Best Stethoscope for Nurses

Searching the market for the best stethoscope? Or confused which one to buy and which to drop out of the list? Well, let us help you in this case!

So in a nutshell, the best stethoscopes for nurses and the ideal purchase begins with the concept of having the right health care information, what are the assessment requirements and how well you are familiar with the concept of health care providers.

It may be a confusing question to ask, what is the best stethoscope for nurses? In the market full of different variety, lots of new options coming in everyday the best stethoscope for nurses can be really hard and tough to determine. Well let’s break it down to simpler terms; the answer can always vary because the best stethoscope will always depend upon:

• The patient
• The nurse
• The practices of usage

So let’s find out the best stethoscopes available in the market and what purpose do they serve.

Best Stethoscope for Nurses 2018

1. 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope, Black Tube, 28 inch, 2201 ― Ideal for Medical Experts and Doctors

The 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope are among the best stethoscope which offer high acoustic sensitivity, thus it gives exceptional performance when used for general physical assessments. Along many brilliant features the dual tunable diaphragms and an updated design are the best add on. These make the usage easier and even cleaning and maintenance is ease. The colors are all available which are shown online, however through the manufacturers try to ensure that there is no color deviation but there may be little difference due to factors like difference in the lighting and monitor calibration.

Detailed Review

Some of the main features of the product are:

• The chest piece is versatile when it comes to the design; it is able to provide with high acoustic sensitivity for both the tunable diaphragm and open bell.
• For the tunable diaphragm, you can at hear high or low frequency sounds; all you have to do is slightly adjust the pressure on the chest piece.
• The non-chill rim and diaphragm is designed as such that it provides the patient comfort.
• The ear tips are soft-sealing, thus they provide with an excellent acoustic seal and also fit in comfortably.
• The headset of the stethoscope is made such that they can be adjusted for individual fit and comfort. The angled ear tubes align perfectly with the ear canals.

The 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E. Stethoscope is highly dependable and is used by a lot of healthcare professionals but it is not only lasting but the results and outcomes for various patients turn out very accurate with it. The high acoustic sensitivity is provided through the dual-side of the stethoscope, the chest piece is made of stainless steel; there is a tunable diaphragm on one side and on the other you have a traditional bell.

The Classic II S.E. stethoscope is frequently used by both students and medical professionals in order to perform all the major tasks like identifying, listening, and studying the heart, lung, and other body sounds required for assessment and diagnosis.

The tunable diaphragm technology, which is a 3M invention, is another feature which helps the medical professionals hear different frequency of sounds. Adjusting the frequency, be it high or low is also very easy; it can be done by simply adjusting the pressure on the chest piece. For lower frequency just hold the chest piece with light pressure and for higher frequency sound press the chest piece a little more. This feature is also time saving and thus the healthcare provider can focus more on the patient, while the non-chill rim feature provides the patient with constant comfort.

The resilient next-generation tubing is great when it comes to retaining the shape and flexibility. Even if it is folded tightly and put in the pocket it will work perfectly. The life time of this stethoscope is also pretty much more in contrast to many others available in the market. It has improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol, thus it is less likely to pick up different stains. Also the next-generation tubing is not made up of natural rubber latex, which means it is beneficial for medical professionals and patients who are sensitive to it. However, there may be a question that, what is the part in the protection of human health and our environment? Well the good news is that the next-generation tubing does not contain any phthalate plasticizers, making it safe to use.

2. Ultrascope Adult Stethoscope, Palm Tree Design, Royal Blue Tubing – Ideal for Medical Students and Experts

Ultrascope Adult Stethoscope, Palm Tree Design, Royal Blue Tubing also falls in the category of the best stethoscopes for nurses. One of the most striking and interesting feature of this product is that it has vibrant and striking colors which makes it even more fun to use.

Some of the main features of the product involved are:

• The differentiating feature of this product is that it is an adult size stethoscope, it is designed for for patients over 45 pound.
• The product comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
• The product weighs about 5.8 ounce. The length is approximately 30 inch whereas the diameter is 2 inch.
• The materials used in manufacturing are solid acrylic, PVC, stainless steel. The product is also latex free, thus making it more reliable and environment friendly to use.

