If you think about people who belong to the healthcare industry, the tool that immediately comes to mind is the stethoscope. At the same time, having a stethoscope around your neck immediately signals people from the outside world that you have a medical profession. Having this tool also allows you to consider the health of your patient. Thus, regardless of where you are in your medical profession, you need to have reliable and lightweight stethoscopes that you can use. A stethoscope must exude maximum sound quality, durability, and precision. It is even a plus if you can get one that looks good as you use it.

Your Options For Lightweight Stethoscopes

As you know by now, there are a lot of stethoscope brands and models that you can choose from in the market. If you have not tried buying one for yourself, you might have a hard time deciding which stethoscope is perfect for you.

It can get too tempting to follow what the majority of your medical colleagues are using. This is why many would ask about their most recommended stethoscopes.

However, no two people have the same preferences and needs in a stethoscope. That is why you need to have some idea what to look for in the stethoscope that you will get for yourself.

Before you get your hands on any stethoscope, make sure to ask yourself the following questions.

What Stethoscope Brand Is The Most Fitting For You?

Just like purchasing any other product these days, you need to do some research work first. To know what your stethoscope options are, you have to take the time to do your homework. You have to find stethoscope brands that best fit your needs and the area of medicine that you are practicing. Some of these areas of medicine include cardiology, pediatrics, and the like.

Though every medical professional has their preferences and needs in the stethoscope that they want to buy, it would be beneficial for any buyer to invest a bit of their money in getting a reliable stethoscope brand.

As much as possible, you should spend your money on durable and lightweight stethoscopes. In this way, you can save more money in the long run and at the same time keep your neck pain-free. To begin, check out what recent stethoscope options the brands of 3M, Littmann, and Erka will have to offer you.

How Precise Is The Stethoscope?

When it comes to buying any medical device such as lightweight stethoscopes, one of the most important features that you have to consider is their accuracy or precision. Do you prefer an acoustic stethoscope or an electronic stethoscope?

For medical professionals who work in noisy environments, electronic stethoscopes are the most ideal. Nonetheless, whether you are getting an electronic stethoscope or an acoustic stethoscope, there are a few things that you need to take note of precision.

To reduce the outside noise and amplify the sound, always choose stethoscope tubing that is both durable and thick. For maximum sound transfer, make sure that the stem is made of the same durable material as that which your chest piece is made of. Lastly, make sure to go for a precise diaphragm.

Will Your Chosen Stethoscope Last?

There is nothing as frustrating than finding out that your tool is broken after you have put a lot of your money and time in investing in it. As a stethoscope buyer, you want to be sure that the tool that you buy will last you in the many years to come. To ascertain that your stethoscope choice will last you a long time, here are a few basic things that you need to remember.

The headset of your stethoscope must have a spring design. The chest piece of your stethoscope must be made of either titanium or stainless steel. Also, it must be hand-polished. Also, a stethoscope is worthy of investment if it comes with part replacement programs and good warranties because then you know that it is a long-lasting option.

If you are looking for a pretty durable stethoscope, you may want to check this MDF Instruments MD One Stethoscope review.

Is The Stethoscope Comfortable For You As Well As Your Patients?

A stethoscope is an essential part of your primary medical toolkit. Since you will be wearing it around your neck and be using it for long shifts, you want to make sure that you will feel the most comfortable with it and that your patients will feel comfortable too. For instance, the headset of your stethoscope should be adjustable.

When you buy your stethoscope, make sure that it also comes with at least three ear tips of different sizes. Make sure that you take the time to try each pair until you can determine which among the three gives you the most comfort.

Also, make sure also to check which among them is the most effective in getting rid of most of the outside noise. Lastly, make sure that the tubing of your stethoscope is long enough. In this way, you create a safe and comfortable amount of space between you and your patients.

You may have to check if the stethoscope is heavy or light too as this may affect the comfortability.

Is Your Stethoscope Easy To Clean?

While not a lot of people pay attention to this particular detail in the stethoscope that they buy, this is a crucial factor that must be put into careful consideration.

You see, according to research, 80% of stethoscopes are contaminated with infectious bacteria. As a medical professional, it is one of your responsibilities to make sure to minimize cross-contamination as much as possible. Thus, your choice o stethoscope must be one that is easy to clean.

As per the advice of experts, you should be able to use one or more alcohol pads to wipe all of the parts of your stethoscope to keep it clean as much as possible. Avoid using alcohol gels. Keep in mind that most of them will have some lotion content in them. The lotion is known to collect sediments.

This could damage your stethoscope faster and render it dysfunctional. You do not want that to happen to your stethoscope. Furthermore, replace some parts of your stethoscope to keep it clean as necessary. Aside from that, doing all of these things will ensure that your stethoscope will last you longer.

Now, if you want to learn more about lightweight stethoscopes, this short video might help you too: