Litman - choosing between single or double lumen?

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I am just begining NS but am able to swing a good stethoscope up front. I am thinking it is between the Cardiology lll and the Master Classic ll. The Cardiiology has a double lumen and the MC ll has a single lumen. Practically speaking, what are the advantages and disadvantages (specifically for a mature, new nursing student) of the single versus double?

Thanks so much!!!

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I'm not sure, but I have the same question. Maybe someone will chime in.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

none in particular regarding a new student/learner, but the benefit of a dual tubing stethoscope is that each tube goes to each ear providing with a more quality sound. it is really hard to describe with much detail and the fact is you;ll never be able to tell the difference in tubing sound. the sound you will be able to tell the difference in is in the diaphragm (head). the more quality the head, the better the sound will be. take for instance a cheap single sided stethoscope ($5-10) with an aluminum head (doesnt transmit sound well at all), then take a sprague stethoscope with an alumin head or zinc alloy head (little heavier and transmits sound a little better), then take a next higher step (a littmann classic 2/master classic/select/or similar scope) the head on these is lighter than the sprague, but are made up of stainless steel which transmits sound the best of all materials that they have discovered so far. then the king of all acoustical scopes...the master cardiology/master cardiology type scopes, have the thickest/heaviest heads of all stethoscopes and in addition to the double walled/dual tubing the sound is the best with these. Note: with each step up in quality/weight, the price also increases. Can anyone use these...yes, but they arent necessary for everyone to use. As long as you can hear a heart beat, tell if someone is breathing, and hear bowel sounds, then any stethoscope will work just fine. Unless you are working in a cardiac unit or ICU, I would suggest a middle of the road stethoscope (Littmann Classic 2/Select/Master Classic), and if all you are doing is vital signs and a heart rate, then go with a cheap stethoscope. hope that helps!

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Specializes in Burns, ICU, Plastic Surgery.

I feel as though single provides a more quality sound. I don't see many people with the double lumen either.

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i am actually wanting to know what is the best, I am also choosing mine they also happen to be between the card III and the Master Classic II

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

a lot of the Littmans have a double lumen inside the tubing as opposed to the sprague kind which have a double tubing

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why do some nurses use a dual head scope and some will use a single head scope?

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

Personal choice. Alot of the single scopes have a "dual head" it depends on how much pressure you apply to the area you are auscultating.

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Personal choice. Alot of the single scopes have a "dual head" it depends on how much pressure you apply to the area you are auscultating.

so theres no real diffrence between single and double head

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Specializes in Surgical, quality,management.

Some say there is but I can't hear anything different in a double or single lumen Litmanns.

Saying that I love my birthday/ Christmas present from my aunt of a master cardiology stethoscope! That was unexpected, was expecting a book when I got the parcel!

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Some say there is but I can't hear anything different in a double or single lumen Litmanns.

Saying that I love my birthday/ Christmas present from my aunt of a master cardiology stethoscope! That was unexpected, was expecting a book when I got the parcel!

you lucky, but i guess I prefer single head

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you lucky, but i guess I prefer single head

but i am still prob going to buy the card III

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