Detailed Review
The UltraScope Adult Stethoscope is a uniquely manufactured stethoscope; it is a single sided pressure sensitive acoustic stethoscope which gives complete and accurate assessment. Thus the diagnosis of heart or lungs sounds in human and animal patients are well measured and almost accurate. Ultrascopes has this distinguished feature that it offers superior sound quality in almost any situation; even in noisy environments you can hear the sound, so the medical staff in busy clinics or hospitals can benefit from it.

Each Ultrascope includes these main components: a head with single stem, you have the choice for the design, single tubing color but that is of your choice, an additional pair of ear tips, and a name tag.

UltraScope is one of the lightest product which is available in the market, thus it makes a very comfortable cardiology stethoscopes. This stethoscope excels in noisy environments especially in the cases where only skin assessment is not the option. The sound quality is so strong that you can assess through sounds of sirens, even through thick clothing or dressings that can’t be opened. For veterinarians this helps as they can assess through thick animal fur or purring and get the right results.

The product is highly efficient when it comes to saving time as you don’t need to flip and shift between the diaphragm and bell. The UltraScope stethoscopes are 20% lighter in weight than contrast to many other leading brands, this even makes it a better option for everyday use. These are also extremely comfortable so you can easily wear them on daily basis around neck.

Another quality that makes the Ultrascope Stethoscopes unique is that these are custom built and shipped directly from the manufacturer to the purchaser.

All the Ultrascope Stethoscopes are built on the order, thus this means all sales are final unless there is some defect in the product.

3. Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope – Ideal for Medical Students and Nurses

If you’re in trying for various models of stethoscope and then determining the best stethoscope for nurses than you can not miss on the Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope. These are among the cheapest and pocket friendly stethoscopes which are readily available in the market. Some of the most prominent features of the Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope are as followings:

• The Omron stethoscope has latex free tubing, thus ensuring the manufacture’s goodness. The chest piece is chrome-plated.
• The casing includes: three different sizes of open bells, along with two sizes of diaphragms. There is also two pair of ear tips. Lastly the case itself is made up of vinyl.

Detailed Review
The great news is that this 5-in-1 multipurpose Quintscope, the Omron Sprague Rappaport – Type Stethoscope is totally designed for comfort and flexibility of clinical needs, to have a sound performance, and is affordable by the majority.

The Omron Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope are one of the most pocket friendly stethoscopes which are available in the market, but being cheap as compared to the rest doesn’t mean that they are of no use, instead these fall in one of the best stethoscopes in the market. The features and properties of the Omron stethoscope are pretty much like the ADC and even the Littmann, however, there are many differences that exist. Interestingly, for some inexperienced personnel it is hard to identify the difference between the Omron stethoscope and the other two.

For those who are looking for the features in the box should remember that the stethoscope also offers 3 sizes open bells and 2 diaphragms, thus, this is an excellent choice for people with small children, or even for pediatricians who have to deal with various people from different age groups. The design of the product uses two tubes, one for each ear. This was the standard design in the past however with time things have changed, but even till date many specialists argue and say that this design gives the most results and details, thus the Omron stethoscopes take an extra edge over others.

One of the salient feature of this stethoscope is that you can hear the voices pretty well especially you can listen to the wheezing noises in children who have asthma and, with if you have some patience, then you can also hear the heart bit of your fetus but then you have to ensure that you’re in a very quiet room.

4. 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope, Rainbow-Finish Chest piece, Caribbean Blue Tube, 28 inch, 2823 – Ideal for Medical Experts and Cardiologists

3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope, Rainbow-Finish Chest piece, Caribbean Blue Tube, 28 inch, 2823 is among the best prescribed stethoscope for nurses. This is high quality medical equipment which has provided ease and is used for fulfilling various functions and duties of a stethoscope.

