Proper stethoscope care is an essential part of a career in healthcare. Routine cleanings are important not only for the health of your patients, but for your own health as well. A recent study found an alarmingly high rate of bacterial contamination on the stethoscopes of hospital doctors. Luckily, a few simple steps can prevent this from happening to you.
- Wipe all parts of the stethoscope down with mild, soapy water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly.
- For disinfection, follow by swabbing with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
- The eartips can be unscrewed from the binaurals to allow for a more thorough cleaning. Be sure to reattach them tightly for a comfortable fit.
- Stethoscopes can be damaged by extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Be sure to store them in a temperate location away from windows.
- Avoid submerging your stethoscope in liquids, solvents, or oils. This can cause permanent damage and affect the audio quality.
- Never cover the surface of the bell or diaphragm in an attempt to keep it clean. This can adversely affect the frequency characteristics.
A stethoscope is an important investment in your career, and with proper care you can expect years of reliable service. If you are in the market for a new stethoscope, take a look at our website for a variety from Littman (http://www.uniformsandscrubs.com/littmann.html) and MDF (http://www.uniformsandscrubs.com/mdf.html).
Two to our best sellers are the MDF® 747XP Acoustica XP™ Stethoscope and the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II SE Stethoscope.
MDF® 747XP Acoustica XP™ Stethoscope:
- Precisely handcrafted from lightweight aluminum for the highest performance and unmatched durability
- Extra-large bell and diaphragm chestpiece delivers pure and accurate auscultation
- Comfortseal™ eartips seal out extraneous noise while conforming to the ear and are clear for improved hygiene
- ErgonoMax™ stainless steel binaural provides superior acoustics and customized fit
- 100% Super-duty lightweight aluminum chestpiece and binaural for superior acoustics
- Full rotation acoustic stem with green indicator dot to switch the active sound channel
- Ultra-sensitive Floating Diaphragm: more stable for auscultation
- Premium insulated PVC tubing for optimal sound transmission and durability
- Accessories included are: ID Tag, 1 Extra set of ComfortSeal™ eartips, spare diaphragm
- Compares to Littmann Classic II SE – Lightweight
3M™ Littmann® Classic II SE Stethoscope:
- The Littmann® Classic II S.E. Features a two-sided chestpiece
- High acoustic sensitivity for superior performance
- A tunable diaphragm on one side augments the traditional bell function on the opposite side
