Stethoscope - best for the buck

[Difficult_To_Stick]

Hi again. I'm starting a second thread just for one more question I figured you folks would be best at helping me with.

I've been using the same sthethoscope for some time now. I belive it's a Mabis Sprague-Rappaport-Type adult scope. I've only been using it to take my blood pressure manually every day or two to stay on top of it. I don't trust the digital BP machines. My stethoscope wasn't exactly the best scope out there. It cost me all of maybe $16. My father says he was given one like it for free, but after using it on patients, it fell apart quickly. I haven't had that happen, but I figured maybe it would be a good idea to at least know what I will replace it with when and if it does break.

My father uses Tyco brand scopes. Those seem out of my budget. Other doctors I've noticed use Littman scopes. They make a few scopes in my budget.

I'm just looking for good acoustics, durability, and knowing that I'll be able to buy parts for it over the years, like new diaphragms, etc.

I've recently been taught how to use the bells to listen for specific things, and how to use the diaphragm to listen to my bowels and hear what's going on with one of my problems/disorder.

The Mabis scope has been good to me. If an when it goes though, I'd be happy to step up a notch in quality.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

note: for the most part, if I bought a new scope when the Mabis scope breaks, it too would be primarily used for taking my blood pressure manually.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

i've used my sprague rappaport type for 30 yrs, especially when caring for my vented patients seamed to decreased vent noise over older littman. just replaced bell/diphragm parts along eith eartips when wornout obtained from hopkins medical....great scope prices too. buy what you can afford then can move up later.

replacement parts

[j_tay1981]

I have a ton of stethoscopes (I won't tell you how many b/c its frankly embarrassing - I just wanted the best I could get).

Overall, I like Littmann scopes. I have the Classic II S.E. and a Master Classic II (the latter being easier to use b/c it's a single side).

Frankly, I hear about the same out of my dual tube Spragues from ADC and Prestige as I do the Littmann's. I even have one from MDF that I like, though the tubing on that one is a bit stiff. The only thing I don't like about the Spragues is that they lack a 'non-chill' rim for patient comfort. Honestly, if you are only checking BP's on yourself, stick with a dual tube. Unless you get a cardiology grade steth (which you don't need for BP) you don't really gain much in terms of sensitivity by buying a higher-end Littmann (IMHO).

If you are set on a Littmann, the Select and the the Lightweight are both cheaper models, have tunable diaphragms and are designed for basically taking vitals. The head of the Lightweight is spade-shaped to fit under a BP cuff (which you're not really supposed to do, but that's another thread entirely).

Like others here have stated: for you needs, your Mabis should be more than sufficient. A lot of the nurses I work with use them for things other than BP's and are happy with 'em. Take it from somebody who spent too much on too many stethoscopes: for simple needs, a simple scope is adequate.

[Difficult_To_Stick]

Thanks. I plan to use my cheapie Mabis for as long as I can. My father gave me the remaining parts from his (that fell apart during use shortly after being given it as a gift), so I have spare parts to swap out. I'm in no rush to upgrade just yet. I just was curious what would be worth getting if I were to upgrade. :)

Afterall, I'm mainly just using it to take my blood pressure.

[silas2642]

Yeah. I would agree with the poster who said that the Littman Classi SE sounds like a good scope for you. It's not outrageously expensive, it's a solid scope with a bell and a diaphragm, it's lightweight, and it'll last you for as long as you take care of it.

[Difficult_To_Stick]

I had some time to kill while I was on permahold with a doctor's office, so I went over to Medisave.net to look at the Classic II SE and Cardiology III even though I don't need to buy one yet.

I was astounded at the number of options there are.

Question:

1. What is the relationship between tubing length and acoustics? I tend to think that the shorter the length, the less surface area there is to introduce noise from outside, but as I've said many times, I know very little about this stuff (if anything). Why would somebody choose to go with longer tubing vs shorter tubing? What is the internal (mental) debate that goes on during the decision making process on that?

2. I couldn't believe how many color combinations there are. I knew there were different tubing colors as I've seen nurses with various color tubing, but I didn't realize that the ear tubes and chestpiece came in different colors too. Is it all just aesthetic based on preference? For example, is an "All black" scope with a black chestpiece, black ear tubes, black tubing, etc. identical in quality and durability to a stethoscope with regular stainless steel parts and say, red tubing? Is it paint that makes the color difference, and does that paint chip? I saw there was a copper and brass version, which I assume is plated onto steel? Or are those scopes made with copper or brass chestpieces?

I had no idea that stethoscopes come with more color and finish options than buying a car. Wow.

[j_tay1981]

Littmann came out with a blurb awhile back saying that there was a differfence in tubing lenght vs. sound quality, but it was so negligible that most people couldn't detect it. I like a longer tube length b/c it drapes around my neck better and I don't have to get into patient's faces so much when auscultating.

I think the tube and finish color are purely aesthetics - the sound quality should be the same in one single model whether it be all black or what have you.