AseptiScope Reports Major Success in Eliminating Life-Threatening Hospital Infections
SAN DIEGO, CA, June 20, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- A promising new chapter in infection control has opened as AseptiScope, opens new tab® announces its recent peer-reviewed publication, opens new tab 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.
About AseptiScope
AseptiScope is a healthcare technology company focused on infection prevention for both clinicians and patients. The company develops innovative aseptic solutions aimed at reducing the risk of contamination and infection within healthcare systems. Their flagship product, the DiskCover™ System, addresses the persistent issue of stethoscope contamination—a significant yet often overlooked vector for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The DiskCover System is an evidence-based, automated, and touch-free solution designed to create a highly visible and effective infection barrier during patient examinations, filling a critical gap in infection prevention technology. AseptiScope is led by a team of prominent medical professionals and experts in the field. For more information, visit aseptiscope.com, opens new tab.
Media Contact
Anthony Pham apham@aseptiscope.com
###
SOURCE: AseptiScope
Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
See release on EZ Newswire
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
My brother died at 33 — what I wish I'd known
I remember seeing the troubling spark of recognition in the psychologist's eyes when I told her that my late brother, Charlie, had schizophrenia. We were sitting in her office going through a never-ending pile of forms as part of my seven-year-old son Eddie's autism-assessment process, including my family history. 'Did you know,' she asked, 'that autism used to be known as childhood schizophrenia?' I remember the grating rough texture of the chair I was sitting on prickling against the back of my legs and feeling the inside of my stomach flip. We lost my big brother, Charlie, in 2004 when he was 33 and he hadn't had a particularly happy life. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 18 after a period of psychosis — he had been hearing voices and became convinced that a group of people were out to get him.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Popular children's cough medicine recalled over potentially deadly bacterial infection risk
A popular cough medicine for children has been recalled over a risk of bacterial infection that can be deadly. Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup was recalled Tuesday over the 'presence' of Bacillus cereus, a type of bacteria that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses, and because of 'loss of shelf-stability,' according to a notice from the medicine makers, Medtech Products Inc. The recall describes the symptoms associated with both foodborne illnesses. One can cause nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps starting one to six hours after consuming contaminated food. The second illness can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea starting 8 to 16 hours after exposure. 'Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death,' the recall notice warned. No serious adverse effects have been reported as of the date of the recall. The recalled cough syrup was sold by retailers throughout the country and online from December 14, 2022, to June 4, 2025. Consumers with the recalled medicine are advised to stop using it immediately and contact their doctor if they experience any symptoms that may be related to the product. The company is also offering a refund of the product.
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
US judge blocks slashing of universities' federal funding from National Science Foundation
WASHINGTON, June 20 (Reuters) - A federal judge on Friday blocked the National Science Foundation from sharply cutting research funding provided to universities in the latest legal setback to efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to slash government support of research at major academic institutions.