Detailed Review
Some of the best features of the product are:

• The chest piece is highly versatile as the design can provide high acoustic sensitivity for both the tunable diaphragm and open bell.
• The diaphragm is tunable, i.e. you can hear high or low frequency sounds by simply adjusting the level of pressure on the chest piece.
• The rim is non-chill and so is the diaphragm thus providing patient with comfort.
• The ear tips are soft-sealing; these provide excellent acoustic seal and fit comfortably.
• The headset can be easily adjusted for different individuals along with angled ear tubes, which perfectly align with ear canals.
• The product comes with three year of warranty which includes free repair on any manufacturing or material defects
• The product is latex free
• You can also get engraving on the same day of purchase

The 3M™ Littmann® Classic II S.E. medical instrument is very dependable and is employed by plenty of healthcare professionals however it’s not solely lasting but along this the results and outcomes for numerous patients prove very correct with it. The high acoustic sensitivity is provided through the dual-side of the medical instrument, the chest piece is formed of unsullied steel; there’s a tunable diaphragm on one facet and on the opposite you have got a traditional bell.

The Classic II S.E. medical instrument is usually employed by both students and medical professionals so as to perform all the key tasks like characteristic, listening, and finding out the guts, lung, and different body sounds needed for assessment and diagnosing.

The tunable diaphragm technology, that is a 3M invention, is another feature that helps the medical professionals hear completely different frequency of sounds. Adjusting the frequency be it high or low is also considerable very easy; it may be done by merely adjusting the pressure on the chest piece. For lower frequency simply hold the chest piece with light-weight pressure and for higher frequency sound press the chest piece a little a lot of. This feature is additionally time-saving and so the healthcare staff will focus a lot of on the patient, whereas the non-chill rim feature provides the patient with constant comfort.

The resilient next-generation tubing is nice once it involves retaining the shape and suppleness. Even if it’s doubled tightly and place within the pocket it’ll work absolutely. The lifespan of this medical instrument is additionally pretty much a lot of in contrast to several others out there within the market. It’s improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol, so it’s less seemingly to select up different stains. Also, the next-generation conduit isn’t created from natural rubber latex, which suggests it’s useful for medical professionals and patients who are sensitive to that.

5. ADC Adscope 615 Platinum Professional Clinician Stethoscope with Tunable AFD Technology – Ideal for Medical Students and Medical Experts

The ADC Adscope 615 Platinum Professional Clinician Stethoscope with AFD Technology is a convenient and great technology which combines the acoustic response of a traditional bell and diaphragm in an easy, oversized, and one-sided chest piece. The product uses light pressure for low, bell-type frequencies, and for high frequency it requires firm pressure. Another beneficial feature is the headset which features reinforcing yoke that can be molded into flexible 22-inch PVC tubing that is made of stainless steel binaural. Other than that the Adsoft Plus silicone ear tips provide ultimate comfort when wearing and the acoustic seal helps in listening the sound better and clearer. The packaging also includes two pairs of Adsoft plus ear tips and a scope ID tag that too complimentary.

Detailed Review
The most striking features of the product are:

• Oversized, carven ovoid chestpiece is CNC precision-machined from light-weight zinc alloy plated with a beautiful textile finish, enhancing each acoustic performance and biotechnology.
• Clinician receiver options reinforcing yoke wrought into versatile 22-inch PVC tube, unstained binaurals, and Adsoft and polymer eartips for the last word in sporting comfort and acoustic seal.
• Includes 2 extra pairs of Adsoft and ear tips and a complimentary scope ID tag.
• Lifetime assurance and free consumables, as well as diaphragms and eartips, once registered.

When compared with h 3M Littman’s options this may be the easy and cheaper option, featuring some of the best characteristics found in the stethoscopes. The features are such that doctors, medical students, nurses and other medical personals who work in this industry would love to opt this as an option so they can hear clearly the sublet heart and lung sounds. Though most of the people feel great about this product however, people also have a few negative reviews of this stethoscope. The majority of the people who use it complain about the stethoscope that keeps on falling off, which gets very disturbing and irritating when you are working in a critical case.

Lastly, among many features, one of the most uncommon features in the Adscope 615 Platinum Professional Clinician Stethoscope with AFD Technology is that the length is longer than the usual stethoscopes lengths. This prevents many sorts of back aches which usually the health care professionals face, as they have to do a lot of bending while assessing and working with the patients.

