GB2468128A

GB2468128A - Disposable stethoscope earpiece cover

Info

Publication number: GB2468128A
Application number: GB0903161A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Santi Vathenen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-02-25
Filing date: 2009-02-25
Publication date: 2010-09-01
Also published as: GB0903161D0

Abstract

A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover 20 comprises a flexible sheath for securing about an earpiece 18 of a stethoscope to inhibit physical contact between the earpiece and the user. The sheath defines an internal volume for receiving the stethoscope earpiece and may have an elasticated neck region 22. The cover can be fabricated from a material which permits an adequate transmission of sound and/or one or more holes can be provided in the cover to permit adequate quality of sound transmission whilst preventing direct contact of the earpiece by a user. An applicator for applying the cover comprises a tubular member having an open end region over which the cover is stretched. A stethoscope earpiece 18 is inserted into the tubular member through the cover 20 so that the cover is drawn on to the earpiece. The cover 20 may be made from rubber, latex, nitrile, plastic, silicone, silk, natural fibres, hypoallergenic material or bactericidal material.

Description

Disposable Stethoscope Cover and Applicator

Field of the invention

This invention relates to disposable covers for stethoscopes and to an applicator and method for applying such disposable covers.

Background to the Invention

The stethoscope is used for listening to sounds made by various parts of the body. An acoustic stethoscope is composed of a head or chestpiece which is placed on the patient. Tubing connects the chestpiece to two binaural tubes which each have an ear piece at the end. The ear pieces are placed in the user's ears and the chestpiece is placed on the region of the patient's body which is being investigated. The chestpiece has a diaphragm which vibrates in response to sounds in body to create acoustic pressure waves that are transmitted through the air filled tubing into the user's ears.

The chestpiece may also have bell or hollow cup on the opposite side from the diaphragm for use in listening to lower frequency sounds. Electronic stethoscopes have also been developed which use a transducer to pick up sounds in the patient's body and an amplifier.

Traditionally a healthcare worker uses a single stethoscope, often personal to the worker, on different patients, frequently on several patients within a short period of time. This creates the risk of contamination of the stethoscope by bacteria and transmission of infection from one patient to another via the stethoscope. There have been various attempts to reduce the risk of cross contamination by protecting the patient from a contaminated stethoscope. These include covering the chestpiece with a disposable membrane and providing a disposable cover which covers the chestpiece and substantially the whole of the stethoscope except the earpieces, which have to be inserted into the ears of the user.

These known arrangements are not always successful in preventing infection transmission because the user has to handle the contaminated stethoscope when putting on the cover which can lead to contamination of the cover. Alternatively, where a limited chestpiece cover is used, the user often needs to touch other parts of the stethoscope during its use thus contaminating the user's fingers whilst examining the patient and risking passing the infection on to the patient during the examination.

To avoid this, patients managed in high risk areas are provided with individual stethoscopes assigned to them. All healthcare workers examining a particular patient therefore share the same stethoscope (after washing their hands) thus minimising transmission of infection via the stethoscope. This is safer for the patient but poses a risk for users as bacteria can be passed from user to user via contact with the earpieces. The earpieces are therefore cleaned with alcohol between uses but this practice is time consuming, hence frequently omitted, and alcohol cleaning does not destroy all microbes.

There is a need, therefore, for an improved or alternative arrangement for reducing the risk of cross infection from a stethoscope.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a disposable cover for an earpiece of a stethoscope, the cover comprising a flexible sheath configured to be secured about an earpiece of a stethoscope to inhibit physical contact between the earpiece and the user.

Unlike previously known stethoscope covers which act as a barrier between a stethoscope and the patient, the cover in accordance with the invention acts as a physical barrier between an earpiece of a stethoscope and the user. This can assist in promoting safe an efficient use of a patient dedicated stethoscope by multiple users.

The cover may comprise a sheath of flexible material defining an internal volume for receiving a stethoscope earpiece and having a neck region defining an opening through which an earpiece can be inserted into the cover.

A least the neck region of the cover may be resiliently deformable or elasticated.

The resiliently deformable or elasticated neck region can be stretched to increase the diameter of the opening to enable an earpiece to be inserted and subsequently retracts to clamp about the inner end of the earpiece and/or a binaural tube portion of the stethoscope on which the earpiece is mounted to hold the cover in position.

