How to replace Stethoscope Tubing

Replace Stethoscope Tubing

So, you’ve been using your stethoscope for a pretty long time and it has served you well. But just like any other tool, it can get damaged, or at least some parts of it.

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One of such parts is the stethoscope tubing.

The stethoscope tubing is the soft flexible part of the stethoscope which maintains and carries the frequency transmitted from the diaphragm or bell to the eartips, which allows the user to listen to sound from the patient.

There are single tube stethoscopes, as well as dual lumen stethoscopes, it all depends on the model. They are connected to the metal ear tubes and are responsible for the transmission of sound.

A dual lumen design tubing is the most preferred, because it is partitioned to the left and right hemispheres which make the sound coming from the diaphragm or bell more accurate.

So, what do you do when your stethoscope tubing is damaged? You replace it of course!

In this article, we will be looking at damaged stethoscope tubing and how to replace it.

Why does tubing crack?

There are several causes for cracks in stethoscope tubing. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

You overwipe it

One of the major reason your stethoscope tubing will crack is because you wipe it too much with rubbing alcohol.

You can use your hands as an example, you know how it cracks when you wash it more times than required, that’s the same way a stethoscope tubing will crack when you wipe it too often.

The alcohol, which is a major part of the cleaning agent, slowly eats away at the rubber tubing. Over time, the rubber will become weakened and it will start to crack.

As a rule of thumb, I recommend you use “Armor All” when you clean your stethoscope. Use it once a month.

You wear it around your neck

This seems like a norm with many medical workers. Hanging your stethoscope over your neck seems like the most comfortable way to carry it, but it also leads to cracks in the tubing.

You may wonder how wearing your stethoscope around your neck will lead to cracks? Well your skin produces oil, and the oil from your neck has detrimental effects to your stethoscope tubing.

To avoid this, it is best you keep your stethoscope in your front pocket. I know, I know, keeping a stethoscope in your front pocket doesn’t make you look cool, but it will keep your stethoscope in good shape.

How To Prevent Your Tubing From Cracking

As I have mentioned earlier, oils from your skin can cause cracks in your tubing. So if you must wear it around your neck, be sure it is placed under your collar. Other than that you have to keep it in your pocket.

Also, do not use rubbing alcohol on it too often. Excessive use of rubbing alcohol leads to cracks.

Lastly, you can use rubber protectant to treat the tubing once in a month. Rubber protectant is commonly used on car dashboards to keep them strong and good looking. This will also work for your stethoscope’s rubber tubing.

Tubing replacement

In an event where your stethoscope tubing is cracked, it only means you have to replace it. Not doing this will mean you won’t get the best out of your stethoscope, in terms of looks, and most importantly, functionality!

To replace a cracked tubing, you can go out and buy a new tubing that is compatible with your stethoscope. Cost of a new tubing will depend on the brand or model of your stethoscope. It usually costs between $20 to $200

If the brand of stethoscope you use offers free parts replacement, then that’s a plus for you. You just have to get in touch with their customer support and request for a replacement.

How to replace tubing

Follow these steps to replace your tubing –

Buy a new tubing – First thing you need to do when your stethoscope tubing gets cracked is to buy another one (unless you have free parts replacement offers). As I mentioned before, prices will vary according to the stethoscope you use.

Remove the old tubing – Next step is to take out the old tubing. You do this by twisting the tubing from the binaurals and the diaphragm.

If the tubing is old and dry, then this will not be possible. In this case, you have to cut away the old tubing and use a clean rag soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove the remnants of the tubing from both the binaural and diaphragm.

Replace with the new tubing – Gently twist the new tubing on both the binaural and the diaphragm. Once you have done this, your stethoscope will be as good as new.

Some manufacturers include binaurals with new tubes, but this will be significantly more expensive than just the tube itself.

Best Stethoscope Replacement Tubing

I’d like to take a look at some of the best replacement tubing you can find in the market. One of them is the 3M Littmann replacement for Cardiology III & Cardiology II.

Another great replacement option is the Reliance Medical tubing. It also fits the Littmann Cardiology III, but will not fit the Littmann Master class 2.

The size of the Reliance Medical replacement tube is 2mm. From the top of the binaural to the bottom of the tubing is approximately 25 inches.

They can not be cut to length, they are made to the standard length of the model. It is a dual lumen, so keep this in mind – cutting it will only damage it and it will be completely useless.

The replacement tube by MohnLabs is also a great option. It fits all dual head cardiology stethoscopes.

The tubing is made of non latex materials and it gives excellent sound transmission.

It comes with stainless steel binaurals that are angled at 15 degrees.

Conclusion

I hope this article on how to replace stethoscope tubing has been helpful.

Proper maintenance is key to getting the best out of your stethoscope tubing.

Take care!

Website: https://www.101bp.com/