Stethoscopes are used by every primary care physician, and are a universal tool of the trade. Nevertheless, few physicians put much thought into sterilizing them. Although concerns about stethoscope hygiene have been voiced for decades, there has been little heed paid to stethoscope hygiene.

Recent studies show that few or no physicians sterilize their stethoscopes before examining patients. Do you think that stethoscope are safe and hygienic?