Abstract:
Techniques for stethoscope sanitation are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for stethoscope sanitation including a first dispensing nozzle positioned to dispense a sanitization fluid on a first surface of a stethoscope, a second dispensing nozzle positioned to dispense the sanitization fluid on a second surface of a stethoscope, a first sensor configured to detect the presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of the first dispensing nozzle and to detect the presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of the second dispensing nozzle, and a pump configured to receive the sanitization fluid from a sanitization fluid receptacle and to provide the sanitization fluid to the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle. The techniques may include a microcontroller configured to receive a signal from the first sensor and initiating pumping in response to reception of the signal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/941,224, filed Feb. 18, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to techniques for sanitizing medical instruments and, more particularly, to techniques for improving sanitization of stethoscopes. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Several studies have shown that stethoscope membranes harbor disease-causing bacteria, including methicillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). In a study of 300 stethoscopes, 87% were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria. VRE contamination rates have been as high as 31%, and MRSA has been found on up to 15% of healthcare workers&#39; stethoscopes.  S. aureus  colonies can survive on stethoscope membranes for longer than 18 hours. Without proper disinfection, stethoscopes represent a potential vector of transmission of these organisms from one patient to another. 
         [0004]    Routine disinfection of stethoscopes may reduce the potential for transmission by reducing the burden of contamination. Bacterial counts on stethoscope diaphragms can be reduced by 95% using alcohol-based disinfectant products, by 90% using non-ionic detergents, and by 75% using antiseptic soaps. More recently, alcohol-based hand rubs were shown to reduce bacterial contamination on stethoscopes by approximately 90%. Despite the availability of effective disinfectants, only a minority of healthcare providers regularly disinfects their stethoscope. In a survey of 150 healthcare workers in 1995, 48% of respondents reported cleaning their stethoscope daily or weekly. A 1999 study by Bernard et al. found that only 22% of users regularly disinfect their stethoscope. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to particular embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure is described below with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art having access to the teachings herein will recognize additional implementations, modifications, and embodiments, as well as other fields of use, which are within the scope of the present disclosure as described herein, and with respect to which the present disclosure may be of significant utility. 
         [0006]    Techniques for stethoscope sanitation are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system for stethoscope sanitation including a first dispensing nozzle positioned to dispense a sanitization fluid on a first surface of a stethoscope, a second dispensing nozzle positioned to dispense a sanitization fluid on a second surface of a stethoscope, a first sensor configured to detect the presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of the first dispensing nozzle and to detect the presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of the second dispensing nozzle, and a pump configured to receive sanitization fluid from a sanitization fluid receptacle and to provide the sanitization fluid to the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle. The techniques may include a microcontroller configured to receive a signal from the first sensor indicating the presence of the stethoscope within close proximity of the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle, and control pumping of the sanitization fluid by the pump, wherein pumping is initiated in response to reception of the signal. 
         [0007]    In accordance with other aspects of this particular embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to control pumping of the sanitization fluid to pump a specified amount of sanitization fluid. 
         [0008]    In accordance with further aspects of this particular embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to control pumping of the sanitization fluid to pump for a specified period of time. 
         [0009]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to control pumping of the sanitization fluid to pump sanitization fluid for a specified number of pump cycles. 
         [0010]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the specified period of time may be configurable. 
         [0011]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the techniques may include a second sensor configured to detect the presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of the first dispensing nozzle and to detect the presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of the second dispensing nozzle. 
         [0012]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle may be positioned within an elliptically shaped channel having an opening on a horizontal side wall of the channel permitting insertion of a portion of the stethoscope for sanitization. 
         [0013]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the opening may be positioned to improve placement of a stethoscope portion between the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle. 
         [0014]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, at least one of the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle may be recessed within the channel to reduce a likelihood of contact with the stethoscope. 
         [0015]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the first dispensing nozzle may be located on an upper portion of the elliptical channel, the second dispensing nozzle may be located on a lower portion of the elliptical channel, and the opening may be positioned between the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle permitting simultaneous sanitization of a first side of a stethoscope portion and a second side of stethoscope. 
         [0016]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the first sensor may be located on an upper portion of the elliptical channel. 
         [0017]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the system may include a supply tube for integrating the stethoscope sanitization system with a hand sanitization system, wherein the supply tube may be configured to receive sanitization fluid from a sanitization fluid receptacle of the hand sanitization system. 
         [0018]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to log one or more events. 
         [0019]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, event log data may include one or more of the following: an event name, an event id, an event date, an event time, and a system id. 
         [0020]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, logged events may include at least one of: a number of activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components, a number of activations of one or more hand sanitization components, an amount of sanitization fluid used by the stethoscope sanitization system, an amount of sanitization fluid used by the hand sanitization system, a fluid level, a battery level, a number of pump iterations, and a power level. 
