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An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

github.com

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Re: An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

#11

Post by jwcacces »

zabzonk wrote: post #10
Modified3019 wrote: post #8

Do the design and materials take into account how well it can be sterilized?

Never seen a UK doctor or nurse attempt to clean, much les sterilize, one.

There are disposable, single-patient stethoscopes, but I've seen my Dr do a casual wipe with an alcohol swab often enough...

Re: An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

#12

Post by hungryhobbit »

unsupp0rted wrote: post #7
colinbartlett wrote: post #2

I was shocked to see that a "brand name" stethoscope is $100+ and even generic ones are $30.

Is that a lot or a little?

This "recipe" produces them for $5 ... that's 5% of the market price.

Re: An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

#15

Post by xyzzy_plugh »

zabzonk wrote: post #10
Modified3019 wrote: post #8

Do the design and materials take into account how well it can be sterilized?

Never seen a UK doctor or nurse attempt to clean, much les sterilize, one.

I think this is a good point, insofar that how bacterial resistant the stethoscope is relevant. Stethoscopes made of stainless steel are going to beat anything 3d printed by a significant margin.

Re: An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

#16

Post by donaltroddyn »

colinbartlett wrote: post #2

I was shocked to see that a "brand name" stethoscope is $100+ and even generic ones are $30.

They can become a lot more expensive than $100, but the difference between a Littman Cardiology and the $15 EMT student stethoscope is night and day.

> Currently, the stethoscope resulting from this project functions as well as the market gold standard, the Littmann Cardiology III

If this is true, it's a major achievement.

Re: An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

#17

Post by mikeyouse »

hungryhobbit wrote: post #12
unsupp0rted wrote: post #7

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is that a lot or a little?

This "recipe" produces them for $5 ... that's 5% of the market price.

Assuming equivalent capabilities and longevity.. I know physicians who have used their "20x too expensive" Littmann for 30 years.

Re: An open-source stethoscope that costs between $2.5 and $5 to produce

#18

Post by elAhmo »

colinbartlett wrote: post #2

I was shocked to see that a "brand name" stethoscope is $100+ and even generic ones are $30.

It is somewhat of a critical tool, so you don't wanna be checked by a doctor who made their own stethoscope or got one for 3 USD on AliExpress.
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