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December 21, 2020
Patrick Tigue
How to Use a Sphygmomanometer the Correct Way
For sufferers of white coat hypertension — a syndrome describing the anxiety that some feel when approached by a medical professional — knowing how to use a sphygmomanometer to properly check blood pressure can mean the difference between life and death. That’s no exaggeration. High blood pressure is what us folks in the medical business call “the silent killer.” Over many years of living with hypertension, pressure on arterial walls can lead to a number of health challenges including heart disease, and possibly an early death. Many sufferers live with the pressure for years without symptoms. For those who live with anxiety and hypertension, managing the anxiety is about as important as managing blood pressure. Visits to the doctor may not be enough, especially if those visits only crank up your anxiety and blood pressure. The good news for anyone who’s recently learned they suffer from high blood pressure is, measuring blood pressure is about as complicated as making popcorn in the microwave… well, almost that easy. There are a few variables to consider when embarking on a plan to measure at home. Should I go digital or use more traditional methods of measurement? What do I need to buy? What data am I measuring? How should I interpret my results? By the end of this blog, complete with step-by-step instructions and a video [at the end], you’ll have everything you need to feel confident you can use a sphygmomanometer to test your own blood pressure. But, first, what is a sphygmomanometer? What's a Sphygmomanometer? You know that inflatable cuff they wrap around your upper arm at the doctor’s office, the one the nurse inflates until it feels numb? That’s one part of a sphygmomanometer. There’s also rubber bulb, the lemon-sized hand pump situated at the end of one tube. Squeezing that bulb inflates the cuff. There will also be a pressure gauge of some sort, manual or digital. A complete set-up will include a stethoscope, and, of course, someone to read the data. That someone could be you so long as you know what you’re doing. Don’t worry. It’s not like operating a tattoo gun. There’s very little chance of doing permanent damage, but if your wellbeing is at stake, it’d be good to get it right as soon as possible. How Does a Sphygmomanometer Work? Sphygmomanometers are pretty useful tools used to measure blood pressure. We all know that as the heart beats, it pumps blood around the body, and the pressure of your blood is an important metric in all kinds of medical check ups. Checking your blood flow, systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure are highly important to your health. Blood pressure cuffs are wrapped around the circumference of the upper arm, targeting the brachial artery, and inflated to well above the expected systolic pressure of the patient—they are then allowed to deflate. Once the cuff pressure matches that of the arterial pressure, blood begins to flow past the cuff, creating audible noise called Korotkoff sounds. These are monitored using a stethoscope, and will continue until the cuff pressure falls below the diastolic blood pressure of the patient. Blood pressure measurements are documented as "systolic over diastolic". An example may be 120 (systolic) over 70 (diastolic). What's Better—Digital or Manual Sphygmomanometers? There are several types of blood pressure monitors on the market, from clinical wall-mount systems to much simpler wrist monitors, with everything in-between. The simplest among them produce digital blood pressure readings, not much different to use than reading a digital watch versus reading a traditional clock or a mercurial thermometer. Omron HEM7130, which features a digital display, is a good example, removing the need for a stethoscope and helping to avoid inaccurate readings. It’s a plug-and-play, portable design, packed with features like storage, body movement detection, and an irregular heartbeat detector. Use is as easy as putting it on, turning it on, and reading the results. I’ll come back to that part in a second. The Reister Big Ben floor model, also known as an aneroid monitor, is closer to what most folks think of when it comes to sphygmomanometers. Units like the Big Ben feature a clock-face style display, but with one hand instead of two, Reading a manual scale versus a digital one takes a little more practice to get an accurate reading, but for tracking trends, an exact reading isn’t super necessary. The Reister sphygmomanometers feature auto-balancing making accurate readings easier. Between the two extreme examples mentioned so far, there are steps in between. Neither is better or worse. A good indicator of which will work better for you is to consider your favourite wristwatch or wall clock. If you don’t mind changing batteries, then go digital. If antiquity is your style, check out the dial-based sphygmomanometers. What Exactly Do I Need to Get Started? Depending on which model you choose, you may not need to buy anything more, as is the case with the Omron model. If the dial-based sphygmomanometer is more your style, plan to pick-up a good stethoscope too. As you’ll learn in the next section, you’ll have to measure heart rate as part of the process. You could purchase the cuff, bulb, air-tubes, and dial separately from the stethoscope or you may consider a nursing student kit like the ACU Student Pack. One thing is for