ADC has made finding the right stethoscope easier. Splitting out the stethoscopes based on their purpose allows for the user to find exactly what they need at first glance making the only difficult task choosing a colour. In this blog post we break down each category and showcase which stethoscope is best for which practitioner, ultimately it is down to personal preference, but we hope this makes it easier to decide.
Electronic Stethoscopes
With ADC’s Adscope 658 Electronic Stethoscope, you’ll hear sounds you may have missed with a traditional acoustic instrument. The contact-activated microphone filters higher-frequency background noises that typically interfere with auscultation, then amplifies heart and lung sound up to 18x. This stethoscope is ideal for those who are hard-hearing and becomes very helpful when auscultating faint heart and lung sound, when the patient is obese or when listening through clothes.
Cardiology Stethoscopes “Incredible design, affordable price”
ADC’s Adscope cardiology stethoscopes are available in four different models: the platinum series which features a diaphragm-only chest piece with an adjustable frequency design. Or choose from a combination diaphragm/bell design which is available in the other three designs, Convertible, Traditional or Ultra-Lite.
All four in the series have a rugged, stainless steel construction for nearly all the metal-parts (exceptions include the Ultra-Lite Series, which is aluminium, and the Tactical finish which has aluminium binaural), a bi-lumen, cardiology style headset and Adsoft Plus Snap-On silicone ear tips for the ultimate earing comfort and acoustic seal.
Clinician Stethoscopes
The Adscope Clinician Stethoscope range is made with surgical stainless steel or aluminium alloy meaning these scopes combine lightweight comfort with an outstanding acoustic performance which is affordable.
Choose from six different models with more than 50 different colour choices. The range offers an adjustable frequency design in which the diaphragm can be used for both high and low frequencies sounds simply by altering the pressure or choose from traditional diaphragm/bell models. Available in adult, paediatric and infant sizes to suit your needs.
Sprague Stethoscopes
The legendary design features of the Sprague have made it one of the most popular scopes in history. A popular choice for EMS and nursing professional’s ADC’s Sprague design incorporates features found on no other Sprague scope on the market, resulting in a scope that outperforms and outlasts look-alikes.
Choose from several models in tradition two-tube or lightweight single-tube design in dozens of colour options.
General Exam Stethoscopes
ADC’s general exam stethoscopes aka Proscopes offer longer binaural for a more comfortable fit or a diaphragm/rim design (in adult models) that improves acoustic performance by up to 50%. With over seven models in dozens of colours and packaging to the choose from there is a Proscope model that will meet your needs and your budget.
Paediatric Stethoscopes
ADC’s paediatric range of stethoscopes is designed for practitioners who work with the smallest of patients. Choose from four different models – two utilizing traditional combination diaphragm/bell chest pieces and two employing ADC’s AFD technology and a single-sided chest piece that combined the bell and diaphragm.
The 604 and the 605 both feature stainless-steel construction with CNC-machined chest pieces optimised for their intended use. The 614, 604 and Adimals 618 stethoscopes are the only scopes utilising AFD diaphragm technology specifically designed for paediatric use.
Teaching Stethoscopes
Available in both ADC’s Adscope and Proscope series the teaching scopes provide two headsets to allow teacher and student to listen simultaneously. The Adscope teaching scope utilised ADC’s legendary 603 series stainless-steel scope with a black teaching and royal blue student headset. The Proscope teaching scope is available in the diaphragm-only 660 series or a combination diaphragm/bell 670 series. Each offering two sets of binaurals.
Still unsure of the right stethoscope to purchase, below is a chart matching up ADC stethoscopes to different medical fields and specific needs. View the full selection of ADC stethoscopes here.
| Application | Recommended Models |
| Anaesthesiologist | 600, 601, 606, 615, 603, 608 |
| Cardiologist | 600, 601, 606, 615 |
| Emergency Physician | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608 |
| EMT/EMS | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 641, 655 |
| Family Practitioner | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 609, 619 |
| Hospital | 603, 608, 609, 619, 660, 670, 675, 676, 665, 664 |
| Internist | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608 |
| Medical Assistant | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 609, 619 |
| Medical Student | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 641 |
| Nurse | 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 609, 641, 655, 619 |
| Nursing Home | 660, 670, 665, 664 |
| Nursing Student | 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 609, 641, 619 |
| Paediatrician | 601, 604, 605, 614, 618, 641 |
| Physician | 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608 |
| Physician Assistant | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 609, 619 |
| Respiratory Therapist | 600, 601, 606, 615 |
| Teacher/Professor | 600, 601, 606, 615, 612, 603, 608, 613, 671 |
| Veterinarian | 601, 603, 608, 604, 605, 609, 641, 619 |
| If you want…. | …. then look at these models |
| 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, |
| Ultra-light weight for maximum comfort | 606, 609, 619 |
| Stainless Steel for maximum durability | 600, 601, 603, 604, 605 |
| Unusual appearance (to express your style) | 600GP, 600ST, 601ST, 603COP, 615ST, 618, 645, 655 |
| All Black (tactical) | 600ST 601ST, 603ST, 615ST |
| Gold Plated (makes ideal gift) | 600GP, 645 |
| Sprague Design (for traditional performance and versatility) | 641, |
| Top-of-the-line (for unsurpassed acoustic performance – mechanical or electronic) | 600, 601, 606 |
| Mid-priced (balances acoustics/weight/and price) | 606, 615, 612, 603 |
| Entry level (emphasis on value) | 609, 641, |
| Budget (for institutional buyers) | 660, 670 |
| Single Patient Use (disposable) | 664, 665 |