Stethoscope Specifications

Stethoscopes are a very important part of the lives of many medical practitioners. If you are in the medical field and listen to patients' hearts and lungs, you will use a stethoscope. Choosing which stethoscope specifications you need depends on which area of medicine you practice. There are stethoscopes designed for pediatric, general, cardiac and lung doctors. The size and shape of the stethoscope head varies for each category. Before choosing a stethoscope, make sure the specifications are suited for your area of expertise.

Stethoscope Head Specifications

• The head of a stethoscope is the metal end that is placed on the chest to listen to the lungs and heart. The size of an adult stethoscope head is 45mm, while a pediatric head is 35mm. Some stethoscopes have single chest pieces, which mean they are specifically made for either an adult or pediatric patient. However, some have dual heads. These stethoscopes are designed with both chest pieces and can be used for either adults or children. The chest piece is made from surgical stainless steel.

Tube Specifications

• The tubing varies on each model. Stethoscopes with tapered inner bores provide a better sound transmission when listening to the heart or lungs. If the stethoscope has extra-thick tubing, outside noise is reduced. You can choose between stethoscopes with a 21-inch single bore flexible tubing or 19-inch two-in-one bi-lumen tubing. The length of the stethoscope can vary from 27 inches to 29 inches. It can weigh between 6 ounces and 7.6 ounces. Tubing can come in black, blue, green, orange, pink and burgundy colors.

Accessories

• Most stethoscopes come with an extra chest piece and two pairs of extra ear tips, sizes small and large. Ear tips are made of extra-soft plastic to optimize comfort while the tips are in the ears.

Electric Stethoscopes

• Electric stethoscopes are a new product in the medical market. Some models have bluetooth wireless technology to transfer real-time sounds to a computer or a patient's electronic file. This makes it possible for the doctor to study the patient's results in more depth. Also, some models have a recording device for easy playback. This is a bonus for doctors who wish to get a second opinion from a colleague or are writing up file notes on patients. These stethoscopes are designed for both adult and pediatric use and come in a variety of colors, like blue, green and plum, depending on the model. Stethoscopes have adjustable headsets and range in length and weight.