6. 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128

The 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128 is designed for those nurses and doctors who not only require an outstanding performance but also exceptional versatility. The innovative design of this particular model of stethoscope provides a tunable diaphragm on both sides of the chest piece. This model provides multipurpose auscultation for both, pediatric patients as well as adults.

Some of the main features that make the 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128 different from other stethoscope models are:

• The headset of the stethoscope is easily adjustable according to the comfort and fit of an individual. Angled ear tubes are associated with ear canals.
• The tunable diaphragm of the stethoscope makes it one of a kind. The users can hear low or high frequency sounds by slightly altering compression on the chest piece.
• If you are looking for versatility then this is your stethoscope to go for. The two sides of different sizes – the smaller one for the paedriatics and the larger one for adults.
• If you prefer the traditional approach of using the stethoscope you can simply convert the diaphragm from the closed to the open bell just by removing the diaphragm on pediatric side and installing the non-chill sleeve that you receive on with your purchase of the stethoscope.
• No unwanted rubbing noises with its double tube design feature.
• Comes in classy black colors –with machined stainless steel chest piece.

Detailed Review
The 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128 is the best cardiology stethoscope for your choice. It is one of the most recognized stethoscopes found in the industry that has some unique features distinguishing it from others in terms of convenience and use. The two in one feature of the stethoscope makes it one of a kind as it can be used for both; adults and paedriticians for listening to both high and low frequency sounds.

The innovative feature of its tunable diaphragm is another main feature that attracts many clinical users to opt for this model of stethoscope. Switching from diaphragm and bell modes is an easy step that not only provides convenience but also saves time. Switching from one mode to another is just like a simple pressure change on the chest piece that automatically means that the user of the stethoscope does not need to turn over the chest piece or remove, index and replace for same site auscultation. By doing so, the user saves time and hence, focuses more on the patient.

The 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128 is the best instrument that can be used by the students and medical professionals such as pediatrician, cardiologists and other healthcare providers who needs to listen and identify the sounds of pediatric and adults in their lungs, cardiac or other body sounds.

Overall, it is worthy to spend each and every penny on the 3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black Tube, 27 inch, 3128 as it is the best stethoscope in market that is solid in terms of its body and offers very clear sound and is able to differentiate between the heart rate sounds and lung sounds clearly.

7. 3M Littmann 6151 Cardiology IV Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, 22

The 3M Littmann 6151 Cardiology IV Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, 22″ is designed for those clinical users who require a stethoscope the offers an outstanding performance and quality with exceptional versatility. It is one of the most recognized and usable stethoscope used in the industry by either the students or medical professionals because of its better audibility of high frequency sounds and improved acoustic performance.

Some of the main features that differs the 3M Littmann 6151 Cardiology IV Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, 22″ from other stethoscopes models are:

• The tunable diaphragm of this model helps in adjusting the high or low frequency of sounds by just adjusting the pressure on the chest piece slightly.
• Can easily be adjusted for the fit and comfort for an individual according to their needs.
• The tubing lasts longer and resists stains.
• The 22 inch tubing is perfect to get proper acoustics of the patients.
• The dual lumen tubing feature in the model helps in eliminating the rubbing noise of traditional double tubes found in traditional stethoscopes.
• Offers versatility – can be used for both; adults and pediatrics.

Detailed Review
The 3M Littmann 6151 Cardiology IV Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, 22″is one of the most convenient stethoscope that one can find preferably because of its size. The 22 inch tubing distinguishes this particular model from other stethoscope models as it helps in getting the perfect audibility, sounds and acoustics of the patients.

Other than that, what makes it more user-friendly is that it can be used as a two in one instrument for both; adults and pediatrics. Both the pediatric and adult sides of the chest piece have single piece diaphragms that can easily be removed, cleaned and attached back as the surfaces are smooth and without gaps.

Since the size in inches is smaller than other stethoscopes models, it can easily be kept in the labcoat pockets. The best part about it is that the stethoscope is highly flexible and retains its shape even if its folded tightly and kept in your pocket. It is not made with natural rubber latex hence, a benefit to sensitive clinicians and their patients.

