A promising new chapter in infection control has opened as AseptiScope® announces its recent peer-reviewed publication of clinical results using its DiskCover® System, a touch-free stethoscope hygiene solution, by the Journal of Infectiology and Epidemiology. The study documents how healthcare professionals at the Memphis VA Medical Center integrated the system into their infection prevention protocols, resulting in an unprecedented reduction of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) to zero over a one-year period.
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs)
CLABSIs are among the most severe and preventable hospital-acquired infections, typically occurring when pathogens enter the bloodstream via a central venous catheter. These lines are commonly used in critical care to administer medication or collect diagnostic data. Despite rigorous hygiene protocols, including antiseptic bathing and aseptic line management, CLABSI rates persist, posing serious threats to already-vulnerable patients. Until now, stethoscope hygiene has never been included in CLABSI prevention bundles.
“The problem with central line infections is that critically ill patients are vulnerable, and these preventable occurrences can shift a routine procedure into a deadly, critical emergency,” stated Nicole Kupchik, clinical nurse specialist and leading authority on critical care nursing. “This is not only a significant professional challenge, but I lost a dear friend going through cancer treatment to this preventable, deadly infection.”
That changed when infection control specialists Naomi Ragsdale and Wendy Simpson at the Memphis VA took a bold step. Recognizing the stethoscope as a significant but often overlooked vector, frequently called the clinician’s “third hand,” they incorporated AseptiScope’s DiskCover System into their CLABSI prevention strategy. The result: a complete elimination of CLABSIs over a 12-month span.
AseptiScope’s DiskCover System
The DiskCover System works by automatically applying a sterile, single-use barrier to the diaphragm of a stethoscope, ensuring that each patient encounter begins with a clean device, something that traditional alcohol wipes fail to guarantee. In fact, numerous studies have shown that not only are alcohol wipes often used incorrectly or inconsistently, but some hospital pathogens are increasingly resistant to alcohol-based disinfectants altogether.
Unlike manual cleaning, the DiskCover System is intuitive, immediate, and compatible with fast-paced clinical environments. Located near hand hygiene stations, the device activates with a wave of the stethoscope, applying a clean disk in a second, allowing for seamless patient care without compromising safety.
Cindy Cadwell, a nurse practitioner, patient safety and quality expert, has been focused on the problem of stethoscope hygiene for years. “Our clinical teams want to do all the right things, but today’s world is fast moving, and even with the most diligent cleaning, more pathogens than ever are increasingly resistant to cleaning with alcohol and other disinfectants,” said Cadwell. “So, a barrier system that breaks direct contact is exactly what we’ve been waiting for; high-quality infection control, that is both clinician and workflow friendly.”
Kathleen Vollman, president of the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses, emphasized the implications: “The stethoscope has been a problem without a solution for a long time, and it seems we finally have what we need here. Tools like this are elegant in their simplicity, but have a huge impact on healthcare. Ultimately, innovation like this saves patient lives, saves time for our clinical teams, and saves money for our hospitals.”
Physicians, too, are taking note. Dr. Frank Peacock, a medical doctor, leading authority on stethoscope hygiene and infection control, and co-founder of AseptiScope, stated during an event for the CDC’s Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP) last year on the subject: “Placing a disk cover barrier on stethoscopes using a touch-free dispenser means I barely break stride when applying them, and ensures clean patient exams for the first time in my career. The visible barrier doesn’t just give me confidence, it also gives the patient comfort, which is fantastic."
AseptiScope, a California-based medical device startup, was founded by a team of healthcare veterans. CEO Scott W. Mader, a longtime clinical innovation expert, said the company was born out of a recognition of the overlooked infection risks of stethoscopes.
“I’ve spent my career bringing health innovations to market, and when we say this enormous gap in patient safety, as the stethoscope is like the clinician touching patients with a dirty third hand,” said Mader. “The touch-free application of the perfectly clean disk cover barrier blocks any pathogen exposure instantly”.
While the DiskCover System is still relatively new to hospitals, its impact is expanding quickly. AseptiScope reports that major cancer centers, urgent care clinics, and primary care facilities are now deploying the device to protect patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised or medically fragile.
“Now our customers are confirming this is not just another product; it’s a public health intervention,” Mader added. “This low-cost, high-impact innovation could prevent life-threatening infections for millions of patients.”
Looking forward, AseptiScope is developing additional touch-free devices based on the same principle of automated aseptic barriers. As the Memphis VA’s success story gains national attention, hospitals across the U.S. are taking notice. In an age where healthcare systems are under enormous strain and antimicrobial resistance continues to rise, tools like the DiskCover System may offer a critical path forward.
