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

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

#21

Post by recursivegirth »

elAhmo wrote: post #18
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.

Our one that DIY'd one like one would do a dosing rod in their garage.

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

#22

Post by jcims »

colinbartlett wrote: post #2

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

I'm shocked that you're shocked lol.

$100 for a somewhat specialized, durable medical device that has to meet regulatory standards and will be used daily, possibly for years, by healthcare providers to do patient assessments?

A 3D printed option is going to require a 3D printer, appropriate filament and should be unit tested to ensure it's within spec. The durability is going to be suspect no matter what. It's an awesome project and I'm sure would be a welcome addition to the 'boostrap humanity' catalog of 3D printed parts, but for everyday doctors plunking a hundo on a good tool is going to be a no-brainer.

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

#24

Post by NewsaHackO »

elAhmo wrote: post #18
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.

It’s funny, most physicians agree that the cheap disposable stethoscopes in isolation rooms are the best, mostly because they are so loud it’s difficult miss anything with them. However, I am not a cardiologist so they may have a different opinion.

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

#25

Post by sonofhans »

colinbartlett wrote: post #2

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

Years ago I had my blood pressure taken by a nurse; this was when they did it manually, squeezing the pressure cuff bulb by hand and listening with a stethoscope. The doctor came in later, saw the numbers and frowned, and took my pressure again. She (both were women) ended up with a reading much more within my normal range.

I asked, joking, “So are you just better than her?” “No,” my doctor replied, “She’s better. She gets more practice. I have a better stethoscope.”

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

#26

Post by bluGill »

stronglikedan wrote: post #19

The thing is that I can get just as good if not better ones (metal) for $7 all day long, and not have to spend time sourcing and assembling materials, and I don't even have to leave my house to do it.

I'm not sure what you are buying, but it wouldn't surprise me if they were done in a factory that does medical grade quality control. While the odds are a medical problem from a non-medical grade stethoscope seem low, it still seems a couple bucks is worth the price. (if we are talking thousands I'd ask for a deeper drive into what that really gets you)

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

#27

Post by boelboel »

colinbartlett wrote: post #2

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

People buying stethoscopes tend to be reasonably affluent. Some of the pricier ones just look better and people usually buy them when you get into med school (at least this was the case for me), it's somewhat symbolic so why not splurge.

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

#28

Post by matheusmoreira »

brcmthrowaway wrote: post #6

Are sthethoscopes passive or active devices?

It's basically a tube that transmits sound waves from a diaphragm to your ears. Pretty much an extension of your own ears.

Nowadays they do make electronic models. Active enough, I suppose. Can even record sounds.

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

#29

Post by bsza »

xyzzy_plugh wrote: post #15
zabzonk wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

It definitely doesn’t help that prints from filament printers are very porous, 100% infill or not. Maybe sealing it with epoxy after printing would help?

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

#30

Post by matheusmoreira »

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.

The usual procedure is to wipe with 70% ethyl alcohol.
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