One third of stethoscopes worn by arriving EMS professionals (of 50) tested positive for MRSA, according to UMDNJ. The finding was a surprise. "I thought maybe one percent of stethoscopes would be infected," said Dr. Mark Merlin, chair of the Mobile Intensive Care Unit Advisory Committee for the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, who led the study.

The search for the source of growth in reported MRSA infections at hospitals has focused on the medical centers but this data may point to ambulance crews, paramedics and EMTs as unintentional carriers. MRSA infections have been on the rise within the last decade and many blame hospitals, Merlin said. "But it may be acquired before hospitalization," he added.

Some data from the study was startling. "Of the 50 stethoscopes, 16 had MRSA colonization and the same number couldn’t remember the last time their stethoscopes were cleaned," said Merlin, who also is medical director of Emergency Medical Services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Dr. Merlin offered a simple fix. "Provide isopropyl alcohol wipes at hospital emergency room entrances so EMS professionals can clean their stethoscopes regularly," he said.