摘要 |
The present invention relates to a protective cover (20) for a stethoscope (10) with a chestpiece (12) having a generally circular anterior surface (14 ) which is placed against the skin of a patient during use, a generally circul ar outer rim (16), and a posterior surface (18). The cover (20) is disposable a nd adapted to be removably secured to the chestpiece (12) such that the cover (20) completely covers the anterior surface (14) and outer rim (16) of the chestpiece (12), thereby physically isolating the anterior surface (14) from contaminants, and further includes means for effecting a visual change in th e appearance of said cover (20) when the stethoscope (10) is used. The cover (20) is preferably formed of a thin, elastomeric, liquid-impervious material and its appearance changes upon exposure to one or more of moisture, pressur e, galvanic skin response and skin temperature. |