sure, you won’t need a high-end stethoscope like the cardiology stethoscope unless you’re moonlighting as a heart specialist in your free time. An entry level or classic stethoscope will do. Do consider a paediatric version if you’ll be setting up to track a child’s blood pressure. That goes for your blood pressure set-up too. Most ship with multiple sizes of cuffs, the only real variable outside of the stethoscope. How do I Interpret Data from a Sphygmomanometer? This is the most straight-forward part of the process, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There may be concerning results, making subsequent tests challenging. Since you can stop worrying as easily as you can stop a train, instead redirect the train of your thoughts to something procedural. Do something like make a grocery list in your head. Although opinions vary somewhat, in general, a normal test will read 120/80 (systolic/ diastolic). Readings between 120 and 139 for systolic and 80 to 89 in diastolic indicate possible prehypertension. If your systolic is between 140 and 150, and your diastolic is between 90 and 99, you may have stage I hypertension. Stage II hypertension is when your systolic exceeds 160, with a diastolic over 100. Stage III hypertension is over 180 systolic, and a 110 diastolic or higher. There are many factors that can give you a false reading. Unless it's 180/110, try not to panic over one high reading. Even then, perform at least one retest. If you’ve been engaged in a robust activity, like working out or playing sports, it may be higher. If you’ve been eating salty food, consuming stimulants (coffee, ADD medication), it will be higher than normal. Adjust the cuff and take another reading. If you wait a few hours and it doesn’t come down from a one-off, you may feel more comfortable after contacting a medical professional. Low readings may mean you need to retest, but if they’re accurate, you should only worry if your physician has advised you to do so or if you feel lightheaded. If you’re concerned in any event, don’t be silly. Contact your physician. If you’d like to find out more about sphygmomanometers or explore rest of our equipment, take a look around the Medshop Philippines store or get in touch with a member of our team today.
November 29, 2020
Patrick Tigue
The Best Alternatives to Latex Gloves
As one of the most frequently used items in the medical industry, the disposable latex glove is an ever-present in doctor’s surgeries and hospital wards across the world. However, for thousands of healthcare professionals and patients alike, these latex gloves are a cause of great discomfort, or at worst life-threatening allergic reactions. Since widespread adoption in the 1960s, people have been searching for the best alternatives to latex gloves, and now in 2019 we are fortunate enough to have a number of excellent alternatives available to us. But, how did latex become so prevalent? And why are so many people allergic to it? Well, the answer to this lies in its origins as a naturally occurring product within rubber trees. The most common rubber tree species, the Hevea Brasiliensis, originated in the Amazon rainforest where it was first cultivated by Europeans for the production of rubber. The British were responsible for transporting the species to South East Asia where today it is grown in enormous quantities. Its durability, elasticity, and malleability ensured naturally occurring latex became widely used in the 18th Century, but it wasn’t until 1964 that it was first used to create disposable medical gloves. Unfortunately, as a naturally occurring product, latex rubber contains sensitising proteins that cause some people to have allergic reactions upon contact. These allergic reactions can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic shock, which in extreme cases can cause death. As a result, the need for safe alternatives to disposable latex gloves became extremely pressing, and there are now a number of excellent options available on the market. Here at Medshop New Philippines, we take a look at a few of the best alternatives just for you. Low-Protein Latex Gloves For those suffering from very mild allergic reactions to natural latex, a number of manufacturers now produce powder-free, low-protein, latex gloves as an alternative to traditional latex gloves. These benefit from having the same durability, elasticity and flexibility as normal latex gloves, and they are also better for the environment than disposable gloves made from synthetic materials that, in many cases, are not biodegradable. However, with the potential for an allergic reaction still possible, even though it is significantly minimized with reduced-protein natural rubber latex gloves, the best alternatives available are completely latex free. PVC Gloves Polyvinyl Chloride, better known as PVC, is a plastic rather than a rubber, and is therefore completely synthetic—essentially removing the natural proteins entirely. While this means no latex allergies, there are other chemicals used in its production, so it is always best to check first before you use PVC gloves. As an alternative to latex gloves they are cheap, strong (thanks to the thick polymers they are made from) and provide excellent protection from exposure to chemicals and other hazardous liquids. They are, however, far less biodegradable than latex gloves, and when used in the large quantities most hospitals require, they will have a much bigger impact on the environment. Nitrile Gloves