Also, the 3M Littmann 6151 Cardiology IV Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, 22″ is not just for the use of cardiologists but it can be used by general practices physicians, specialists, EMT’s, critical care nurses, medical students and other professionals in the relevant fields who need to identify, understand and listen to the sounds of lung, heart rate and other body sounds in pediatrics and adults.

The soft ear tips that come with it also make it very comfortable for the users to use the stethoscope as it fits perfectly without hurting the ears.

Overall, the 3M Littmann 6151 Cardiology IV Stethoscope, Standard-Finish Chestpiece, 22″is a perfect instrument to enjoy the extraordinary pureness and clarity f sound by this high quality stethoscope model.

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re up for buying the best stethoscope you should know the main functions for which the stethoscopes are required.

Functions of Stethoscope

For most of the common people the only purpose of stethoscope is to hear voices which can’t be heard by the normal ears. What many people don’t know is that there is a great dependency on where your doctor or nurse place the stethoscope, they can hear various sounds that they may hear; it can be the sounds of the bowels, the lungs or blood flowing through an artery. There are various functions of stethoscope, the main ones include:

Lungs

When most patients are going through flu, cold or some breathing issues than the medical staff ensure that they listen to the breathing sound of the person. In this case the stethoscope are placed your lungs, so they can hear sounds which can alert the nurses regarding inflammation in the air passages or fluid and congestion.

Heart

The heart usually have an even beating rate, but sometimes the case can be different, there can be a murmur, irregular rate and other sounds which are not at all normal. Thus all of these sounds can be heard by placing the stethoscope on the patient’s heart.

Blood Pressure

This might always seem fascinating but the nurses or medical staff can also hear the blood pumping in your veins when they check the blood pressure. However, they have to ensure that the blood pressure cuff is inflated well in your arm. The order in which the voices are heard is that the top beat is the top number of your blood pressure and in contrast the last beat that is heard is the bottom number.

Digestive System

The human stomach is always working, making popping and grumbling sound. You may be able to hear them once in a while but with the help of stethoscopes these voices can be very easily heard. However, when this sound cloud is lost or there is an irregularity in these sounds this indicates that your stomach may be not working right or there may be some illness, this can be easily detected by the help of stethoscope.

Pregnancy

Another important use of stethoscopes are during pregnancy, the nurses use the stethoscope for various purposes, such as o listening to the baby’s heartbeat in the uterus or listening to the baby’s movement in the womb.

So let’s get on the final verdict which ones fully fulfil these functions.

1. 3M Littmann Stethoscope: The Littmann stethoscope are great with the regards that they all share some of the most unique qualities which include; two-sided chestpiece with tunable diaphragms on both the adult and pediatric sides and a single-piece tunable diaphragm. Also, the equipment has longer life due to improved resistance to skin oils and alcohol so it picks fewer stains. The tunable diaphragm is another feature that the 3M Littmann stethoscopes have. Made of stainless steel the chest piece offers precision. Lastly, the snap-tight ear tips have a soft, smooth surface which provide with comfort for acoustic seal and fit comfortably for long term use.
2. Ultrascope Stethoscope: the Ultrascope sthethscope are different as this product is an adult size stethoscope, it is designed for for patients over 45 pound and the product comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. Even the materials used in manufacturing are solid acrylic, PVC, stainless steel. The product is also latex free, thus making it more reliable and environment friendly to use. This product is even great on pocket, a great variety of people opt for it and use it.
3. Omron Stethoscope: The Omron stethoscopes provide its users with ease as it is budget friendly and can be used easily while traveling. However, these are not filled with most features as compared to other high end brands.
4. ADC Adscope Stethoscope: The ADC Adscope Stethoscope offer a great and wide variety of stethoscope which offer comfort for both the nurses as well as the patients. However it may not come in everyone’s affordability but the comfortable ear tips along with the flexibility and sound quality it offers outcast the price hike.

In conclusion, the 3M Littmann or ADC stethoscopes are the best stethoscope for nurses which have a lot many features but also offer long lasting guarantee and accurate assessment and diagnosis.