hard-shell case is recommended. This storage method offers the greatest protection against physical damage, such as crushing or extreme temperature changes, which can compromise the tubing. Although not suitable for immediate bedside access, the case ensures the longevity and cleanliness of the instrument for future use.