Ultrascope vs. Littmann

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I am a new graduate ED nurse. I'm wondering what would be the best stethoscope for me to buy. Best scope for the money, but also being able to hear well is very important. Any one have any suggestions.....

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I love my littman and it is over 6 yrs old.

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I have heard ADC is a good alternative to Littman recently, if price is relatively equal of course.

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Specializes in NeuroICU/SICU/MICU.

I've used both. The Ultrascope worked really well on peds for some reason, but I couldn't hear anything when I used it on adults. I used a Littmann Classic II S.E. on my adult patients, and it was great. I got a Littmann Cardio III for graduation, and can't wait to try it out :nurse:

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Littman vs Ultascope

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that is what I am trying to decide right now!

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Specializes in Dialysis, Psych, Corrections, Urgent Car.

I have an Ultrascope, a Littman and an ADC... Honestly, I like the ADC the best. It was about 1/2 the price of the Littman and the Ultrascope.

I would suggest you listen with each type if you can and see which feels right for you. I think it is more personal prefrence than anything. If you have friends/coworkers with scopes.. give them a listen. The Ultrascope is too light weight for me, I can't seem to hear anything. I use the Littman for pediatrics, and the ADC for everything else.

Good luck to you and I hope you can find a nice fit for you.

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I'm not a human nurse, but I'm a veterinary technician. I work in the animal emergency field. I have used both a Littman and an UltraScope. And I definitely prefer my UltraScope. I know its different, but I guess the best way to explain is that I feel the sound quality and clarity is better. It's much easier for me to hear through thick fur, and its easier to assess what I'm hearing in the case of emergency situations such as patients hit by cars, plural effusion, chf, etc. It's also much easier for me to assess the heart of a panting patient, although hopefully that isn't a common issue in your field! Ultrascope is also much lighter and I don't even notice it when I'm running around like a crazy person. Hope this helps! All are great scopes whichever you choose!

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I have adc, littman and ultrascope. ADC is my favorite. The ultrascope it's hard to hear with... Honestly better if I'm listening through the gown. It is a combo head and supposed to be diaphragm and convert to be with pressure... But honestly it always sounds like a bell to me. The littman is more expensive than the ADC and I don't hear as well on it.

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