One of the most common, if not the most common question we get is how to choose the stethoscope that’s best for you. In general there is no one scope that’s “right” for any particular healthcare professional. It’s more of a well choreographed dance – one that balances performance, comfort, technology, budget, and style.
Not everyone needs a top-of-the line electronic or cardiology scope. And even those who could use the enhanced acoustic performance, versatility, or feature set of our finest scopes might not be able to justify the premium price. Some professionals are particularly sensitive to a scope's weight, while others have a specific design they prefer.
I wish I could say there is a single right answer, but it really comes down to personal choice. In the end, we always suggest you test drive a few scopes and choose the model that provides the performance you need, that is comfortable for you to use and wear, and that's within a budget that makes sense for you.
ADC scopes carry an MSRP from about $299 for our top-of-the-line Adscope 658 Electronic Stethoscope, to under $2 for a single patient use disposable scope, made entirely of plastics. With dozens of models to choose from, there’s bound to be an ADC scope that’s right for you.
We’ve taken two approaches to our recommendations: The first is a list based on your profession or the environment in which it will be used. The second is a list based on popular groupings.
Without further ado, here then is guide we've developed based on more than three decades of delivering the most comprehensive line of stethoscopes in the world.
Scope Recommendations by Profession:
Anesthesiologist |
600, 601, 606, 615, 603, 608 |
Cardiologist |
658, 600, 601, 606, 615 |
Emergency Physician |
658, 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608 |
EMT/EMS |
658, 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 641, 647, 655 |
Family Practitioner |
600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 619 |
Hospital |
603, 608, 619, 660, 662, 670, 675, 676, 665, 664 |
Internist |
600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608 |
Medical Assistant |
600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 619 |
Medical Student |
600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 641 |
Nurse |
601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 619, 641, 647, 655 |
Nursing Home |
660, 662, 670, 665, 664 |
Nursing Student |
606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 619, 641, 647 |
Pediatrician |
658, 601, 604, 605, 614, 618, 641 |
Physician |
601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608 |
Physician Assistant |
600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 619 |
Respiratory Therapist |
658, 600, 601, 606, 615 |
Teacher/Professor/Instructor |
658, 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 613, 671 |
Veterinarian |
658, 601, 603, 608, 604, 605, 619, 641 |
*Bold selections are the most popular.
Scope Recommendations by Feature or Design:
Cardiology style (for unsurpassed acoustic performance - mechanical) |
600, 601, 606 |
AFD (multi-frequency) Technology |
600, 601, 612, 615, 614, 618 |
Convertible (for versatility) |
601, 641, 647 |
Ultra-light weight for maximum comfort |
606, 619 |
Stainless Steel for maximum durability |
600, 601, 603, 604, 605 |
Unusual appearance (to express your style) |
600GP, 600ST, 601ST, 603COP, 619ST, 615ST, 618, 645, 655 |
All Black (tactical) |
600ST 601ST, 603ST, 619ST, 615ST |
Printed Tubing |
Adscope LE |
Gold Plated (makes ideal gift) |
600GP, 645 |
Sprague Design (for traditional performance and versatility) |
641, 647 |
Top-of-the-line (for unsurpassed acoustic performance – mechanical or electronic) |
657, 600, 601, 606 |
Mid-priced (balances acoustics/weight/and price) |
606, 615, 612, 603 |
Entry level (emphasis on value) |
619, 641, 647 |
Budget (for institutional buyers) |
660, 662, 670 |
Single Patient Use (disposable) |
664, 665 |
Good luck with your purchase. We’d love to hear from you on the product you selected!