Without doubt the best alternative to latex gloves available today, nitrile gloves have become an extremely popular option in many hospitals and surgeries. This synthetic rubber is made from a combination of copolymers, not dissimilar to PVC, that produce an extremely tough and durable material to rival natural latex. Nitrile gloves have excellent protection qualities, especially when handling oil or petroleum-based products, and have even been shown to have lower failure rates than natural latex rubber gloves. You will be able to distinguish Nitrile gloves on the ward as they almost always come in blue or black colours, making it easier to spot punctures or tears. The number of wearers suffering from allergic reactions after using Nitrile gloves is below 1%, and this level of reliability has seen them become the most widespread alternative to latex in the medical industry. The only drawback with Nitrile gloves in their current form is the impact their frequent use has on the environment. Much like PVC, synthetic Nitrile polymers are extremely slow to breakdown naturally. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, with the first biodegradable Nitrile gloves already beginning to hit the market. These gloves do come at a price though, and until they become a little more cost effective, most hospitals won’t be rushing to stock up on them. Until biodegradable Nitrile gloves become widely available, the best alternative to latex gloves remains Nitrile gloves. Prioritising the safety and comfort of healthcare professionals and patients with latex allergies must take precedent to ensure the ongoing provision of top-quality care in the Philippines' healthcare system. Medshop Philippines stocks a wide variety of Nitrile gloves, as well as traditional latex ones, to meet the needs of all professionals in the medical industry. Discover our range today and browse the rest of our healthcare industry supplies on the Medshop website
October 31, 2020
Patrick Tigue
Pick Carefully – The Best Omron Blood Pressure Monitor
There’s no denying it. We, the Medshop team, love the Omron brand for monitoring blood pressure. It’s their world-renowned reputation, sure, but also the fact that Omron monitors go out into the field and they don’t come back. They’re so popular that we rarely discount them because there’s hardly a need or opportunity to do so. As one of our most popular brands, Omron products fly off the shelves. That’s not a complaint, either. It’s reflective of a world where people need to keep track of this important data. Like it or not, the future for measuring blood pressure seems to be secure. Hypertension continues to adversely many people around the world. Across the globe, raised blood pressure accounts for some 10.4 million deaths per year, and it is estimated that more than 1.39 billion people were suffering from hypertension in 2010. The fact is, today, that figure is likely to be higher. Until we can sort out every cause and strike down hypertension for good, the world need brands like Omron. This is your guide to finding the ideal blood pressure monitor for your needs. What is the best blood pressure monitor to buy? When it comes to picking the right piece of equipment, so long as consumers have done their research, they find their Omron equipment continues to deliver benchmark results use after use, which begs the question, Yeah, but really… which one is the best? We’re getting there. The short answer you already guessed: It depends. In a pinch, anything sporting the Omron brand will do the job, plain and simple. Making the ideal choice for you, whether you are an individual user planning to self-test or a medical professional who needs a unit you can kick down a set of stairs (please don’t do this) and it still works, there are better models. To get to the heart of the answer to this question, we'll compare some of Omron's best to help you narrow your search. But first, what is the accuracy of a blood pressure monitor? What is the accuracy of a BP monitor made by Omron? Is the Omron BP Monitor Accurate? It should seem obvious by their success, Omron makes the most accurate blood pressure monitors in the world. However, this is not all that separates Omron from the rest though. In general, as long as one uses the monitor correctly, blood pressure measuring devices stack up about the same. None of them is absolutely the final word in the body’s fluid pressure levels. First, there are factors which can throw the result, white coat syndrome (elevated blood pressure due to anxiety from medical coats) for one, but there are controllable factors that can affect the outcome too. We're not talking about drinking, smoking, and obesity either. Those are controllable in the big picture, but in the immediate case of using a BP monitor, Omron or otherwise, one must also follow a few simple steps. Use the right-sized cuff. If it’s too small or too big, your results will be inaccurate. Apply the cuff correctly. This means on the skin, not through clothing, and placed in the correct place on the arm. Rest. Sit for about five minutes before the test for better accuracy. Sit. Lying down is too relaxed, but standing up is not relaxed enough. Relax. Speaking of relaxing, there is a balance including your emotional stimulus. Anything that would otherwise make the user emotionally tense, should be avoided. So, don’t talk about stressful matters leading up to the test. Do not consume stimulants before the test, including coffee and certain cold