Alternatively, the cover may be wholly constructed of a resiliently deformable material so as to conform closely to the shape of an earpiece once fitted.

The cover may be fabricated of a material which permits an adequate transmission of sound. Alternatively, where the material would not otherwise permit an adequate transmission of sound, one or more holes may be provided in the cover, the holes being dimensioned to permit adequate quality of sound transmission whilst preventing direct contact of the earpiece by a user.

The material may be a hypoallergenic material and may be impregnated with a bactericidal material.

The material of the cover can be selected from the group consisting of: rubber, latex, nitrile, plastic, silicone, silk and other natural fibres.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an applicator for applying a stethoscope earpiece cover in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to the earpiece of a stethoscope, the applicator comprising a tubular member configured such that an earpiece cover can be positioned over an open end of the tubular member with part of the cover in engagement with an outer diameter of the tubular member, the tubular member having an internal diameter dimensioned such that a stethoscope earpiece can be inserted into the tubular member through the open end so that a cover positioned over the end is drawn on to the earpiece.

Where the cover has a resiliently deformable or elasticated neck region, the tubular member can be configured such that a cover can be positioned over an end of the tubular member with the neck region of the cover in engagement with an outer diameter of the tubular member.

The tubular member may have two open ends; each end being configured to receive a respective earpiece cover.

The applicator may comprise two tubular members; each having an open end configured to receive a respective earpiece cover.

The applicator may be made of a substantially rigid material such as metal, plastic or cardboard.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of an applicator in accordance with the second aspect and at least one stethoscope earpiece cover in accordance with the first aspect of the invention mounted over an open end region of the tubular member.

The combination may comprise a tubular member having two open end regions, and an earpiece cover mounted over each end region.

The combination may comprise an applicator having two tubular members, each having an open end, an earpiece cover mounted over the open end region of each tubular member.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying an earpiece cover in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to the earpiece of a stethoscope using a combination in accordance with the third aspect of the method comprising: inserting an earpiece of a stethoscope into the tubular member through the earpiece cover, such that the cover is drawn about the earpiece and is pulled off the end of the tubular member; withdrawing the covered earpiece from the tubular member.

Where the combination comprises two earpiece covers mounted to either end of the tubular member or to the open ends of two tubular members, the above steps are repeated for the second earpiece.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of inhibiting contamination of a user from the earpiece of a stethoscope, the method comprising applying a disposable earpiece cover in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to each earpiece of a stethoscope prior to use of the stethoscope and removing the disposable earpiece covers after use of the stethoscope.

The method may further comprise safely disposing of the used earpiece covers.

The method may comprise applying the disposable earpiece covers using the method in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known stethoscope; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view on an enlarged scale through an earpiece of a stethoscope encased within a disposable stethoscope cover in accordance with the invention; Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view through an applicator for use in applying a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover in accordance with the invention to the earpiece of a stethoscope; and Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, illustrating how the applicator is used to apply an earpiece cover in accordance with the invention to the earpiece of a stethoscope.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a known acoustic stethoscope 10. The stethoscope 10 has a chestpiece 12 which is placed on the patient. Tubing 14 connects the chestpiece to two binaural tubes 16 which each have an earpiece at the end 18. The earpieces 18 are placed in the user's ears and the chestpiece is placed on the region of the patient's body which is being investigated. The chestpiece has a diaphragm (not shown) which vibrates in response to sounds in body to create acoustic pressure waves that are transmitted through the air filled tubing into the user's ears.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view through one of the earpieces 1 8 of the stethoscope 10 showing the earpiece encased in a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover 20 in accordance with the invention. The disposable cover 20 comprises a sheath of flexible material that is configured to be secured about the earpiece 18 to inhibit physical contact between the earpiece and, in particular, the ear of the user.

In the present embodiment, the sheath of flexible material defines an internal volume for receiving the earpiece 18 and has a neck region 22 which defines an opening 24 through which the earpiece can be inserted into the interior of the sheath.

The neck region 22 is elasticated or otherwise resiliently deformable to define an opening 24 that is smaller in diameter than the maximum diameter of the earpiece 18 in its initial resiliently biased condition but which can be stretched to enable the earpiece to be inserted through the opening. Preferably, the neck region is configured so that it grips about the exterior surface of the inner end of the earpiece and/or the binaural tube 16 on which the earpiece is mounted to hold the cover 20 in place. The sheath is shaped to fit reasonably closely about the earpiece 18. In an alternative arrangement, the whole of the cover can be made of a resiliently deformable material so that the cover is stretched over the earpiece and conforms closely to the shape of the earpiece when fitted.

