Evaluation of dedicated stethoscopes as a potential source of nosocomial pathogens.

Objective: To determine whether the ear tips of dedicated stethoscopes (DS) that are used on patients prescribed contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, or multiple antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii become contaminated with these micro-organisms.

Design: Culture of DS ear tips.

Setting: A 524-bed tertiary care university hospital.