Abstract: A stethoscope is fitted with a disposable cover to prevent cross contamination between patients. The cover is formed as a shield of material which is impermeable to liquids but which transmits sound waves. Adhesive is applied in a predetermined pattern on a portion of the cover so as to define a non adhesive fluid pathway between the central portion of the cover and its peripheral edge. This pathway adapts the cover for use with stethoscopes having vented diaphragms. Additional cover configurations are provided for use on the bell of a stethoscope.

Abstract: A dispensable, disposable shield for stethoscopes prevents the transfer of disease or other contaminants through the incorporation of a disc of plastic film material having a defined edge surface, a pull-tab along the edge surface of the disc, and an adhesive backing on the plastic film material disc, with the plastic film material disc having a contour for covering a diaphragm of the stethoscope and with the adhesive backing covering the entire contour of the disc and being peelably detachable from the stethoscope diaphragm after use. In a second embodiment, the pull-tab is replaced by a flap.