         [0021]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the system may include one or more indicators. 
         [0022]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the microcontroller may be configured to calculate a ratio of activations of one or more hand sanitization components to activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components. 
         [0023]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the microcontroller may be further configured to send an alert utilizing the one or more indicators. 
         [0024]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the alerts may include at least one of: a visual alert reminding a user to sterilize a stethoscope based on a ratio of activations of one or more hand sanitization components to activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components and an audible alert based on a ratio of activations of one or more hand sanitization components to activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components. 
         [0025]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the alert may include at least one of: an indicator of a power level, an indicator of a fluid level, and a fault indicator. 
         [0026]    In accordance with additional aspects of this particular embodiment, the first sensor may include at least one of: an active infrared sensor, a passive infrared sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor. 
         [0027]    In another particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method of stethoscope sanitation. The method may include detecting, using a first sensor a presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of a first dispensing nozzle and a second dispensing nozzle, detecting, using a second sensor a presence of the stethoscope within a close proximity of a first dispensing nozzle and a second dispensing nozzle, determining by a processor that a portion of a stethoscope is positioned within a specified range of at least one of the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle, wherein the determination is based at least in part on the input received from the first sensor and the second sensor; and initiating dispensing of sanitization liquid from the first dispensing nozzle and the second dispensing nozzle based on the determination by the processor, wherein the dispensing of the sanitation liquid is configurable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
         [0028]    In order to facilitate a fuller understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referenced with like numerals. These drawings should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure, but are intended to be illustrative only. 
           [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a system for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2  shows a back view of a system for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  depicts sensor detection of a stethoscope portion in a system for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  illustrates sanitizing fluid dispersion in a system for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  shows a pump for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  shows a microcontroller for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  depicts a fitting for attaching a system for sanitization of stethoscopes to a sanitizing fluid receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  depicts a fitting for attaching a system for sanitization of stethoscopes to a sanitizing fluid receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  shows a block diagram for a system sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart depicting a method for sanitization of stethoscopes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    According to some embodiments, a stethoscope sanitization system may consist of a housing (e.g., plastic, metal, etc.), containing a detection system (e.g., infrared) that signals a microcontroller pumping system, for the dispensing of a sterile fluid onto two opposing surfaces of a stethoscope simultaneously. In some embodiments, the system may complement an existing hand sanitizing system, and utilize the hand sanitizer&#39;s fluid cartridges. In some embodiments, the system may be independent of an hand sanitizing system. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of a system  100  for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary device layout. An hand sanitizing system may be mated to the device back plate via standard mounting hole configuration. The front of the device may contain a drip tray  110  for the hand sanitizer, and the stethoscope dome  130 . The stethoscope dome  130  may contain one or more the infrared sensors for detection of the stethoscope and misting nozzles  114  and  116  for cleaning of the stethoscope. The shape of stethoscope dome  130  may acts as a visual cue, guiding the end user where to place the stethoscope  120  in elliptical channel  112  for cleaning The misting nozzles  114  and  116  may be recessed in domes  130  and  118 . This may reduce a likelihood of contact between a stethoscope  120  and the system  100  and may improve a placement of stethoscope  120  between misting nozzles  114  and  116 . 
         [0041]    System  100  may include one or more indicators  126  and  128 . Indicators  126  and  128  may be LEDs or other lights for providing visual indicators. System  100  may contain one or more elements for providing other alerts (e.g., buzzers, bells, an LCD screen, etc.). Alerts or alarms may be controlled by microcontroller  212  of  FIG. 2  and may include one or more of a visual alert reminding a user to sterilize a stethoscope based on a ratio of activations of one or more hand sanitization components to activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components, an audible alert based on a ratio of activations of one or more hand sanitization components to activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components, an indicator of a power level, an indicator of a fluid level, and a fault indicator. For example, microcontroller  212  may log detected events such as for example, a number of activations of one or more stethoscope sanitization components, a number of activations of one or more hand sanitization components, an amount of sanitization fluid used by the stethoscope sanitization system, an amount of sanitization fluid used by the hand sanitization system, a fluid level, a battery level, a number of pump iterations, and a power level. Events log data may include one or more of an event name, an event id, an event date, an event time, and a system ID. Based on the detection of multiple iterations of hand sanitization without an activation of stethoscope sanitization an alert may be triggered. For example, if hand sanitization fluid is dispensed three times without a single stethoscope sanitization, an alert may be triggered to remind users to sanitize their stethoscope. In some embodiments, once a single sanitization is triggered (i.e., either hand sanitization or stethoscope sanitization) the other sanitization system may blink an LED or display some other indicator until both have been completed. For example, if a user sanitizes their hands an LED above a hand sanitization component may display green, but a LED above a stethoscope sanitization components may blink or display red or yellow. Once a user activates the stethoscope sanitization components, an LED above the stethoscope sanitization components may turn off, a green LED may display, an LED may stop blinking and display in a solid state, or another acknowledgement may be displayed or sounded. 
