How do I evaluate a sthethoscope?

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I must have a stethoscope by day one of my Nursing 1300 (first) course. I have a short list of must-have equipment. Sthethoscope a vary greatly. My MIL (a retired nurse) recommends "One with double tubes that are then contained in one tube with a single chest piece that picks up high and low sounds based on pressure." She said Litman is good, but then said $300 range.Wow! I intend to keep this for years, but I need a good value for my money. Advice on make/model and when to or not to skimp on price is greatly appreciated.

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I don't agree with the "two tubes" advice he/she gave. Your basic Littman's classic II SE should do you just fine (one tube). Price range for these around $100 or so if I am not mistaken.

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A basic Littmann is $80. The more advanced models are $100-250ish. The basic Littmann is very good. I would go with that. Great acoustics.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ICU.

MDF is a great brand comparable to littman and a little cheaper

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If I were you I would go ahead and get the Littman master cardiology stethoscope I have this one and it works absolutely wonderfully! Plus the website I got it from will engrave it for free so hopefully no one will take it! I had a cheap one at first and then bought this one and am so glad i did. Plus it has what your retired nurse was saying to get, here is where I got mine they have quite a few colors. 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope: Caribbean Blue 2178

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I would get the 80 dollar range one for school. Sometime things can walk away. Save you or your families money. You will hear every you need to hear on a littman classic or the mdf

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Ok, so a solid, basic scope...I think I have found two. Thoughts on either of these?

Litman Classic II SE $80

Litman Master Classic $99

Not a huge difference in price so I'm wondering if there is a big difference in functionality.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

Look at ultrascope. It will run you about $100 plus engraving. The warranty any be beat. I had to replace my entire earpiece...got that and all new tubing for $7. It's a great stethoscope and a great price and a fabulous warranty.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.

I had a Littmann Classic II S.E. in school and so did a lot of my other classmates. It's great. All Littmanns have a tuneable diaphragm, so essentially you could use one side and hear both high-pitched (diaphragm) and low-pitched (bell) sounds with just a simple change in pressure.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I had a Littmann Classic II S.E. in school and so did a lot of my other classmates. It's great. All Littmanns have a tuneable diaphragm so essentially you could use one side and hear both high-pitched (diaphragm) and low-pitched (bell) sounds with just a simple change in pressure.[/quote']

Not accurate...there are single sided littmann stethoscopes out there. I have one....it is a high end cardiology.

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double tubes are bad...the tubes rub together creating extra unwanted sound..you really want single tube. I have a littmann Classic Cardiology..it cost me right at $200 bucks with engraving of my name..it is the black edition from allheart.com I have had it almost 9 years and it is OUTSTANDING! It is a single headed steth and works fantastic on peds too. It has held up 9 years blood and everything else working 911 EMS and is still going strong! :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Another vote for ultrascope.

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