medications. Also, alcohol is going to mess things up. Make sure you’ve emptied your bladder too. Quiet, please. Do not talk during the test, and if you can avoid it, during your resting period before the test. If you spend more time managing these factors, provided your blood pressure testing equipment is well-maintained, the results will be as close to accurate as possible, Omron or not. All that said, Omron should give you fewer malfunction headaches in the long run. That peace of mind contributes to the idea of staying relaxed. A faulty cuff can only drive more hypertension. Which is the best blood pressure machine for home use? No beating around the bush. Let’s get right to the question many readers want answered. Here it is… Most at-home users opt for the HEM7121. It’s Omron’s basic monitor, easy to use, and provided you do all the things listed above, is accurate enough to tell you what you need to know. The reality is, if there is anything wonky going on with increased hypertension or its rare counterpart, hypotension, you’ll know it. No matter what, in a case such as that, you’re going to head to your nearest clinic for more information anyway. Spending more money on a device with more bells and whistles is not going to ensure a better reading, and it’s not going to change your diastolic. If you live with the reality that you may need medical attention for your blood pressure at any time, what you gain from more complicated systems is only that: complications. In fact, for the at-home user, often the less information the better. Don’t take that to mean the 7121 is a slouch by any measure, either. It may be simple to use, and accurate as a heartbeat, but it offers some key information in addition to blood pressure. If you have an irregular ticker, the 7121 will let you know. Also, it stores up to 30 readings so you don’t have to keep track yourself. All of this is easy to read and understand. If you can make popcorn in your microwave, and if you have no special condition other than blood pressure concerns, you can use the 7121. HEM7320 vs HEM7322 Both the HEM7320 (ultra-premium) and the HEM7322 (premium), which we’ll call the 20 and 22 in this blog from here on out to keep the text short, offer everything you’ll find in the 7121. Both provide some upgrades which might be worth your money. In general, you’ll spend another $40-60 for one of these monitors, but you’ll get three times the storage. This is key for users who need to keep track of a longer cycle of measurements. What these two models offer for users who struggle to sit still — for any variety of reasons, medical or otherwise — is body movement detection. If you recall, this is one of the factors you’ll want to avoid when taking your pressure. Some users simply cannot sit still. Detecting those movements can help you get a better reading. For clinics, this may save time, which works out to saving money in the long run. Both can give you an average of the last three readings so long as it’s been fewer than three minutes. Both will light up with an “ok” when you’ve applied the cuff correctly so it’s harder to mess that up. The 20 offers the IntelliWrap cuff, which aids in proper placement. It also offers enhanced IntelliSense technology, which is ideal for users with certain arrhythmia or heart disorders where blood pressure fluctuates. The 20 solves for those conditions. Bottom line: If you don’t suffer arrhythmia or heart disorders where blood pressure fluctuates, go with the HEM7322. For clinics deciding between these two, the HEM7320 will serve more of your patients HEM7280T vs HEM7600T Where the last two devices leave off, these two pick up the ball and bolt on modern Bluetooth connectivity. That advance allows users to connect them to Bluetooth-connected devices, like smartphones and tablets. It also makes it easier to share that data. The most obvious difference between the two is their respective designs. The HEM7600T (7600T) is an arm-based system, unlike any other blood pressure monitor in the Omron line. The display and cuff are one device, making it very compact, very slick, and removes the tubing that can break down over time. The 7600T also offers the most sophisticated wrap assistance, Omron’s IntelliWrap cuff. This slick design and that no-nonsense cuff are the features that push this device over the HEM7280T (7280T) for many individual users. Where the 7280T makes up is when there is more than one user on the device. Sure, the 7600T is sleek, but it only keeps a memory of one user’s data. The 7280T tracks two people. It also has a morning hypertension indicator for people who suffer regular morning hypertension. Bottom line: If you suffer from morning hypertension, go with the HEM7280T. If you don’t and want a no-nonsense design, go with the HEM7600T. Both represent the top level in blood pressure management. Some folks absolutely must be able to take BP measurements in a moment’s notice. There is no other option save round-the-clock nursing care. For some people, the anxiety around wondering about tension levels is enough to drive false positives all day long. Consult with your doctor about whether or not having a blood pressure monitor in the home is for you. Discuss which is the best one for you, and listen to that advice despite our opinion on the matter. Ultimately, your doctor can advise you what’s the best solution for you. For more information on choosing the right medical equipment for your needs, stay tuned to the Medshop Philippines blog.