         [0042]    Access to one or more internal elements of system  100  such as, for example, a battery compartment, may be provided through an access door, slide out drawer, or other entry (e.g., via side panel  124  or front panel  122 ). 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , system  100  may be integrated with a hand sanitization system (shown as a sectional view to illustrate placement of motor  104 , batteries  106 , and dispensing nozzle  108 ). In some embodiments, integration of a system  100  with a hand sanitization system may enable sharing of one or more components such as, for example, a fluid reservoir, a battery, a microcontroller, a pump, a sensor, or other components. As illustrated in  FIG. 1  and described in further detail with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  7 , and  8  below, system  100  may share a common sanitization fluid reservoir  102  which may be accessed by fluid plumbing. In some embodiments, system  100  may contain only stethoscope sanitization components and may not be integrated with a hand sanitization station. 
         [0044]      FIG. 2  shows a back view of a system  100  for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The back side of the device provides space for the mounting of the pump assembly  208 , the microcontroller PCB  212  and fluid plumbing (not shown) that tap the fluid supply. Sensors  202  and  204  on stetho-dome  206  may be operatively connected to microcontroller  212  and may receive power from a battery in battery compartment  210 . Sensors  202  and  204  may detect the presence of a stethoscope within stethoscope dome  130  and may provide signals and data to microcontroller  212 . Pump  208  may be operatively connected to microcontroller  212  and may receive power from a battery in battery compartment  210 . Pump  208  may receive sanitization fluid from sanitization fluid reservoir  102  and may supply sanitization fluid to misting nozzles  114  and  116  under the control of microcontroller  212 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 3  depicts sensor detection of a stethoscope portion in a system for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the stethoscope is introduced into the path of one or more sensors (e.g., active infrared detector and emitter, passive infrared detector, a photoelectric sensor, and/or an ultrasonic sensor), there is a change in signal reflection, sending a state change to the microcontroller  212 . The pump system  208  may then be activated, which pushes fluid to the misting nozzles  114  and  116 , rinsing the surface of the stethoscope  120 . The positioning of misting nozzles  114  and  116  may allow for simultaneous sanitization of both sides of stethoscope. As indicated in  FIG. 3 , the fields of detection  308  and  306  of sensors  302  and  304 , respectively, may provide a co-incident region which may be located in an optimized location for stethoscope sanitization. According to some embodiments, a first indicator may indicate to a user that a stethoscope has been detected and a second indicator may indicate to a user that a stethoscope is placed correctly. For example if a user places a stethoscope within a stetho-dome but off-center indicator  126  may display yellow. If a stethoscope is placed properly between misting nozzles  114  and  116  indicator  128  may display green. Misting nozzle  116  may protrude above a surface of dome  118  to avoid a buildup of sanitization liquid. Sensors  302  and  304  may be placed on dome  130  a sufficient distance from misting nozzle  114  to avoid significant collection of sanitization fluid. Placement of sensors  302  and  304  may be designed to improve a location co-incident region of detection such that placement of a stethoscope may be optimized for sanitization. 
         [0046]      FIG. 4  illustrates sanitizing fluid dispersion in a system for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Misting nozzles  114  and  116  may provide sanitization fluid dispersal patterns  402  and  404 , which may be designed to sufficiently and simultaneously coat a stethoscope for sanitization. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5  shows a pump  502  for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Pump  502  may contain a fluid input port  504  and an output port  506  and mounting bracket  508 . In some embodiments, pump  502  may be self-priming. According to some embodiments pump  502  may be either peristaltic or a small gear pump, with a low operating pressure. A pump motor may be able to be operated on DC voltage to allow a device to be battery operated. Fluid connectors may be standard push on barb fittings medical grade. Fluid run to the pump may be assisted by gravity flow, and the exit path may divide to two or more spraying nozzles (e.g., misting nozzles  114  and  116 ). Power for the motor side of the relay control may be provided by a battery pack (e.g., an off the shelf battery with a range between 6 and 9 volts). Pump  502  may be controlled by microcontroller  212  to control pumping of the sanitization fluid to pump a specified amount of sanitization fluid, to control pumping of the sanitization fluid to pump for a specified period of time, and/or to control pumping of the sanitization fluid to pump sanitization fluid for a specified number of pump cycles. Because the pump may be microcontroller controlled, the pump on and off time can be controlled for optimal surface wetting of the stethoscope. The microcontroller can be tuned to register distance in regard to the sensor array and based on an averaging of the distance tune the pump cycling. Pump duration time can be preset for standard operation. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  shows a microcontroller  602  for sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed above, microcontroller  602  and/or  212  may be operatively connected to a pump, one or more sensors, one or more indicators, a battery, and/or other components (e.g., components of a hand sanitization system or a microcontroller of a hand sanitization system for collection of data). Microcontroller  602  may contain electronic storage (e.g., read only memory or a random access memory or both). Microcontroller  602  may include by way of example semiconductor memory devices, (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices) or other storage. Microcontroller  602  may contain a processor and/or special purpose logic circuitry. Microcontroller  602  may utilize electronic storage for instructions (e.g., software), data logging, and other purposes. Microcontroller  602  may be mounted on a PCB  604  which may contain one or more connections and/or interfaces for exchange of data, power, and other purposes. Other components may be placed on PCB  604 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 7  depicts a fitting for attaching a system for sanitization of stethoscopes to a sanitizing fluid receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. An interface with fluid receptacle  702  can be through multiple methods. For example, a fluid receptacle manufacturer can provide a port  704  on their bottle either thru a mold extrusion thermal sealing or UV bonding. The interface may consists of a rubber silicon “Septa” style seal  708  and a crimp on metallic cap  706  used in standard, laboratory practice. The piercing of the septa membrane may be through a shrouded needle housing  710  that is a slip fit over the Septa cap and seal. The shroud provides safety housing for a piercing needle  712 . This method will work with standard luer style fittings as well. Medical grade silicon tubing may be UV bonded to the needle shroud housing, for fluid migration. 