Once fitted, the cover 20 acts as a physical barrier between the earpiece and the user's ear to prevent or inhibit the user becoming infected through contact with the earpiece. In use, a disposable cover 20 is applied to both earpieces 18 of the stethoscope prior to each use and the covers are removed and disposed of after each use. This is particularly useful for situations in which a patient is assigned a dedicated stethoscope to be used by different clinicians.

An important aspect of the design of the cover 20 is to ensure that sound is adequately transmitted to the user. This problem is overcome by using a fabric that is capable of transmitting sound. Any suitable fabric can be used such as silk, for example. in some circumstances it may be desirable to use a material which would not allow adequate transmission of sound through the material itself. In this case, small holes 26 can be made in the material to allow transmission of sound. The holes are dimensioned to be large enough to allow an adequate quality sound transmission but small enough to prevent direct contact of the ear with the earpiece. Hole sizes in the region of 50 microns to 3 mm are thought to be suitable. Whilst infection can be transmitted through holes in a material, this takes time and is unlikely to occur within the limited time span the disposable covers 20 are in use.

Suitable materials for the cover include but are not limited to: rubber, latex, nitrile, plastic, silicone and silk. The material may be hypoallergenic and may be impregnated with a bactericidal material. The thickness of the material can be selected as appropriate but is expected to be between 50 microns to 3 mm.

The invention also includes a simple applicator and method as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 to enable quick and non-touch application of the earpiece cover 20 to a stethoscope earpiece 18.

The applicator 30 is essentially an open cylindrical tubular member made of a substantially rigid material such as metal, plastic, or cardboard. The applicator is configured so that a cover 20 can be stretched over each end with the elasticated neck 22 in engagement with the outer diameter. The inner diameter of the tubular member 30 is such that a stethoscope earpiece 1 8 can be inserted into the tube at either end though one of the covers 20, as illustrated in Figure 4. This draws the cover 20 on to the earpiece 18. Once the earpiece 18 has been inserted sufficiently far, the cover 20 is pulled off the tube and the neck region 22 snaps about the inner end of the earpiece 18 and/or onto the binaural tube 16. The covered earpiece can then be removed from the applicator and used. The inner diameter of the tube 30 should be such that it allows sufficient clearance for the cover 20 to be applied without the cover being damaged by rubbing between the earpiece and the tube.

Conveniently, each applicator 30 carries two covers 20, enabling both earpieces 18 of a stethoscope 10 to be covered quickly using the same applicator without the need to touch the covers. The applicator 30 can be of any suitable size but it is likely to be a cylinder about 50 mm long and 15 mm to 20 mm in outer diameter.

It is expected that the covers 20 will be pre-loaded on to the applicator in a clean and possibly sterile environment. The applicator 30 with covers 20 may then be packaged to ensure they stay clean prior to application on a stethoscope. Applicators loaded with covers 20 will be provided in the areas where they are required so that a user can quickly apply the covers 20 to a stethoscope prior to use. The pre-loaded applicators can be provided in a dispenser which is located in a convenient position.

Whilst an applicator in the form of simple open tube 30 is easy to produce, it will be appreciated that other arrangements could be used. For example, applicators could be proved which have only one cover 20 on one end. Alternatively, an applicator could be provided with two tubular regions for two covers but which are not opposite ends of a common tubular member.

Whilst the invention has been described in relation to an acoustic stethoscope, it will be appreciated that it can also be applied to electronic stethoscopes or indeed any medical equipment having an earpiece for insertion in a clinician's ear.

Whereas the invention has been described in relation to what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed arrangements but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover, the cover comprising a flexible sheath configured to be secured about an earpiece of a stethoscope to inhibit physical contact between the earpiece and the user.
2. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in claim 1, in which cover comprises a sheath of flexible material which defines an internal volume for receiving a stethoscope earpiece and has a neck region defming an opening through which an earpiece can be inserted into the cover.
3. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in claim 2, in which at least the neck region of the cover is resiliently deformable or elasticated.