August 31, 2020
Alicia Martin
The Best Pulse Oximeters for the Philippines
Pulse oximeters are used by doctors to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. This essential measurement allows healthcare professionals to assess the condition of their patients and gather data that’s crucial to creating effective treatment plans. The small, lightweight non-invasive devices attach painlessly to the patient’s finger and reads blood oxygen levels. A Pulse oximeter works by sending two different wavelengths of light into the fingertip. These measure the patient’s pulse rate and the blood oxygen saturation. Once the measurements are complete, pulse oximeters display the values on a user-friendly digital interface. In most cases, the pulse oximeters Philippines hospitals use are able to return accurate readings within seconds. The most common use for a pulse oximeter in Philippines hospitals is to monitor patients with breathing difficulties and heart problems. These conditions can cause oxygen levels to fall and the pulse strength to fall or become erratic. Closely monitoring pulse rate (beats per minute, or bpm) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) allows doctors to keep a close eye on their patients and modify their treatment whenever necessary. As these devices are integral to patient care, selecting the right product for your needs is essential. Here, we take a closer look at the best pulse oximeter brands in the Philippines in our buying guide. The Best Pulse Oximeter for Usability: Rossmax SB220 Taiwanese company Rossmax has been producing high-quality medical equipment for over 30 years. All of their products are manufactured with exceptional levels of accuracy and are built to a high standard. This is why Rossmax is one of the preferred brands for doctors in the Philippines. The Rossmax Finger Pulse Oximeter SB220 has been designed with usability in mind. The monitor screen rotates to suit the angle of the viewer. This makes it quick and easy to read results. It also helps to maintain high levels of accuracy as there is no need to read the display upside down. Like most handheld pulse oximeters, the Rossmax SB220 attaches to the patient’s fingertip and gathers data unobtrusively. Flaps on the finger attachment block ambient light from the sensor to ensure accurate results. The Rossmax SB220 features an easy to use LED display with adjustable brightness and an instant warning system for abnormal results. The pulse oximeter is calibrated to display functional oxygen saturation in % SpO2 and is ideal for spot check monitoring, oxygen therapy assessment and health management. The Best Multi-Purpose Pulse Oximeter: Rossmax SA300 Most pulse oximeters are designed to measure heart rate and oxygen saturation levels. This provides medical professionals with valuable diagnostic information. Results are used to monitor a patient’s condition and assess their response to treatment. The Rossmax SA300 goes one step further. As well as measuring pulse rate and oxygen levels, it is also able to check the condition of the patient’s arteries and blood pressure. In fact, the Rossmax SA300 is a world first. Fitted with Artery Check Technology (ACT) it is able to process SpO2 signals and use these to determine the stiffness of the artery. The device then classifies arterial condition into six levels and presents the results in an easy to read graph. The Rossmax SA300 has an alarm to alert the user when readings fall outside normal parameters and a silent mode for when no beeps are needed. Bluetooth Transmission allows information to be shared easily between devices and a dual power source means this rechargeable pulse oximeter is suitable for mobile use. The SA300 comes with an adult probe. Infant and child probes are also available for the pulse oximeter to add more flexibility to this versatile medical device. Patients that require long term, continuous monitoring can use the tube probe compatible with the device. Offering Artery Check Technology, as well as accurate heart rate monitor functions and oxygen saturation monitoring, the SA300 is a good choice for users of pulse oximeters in the Philippines. Take a look at our site for full technical details and specifications. The Best Pulse Oximeter for Affordability: Rossmax SB100 Many hospitals and medical centres in the Philippines require large numbers of pulse oximeters in order to properly monitor and care for patients. This means that affordability is often key when purchasing pulse oximeters. When it comes to value for money, the Rossmax Finger Pulse Oximeter SB100 is an excellent choice. The device offers all of the standard features of a pulse oximeter. It will accurately measure oxygen concentration and heart rate via a non-invasive probe suitable for all finger sizes. Instant warnings are displayed for abnormal readings and the finger probe has flaps to prevent ambient light interfering with readings. The