         [0050]      FIG. 8  depicts a fitting for attaching a system for sanitization of stethoscopes to a sanitizing fluid receptacle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 8  depicts a variation, consisting of a standard luer style fitting  802 . Internal to the female Luer fitting would be a spring loaded plunger  804 . The spring shall be configured that in the normal rest configuration the plunger with a seal would set against the back side of the luer fitting  808 , preventing fluid leakage. Upon installation of the mating tubing connector  806  the plunger would be forced upward allowing fluid to migrate to the pump mechanism. Medical grade silicon tubing may be UV bonded to the mating adapter. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  shows a block diagram for a system sanitization of stethoscopes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. An opto-coupled relay circuit  910  may isolate the detection circuitry from the pump and fluid controls. A microcontroller on circuit board  904  allows for the device to be programed for pump on and off time, as well as the level and sensitivity of the detection circuitry. The circuit board  904  may contain logic and storage configured to data log stethoscope and hand swipes for data collection. Firmware may control timing, pump cycle time, detector sensitivity, and alert notifications, and other operation aspects (e.g., pump priming on power up). Firmware may reside in the static memory of the microcontroller and may boot upon power up. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart depicting a method  1000  for sanitization of stethoscopes in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At block  1002 , the method  1000  may begin. 
         [0053]    At block  1004 , it may be determined whether a stethoscope or other medical instrument has been detected. According to some embodiments, alignment of a stethoscope or other instrument within a specified region may be required. If a stethoscope or other instrument is detected the method may proceed to block  1006 . 
         [0054]    At block  1006  sanitizing fluid may be dispensed. Fluid may be dispensed from one or more nozzles. In some embodiments, two nozzles may be utilized in a position allowing coating of two sides of a stethoscope or other medical instrument simultaneously. An amount of fluid dispensed may be configurable and may be based upon input received may a processor from one or more sensors (e.g., a position of an instrument and/or the presence or absence of an instrument within a detectable region). 
         [0055]    At block  1008  it may be determined whether one or more hand sanitizing components have been utilized. If one or more hand sanitizing components have been utilized, the method may proceed to block  1010 . If hand sanitization has not been detected, the method may end at block  1014 . 
         [0056]    At block  1010  the method may determine whether a ratio of hand sanitizing to stethoscope sanitizing exceeds a specified configurable threshold (e.g., three hand sanitizing detections without a single stethoscope sanitization). If the ratio of usage requires an alert the method may proceed to block  1012 . If the ratio of usage does not require an alert the method may end at block  1014 . 
         [0057]    At block  1012 , an alert may be provided. An alert may be audible (e.g., via a buzzer, speaker, bell, etc.) and/or visible (e.g., via an LED or an LCD display). An alert may remind a user to sterilize a stethoscope or other medical instruments. 
         [0058]    At block  1014 , the method  1000  may end. 
         [0059]    Although the above description describes embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the techniques and concepts are applicable to growing systems in general. Thus the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. 
         [0060]    While the above describes a particular order of operations performed by a given embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that such order is exemplary, as alternative embodiments may perform the operations in a different order, combine certain operations, overlap certain operations, or the like. References in the specification to a given embodiment indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. 
         [0061]    While the present invention has been described in the context of a system, method or process, the present invention also relates to apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or it may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium including, without limitation, any type of disk including optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic or optical cards, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions. 
         [0062]    It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed subject matter is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0063]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the disclosed subject matter. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. 
         [0064]    Although the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of implementation of the disclosed subject matter may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter, which is limited only by the claims which follow.