(\J 15
4. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in claim 3, in which the Q resiliently deformable or elasticated neck region is configured such that it can (\J be stretched to increase the diameter of the opening to enable an earpiece to be inserted and subsequently retract to clamp about the inner end of the earpiece and/or a binaural tube portion of the stethoscope on which the earpiece is mounted to hold the cover in position.
5. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the cover is wholly constructed of a resiliently deformable material so as to conform closely to the shape of an earpiece once fitted.
6. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the cover is fabricated from a material which permits an adequate transmission of sound.
7. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims ito 5, in which one or more holes are provided in the cover, the holes being dimensioned to permit adequate quality of sound transmission whilst preventing direct contact of the earpiece by a user.
8. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the cover is made from a hypo allergenic material.
9. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in claim 8, in which the material is impregnated with a bactericidal material.
10. A disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims ito 9, in which the material of the cover is selected from the group consisting of: rubber, latex, nitrile, plastic, silicone, silk and other natural fibres.
11. An applicator for applying a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed (\J 15 in any one of claims 1 to 10, the applicator comprising a tubular member 0 configured such that a stethoscope earpiece cover can be positioned over an (\J open end of the tubular member with part of the cover in engagement with an outer diameter of the tubular member, the tubular member having an internal diameter dimensioned such that a stethoscope earpiece can be inserted into the tubular member through the open end so that a cover positioned over the end is drawn on to the eaipiece.
12. An applicator as claimed in claim 11 adapted for applying a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in claim 3, in which the tubular member is configured such that a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover can be positioned over an end of the tubular member with the neck region of the cover in engagement with an outer diameter of the tubular member.
13. An applicator as claimed in any one of claims 11 and i2, in which the tubular member has two open ends; each end being configured to receive a respective disposable stethoscope earpiece cover.
14. An applicator as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, in which the applicator comprises two tubular members; each having an open end configured to receive a respective disposable stethoscope earpiece cover.
15. An applicator as claimed in any one of clainis 11 to 14, in which the applicator is made of a substantially rigid material such as metal, plastic or cardboard.
16. A combination of a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and an applicator as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, in which the cover is mounted over an open end region of the tubular member.
17. A combination as claimed in claim 16, in which the tubular member has two I-open end regions, and the combination comprises a disposable stethoscope (\J 15 earpiece cover mounted over each of the end regions.

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18. A combination as claimed in claim 16, in which the applicator has two tubular members each having an open end region, the combination comprising a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover mounted over the end region of each tubular member.
19. A method of applying a disposable cover for an earpiece of a stethoscope using a combination as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, the method comprising: inserting an earpiece of a stethoscope into the tubular member through an earpiece cover, such that the cover is drawn about the earpiece and is pulled off the end of the tubular member and subsequently withdrawing the covered earpiece from the tubular member.
20. A method as claimed in claim 19, in which the combination comprises a tubular member having two open end regions with a cover mounted about each open end region as claimed in claim 17, the method comprising inserting a first earpiece of a stethoscope into the tubular member through a first of the earpiece covers, such that the first cover is drawn about the first earpiece and is pulled off the end of the tubular member and subsequently withdrawing the covered first earpiece from the tubular member, and inserting a second earpiece of a stethoscope into the tubular member through a second of the earpiece covers, such that the second cover is drawn about the second earpiece and is pulled off the end of the tubular member and subsequently withdrawing the covered second earpiece from the tubular member.
21. A method as claimed in claim 19, in which the combination comprises an applicator having two tubular members each having an open end region and a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover mounted over the end region of each tubular member, the method comprising inserting a first earpiece of a stethoscope into the open end region of a first of the tubular members through a first of the earpiece covers, such that the first cover is drawn about the first (\J 15 earpiece and is pulled off the end of the first tubular member and subsequently Q withdrawing the covered first earpiece from the first tubular member, and (\J inserting a second earpiece of a stethoscope into the open end region of a second of the tubular members through a second of the earpiece covers, such that the second cover is drawn about the second earpiece and is pulled off the end of the second tubular member and subsequently withdrawing the covered second earpiece from the second tubular member.
22. A method of inhibiting contamination of a user from the earpiece of a stethoscope, the method comprising applying a disposable stethoscope earpiece cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 to each earpiece of a stethoscope prior to use of the stethoscope and subsequently removing the disposable earpiece covers after use of the stethoscope.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of safely disposing of the used earpiece covers.
24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, the method comprising applying the disposable earpiece covers using the method of any one of claims 19 to 21. (\J (\J (\J