simple but sturdy design of the Rossmax SB100 helps to keep the cost of the unit to a minimum. This makes it a great choice for hospitals and medical centres looking for affordable, high quality pulse oximetry equipment. As a result, the Rossmax SB100 is the number one choice of finger pulse oximeter to spot check oxygen saturation and pulse rates in a wide variety of healthcare environments. The Best Pulse Oximeter for Mobile Use: Healforce Prince 100C2 Dual Colour Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Most pulse oximeters in the Philippines are used in hospitals, medical centres and other professional settings. However, some are designed for mobile use and for patients to use at home. This allows those who need longer-term monitoring to have greater freedom and independence. The Healforce Prince 100C2 Dual Colour Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is a good choice for mobile or home use. The device is small, lightweight and convenient to carry. It is powered by AAA batteries and so can be worn when the patient is at home or on the move, with a battery indicator telling the user when batteries need to be changed. The bright, full colour OLED display is easy to read and can be moved in four different directions. The device has an intelligent fingertip probe with automatic finger detection and turns on and off automatically. The Healforce Prince 100C2 precisely measures SpO2 and pulse rate and is fitted with anti-motion technology to aid accuracy. There is a real time pulse bar and plethysmogram display and users can switch the display to PI (profusion index) if required. The Best Pulse Oximeter for Connectivity: Rossmax Pulse Oximeter SA210 For doctors in the Philippines, pulse oximeter connectivity is becoming an increasingly important consideration. The ability to transfer data from a pulse oximeter to a computer can make it easier for medical professionals to properly assess the patient and decide on the most appropriate treatment plan. One of the best models for connectivity is the Rossmax Pulse Oximeter SA210. The device can be connected to a computer via the cable supplied with the unit to download health data directly. Its USB driver software is suitable for use with Windows XP and Windows 2000 as well as more recent versions of the software. As well as enhanced connectivity, the Rossmax SA210 allows doctors to carry out accurate blood oxygen saturation level spot checks and provides instant warnings of abnormal readings. The device comes with an adult finger probe that’s suitable for patients who weigh more than 40kg and have fingers with a circumference of 20mm – 75mm. Neonatal probes and paediatric probes are also available for the Rossmax SA210, allowing it to be used in a number of hospital settings. The Rossmax SA210 is ideal for oxygen therapy assessment, spot check monitoring, sleep apnea screening and health management. How to Choose the Right Pulse Oximeter in the Philippines When selecting a pulse oximeter for Philippines hospitals, doctors' offices, medical centres, or in any first aid kit, it’s important to compare the different options available. Consider which features are most important and think about how the cost of each unit will affect your budget. Value for money When looking for a new pulse oximeter Philippines price guides can vary considerably. Many of the devices at the top end of the scale offer a wide range of features such as connectivity and artery check technology. If you feel these features would be beneficial to your workplace, it may be worth investing in the best quality pulse oximeters you can afford. More affordable pulse oximeters have fewer features and fewer extras, however, as long as you buy your medical equipment from a trusted supplier, your pulse oximeter will still perform its main tasks with a high level of accuracy. Standard models of pulse oximeter are an excellent option for medical centres working within a budget. To get the best value for money, look out for a pulse oximeter sale, Philippines suppliers often have special deals available, so it’s worth shopping around Brand When buying a pulse oximeter in the Philippines, it’s important to select a recognised and trusted brand. These devices need to be carefully designed, manufactured and calibrated, so it’s essential you choose a manufacturer with experience in producing well-made medical supplies. Rossmax and Healforce are two of the best known names in the pulse oximetry industry. Both have extensive experience producing high quality medical supplies and have reputations for accuracy and reliability. Rossmax in particular produce an excellent range of high quality pulse oximeters, many of which are already used in Philippines hospitals. We stock and an excellent choice of reliable, accurate pulse oximeters from a selection of manufacturers. Learn more, and find the products that are right for you, by exploring our range today.
