We developed StethoBarrier as an alternative to disposable stethoscopes in response to a growing body of research that rigorously demonstrates the potential for stethoscopes to serve as vehicles of pathogen transmission. Research and our personal experiences emphasize why we neglect to clean our stethoscopes - concern about stethoscope wear and tear, lack of access to disinfection materials, lack of visual reminders and lack of time.
Unlike stickers, hard plastic covers or silicone diaphragm covers, StethoBarrier does not alter the functionality of the stethoscope diaphragm membrane. Our plastic and non-woven polypropylene fabric is engineered to be thin enough to not interfere with sound transmission while preventing transmission of infectious organisms.