August 02, 2020
Alicia Martin
The 10 Best Stethoscopes for the Philippines
When looking for a stethoscope, you are bound to stumble upon a complicated world of choice in the Philipino market. With so many different types of stethoscopes, as well as brands each with their own advantages and disadvantages, finding the best stethoscope in the Philippines is difficult for any medical professional. Whether you are a paediatrician, a cardiologist, a nurse, EMT, or a medical student, the designs of stethoscopes have been constantly evolving for each field, as new manufacturers emerge and push the standards of this fundamental piece of medical equipment forward. Nevertheless, it is always great to review your stethoscope requirements, whether you are looking for a replacement or to buy your first, there is a lot to consider before purchasing the best stethoscope. Here then, we’ve compiled a list of the best stethoscopes available in the Philippines. Read on to find out which stethoscope will suit your exact needs. Best Stethoscope for Paramedics in the Philippines - 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope Excellent build, quality components and versatile usage makes the 3M Littmann Classic III the perfect stethoscope in the Philippines for emergency medical treatment workers and paramedics. Being extremely durable and coming with a 5-year warranty, as well as free repairs for any manufacturing defects, this very portable and lightweight stethoscope weighs only 150g, which means it will not drag you down while on shift. With the ability to tune the diaphragm to your desired frequency range, like most 3M Littmann models, and state-of-the-art open bell flexibility, it allows for assessments on adults while also working well as a tool for paediatricians. Its tightly snapped soft-sealing tips provide a comfortable fit and high-quality acoustics for an accurate readings. Additionally, 3M tunable technology has the capability of changing between low and high frequencies simply by adjusting how hard you press on the chestpiece. Available in a wide range of colours, this piece of equipment will ensure the best possible wearability for long hours on emergency call. Best Stethoscope for Medical Educators in the Philippines - Prestige Clinical I Teaching Edition Stethoscope For a high quality, robust and accurate piece of equipment, the Prestige Clinical I Teaching Edition Stethoscope is one of the best stethoscopes for Professors and students in the Philippines. Delivering stunning performance, this piece features a stainless steel non-chill chestpiece as well as two sets of stainless steel binaurals with extra thick internal tubing manufactured from alloy that assures the crisp and clear transmission of sound for instructors, students and patients. The double binaural earpiece is great for interactive sessions in which both parties are able to listen and provide a clear assessment. The stethoscope’s easy-to-use snap-on non-chill rim and eartips provide the plenty of comfort when placed in your ears, cancelling most external noise while doing a medical examination. As one of the best stethoscopes available for instructors in the Philippines, you can add to this piece a lifetime warranty and free repairs, while replacement eartips and diaphragms in case the originals get lost are also available. All in all, a superb item for instructing your students. Best Stethoscopes for Cardiology in the Philippines - 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope The Master Cardiology stethoscopes are considered among best stethoscopes on the Philippino market, and the 3M Littmann Cardiology IV is no exception. Offering state-of-the-art acoustic performance in a deluxe lightweight dual head stethoscope, its ideal for use in any environment. Designed for clinicians who require outstanding sound quality and versatility, this stethoscope’s highly innovative build comes with a single-piece tunable diaphragm on both sides of the chestpiece, allowing the user to shift between high-frequency sounds and low-frequency sounds without turning it. The dual-lumen tubing combines the two sound paths in one tube that eliminates the rubber noise that a standard double tube creates, making it possible for cardiologists to listen clearly without interference. The whole kit provides an adjustable headset and angled silicone ear tips that align with the ear canal for superior comfort and quality. A worthy investment capable of standing many thousands of hours of use, this article includes a 7-year warranty period for increased peace of mind. Available in many colour combinations, this particular cardiology stethoscope is sure to bring heart sounds to life! Best Stethoscopes for Paediatricians in the Philippines - Spirit Fun animal Stethoscope Paediatric CK-F606 Whether your workplace is the hospital, a paediatric clinic, or ICU, it is always encouraged to have something eye-catching for the little ones while you do your job. The Spirit Fun Animal Stethoscope CK-F606 is one of the best paediatric stethoscopes on the Philippino market for ease of use, great sound, and fun design. With seven interchangeable clip-on animal faces to supply the stethoscope with fresh appeal every time, this item helps medical professionals bring a smile to pediatric patients. For a much improved sound transmission, the model has been built with a floating diaphragm making the stethoscope suitable for blood pressure readings and accurate auscultation assessments. Coming in a wide variety of colors, and with latex free tubing, this extremely affordable stethoscope is sure to make your paediatric examinations less complicated and more fun for tiny patients. Best Budget Stethoscopes in the Philippines - Prestige Basic Dual Head Stethoscope Considering that Medshop only provides high-quality stethoscopes, our budget line of products will not leave any aspiring or already established medic disappointed. The Prestige Basic Dual Head Stethoscope offers great performance at a rather low price, compared to other models of stethoscopes in the Philippines. Featuring a lightweight aluminium chestpiece with an inlaid non-chill ring, soft seal PVC eartips and a wide frequency range, rest assured this is a great inexpensive stethoscope for common auscultation. Ideal for general practitioners, nurses and medical students, this stethoscope comes in a broad range of colours, and includes a lifetime warranty with free repairs and unlimited replacement parts in the case of malfunctions. Best Electronic Stethoscopes in the Philippines - 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Digital 3200 with Bluetooth The 3M Littmann Electronic Digital 3200 is among the of the top range of stethoscopes available on the Philippino market and will surely be a worthy piece in your medical arsenal. Featuring a wide range of technological advantages in its extremely light and remarkably ergonomic form, this stethoscope offers outstanding performance, high quality materials, and bluetooth connectivity features. By simply connecting it via bluetooth with your computer, the action of transferring data wirelessly from your device is quick and absolutely simple. This state-of-the-art stethoscope has the capability of amplifying the sound 24 times with its high acoustic sensitivity, and with its comfortable and soft sealed ear tips it is possible to reduce ambient noise by 85%, making it an exquisitely accurate tool for any healthcare professional. For any medic looking for a highly accurate stethoscope, there’s no need to look any further than the Littmann Digital 3200. Best Stethoscope for a gift in the Philippines - Prestige Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope The Prestige Sprague Rappaport Stethoscope, apart from being a widely used piece of equipment worldwide, makes for a great little gift to give to that special healthcare professional in your life. Perfect for aspiring and established doctors, nurses, nursing students and paramedics, this very versatile and classy stethoscope comes with an accessory pouch including interchangeable parts to suit the user’s professional needs, such as soft PVC ear tips, adult and paediatric diaphragm and an assembly disc. Coming with a lifetime warranty, free replacement parts in the case of any factory defects and a wide range of colours that can be customised to your taste, this stethoscope is sure to put a smile on the face of that special medical practitioner. An excellent value product at a great price point. Other brands of stethoscopes in the Philippines to consider While most of the products listed here are among the three most widely available brands in the Philippines, there’s a whole world of stethoscopes and brands to consider before choosing your particular model. Advanced functionality may include the capacity to listen to lung sounds clearly, or to identify heart murmurs; MDF and ADC are great brands with lines of stethoscopes providing such functionalities, for example. One may also consider the names Baxtel or Cofoe, two other renowned brands continuously producing highly sophisticated stethoscopes. Other features you might look for include additional blood pressure cuffs or dual-lumen tubing, or complete noise cancellation, accompanied by lifetime warranties and free repairs and replacements—you might even get a complimentary carrying case. At the end of the day, it's Medshop's mission to provide healthcare professionals with a broad range of standard and digital stethoscopes to buy. Browse the many kinds of stethoscopes in on our website and read the Medshop blog to gather more information on the medical pieces of equipment you need.
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