Top 5 stethoscope accessories to prevent losing your stethoscope

Losing stethoscopes are so commonplace. At least for me.

This led me to the rabbit hole of looking for stethoscope accessories that can help prevent losing stethoscopes.

I found quite a few things that are quite useful that I have added to my arsenal so that I will always either know where my stethoscope is or at least keep it close by.

I hope what I have discussed today might also be helpful for you.

Top 5 stethoscope accessories to help prevent losing your stethoscope:

1) Having a stethoscope belt clip

Especially since Covid, some places have refrained people from putting their stethoscope around their necks. Stethoscope belt clips are quite common place. It often comes in leather or plastic.

2) Some prefer paracords?

like the belt clip, paracords offer an alternative to hanging your stethoscope on your belt/scrub pants.

3) Having a stethoscope tag

Whilst most would say that the laser engraving is enough and you don’t need a stethoscope tag, it’s often too small to see. More often than not, stethoscopes are left where they were last placed as most people assume that the owner would come back. For example, I’ve had my previous stethoscope left on the lunchroom table in a different ward for 3 months!

Having a stethoscope tag can help with identification of your stethoscope easily from far away and also prevent others from accidentally taking yours. Make sure you choose one that you are comfortable with. Some tags tend to flap around the tube and can be distracting. The stethoscope identification tag by Littmann fits most stethoscopes well. Anything with your name on a tag would help.

4) Something unique stethoscope accessories attached

Some healthcare professionals really love to put something decorative onto their stethoscope tube. Basically, by having something different, that makes your stethoscope easier to stand out. That prevents others from accidentally taking yours away. Especially since a majority of people have a similarly coloured stethoscope.

5) Adding a Bluetooth Tracker of some kind

Adding a bluetooth tracker onto your stethoscope helps locate it. All you need is a zip tie and a bluetooth tracker. Like the stethoscope tag, having a tile-zipped tie could be flapping around. That can unfortunately be slightly annoying. That is one of the reasons why we created a chipolo/Airtag compatible stethoscope name tag.

Now besides the benefits of having a bluetooth tracker, sometimes the question is…which one is the right one for you? Click on this article to explore your options.

BUT…Don’t forget there are things that should also be done to further prevent the loss of your stethoscope.

Other Tips that don’t really need additional money

Here are some tips that we thought might help prevent losing that stethoscope in the future, in the hospital/university setting:

1) Consider labelling your stethoscope with your name or initials by engraving. This can help to prevent someone from accidentally taking it, and can also help to identify it as your property if it is lost.

2) Consider attaching your stethoscope to your lab coat or scrubs with a lanyard or clip.

3) Alternatively, carrying a small bag for ward rounds for your stethoscope and pathology and radiology forms. This keeps your stethoscope within easy reach.

4) If you are not using your stethoscope for an extended period of time, consider storing it in a secure location, such as a locked cabinet or closet.

Hope some of these ideas for stethoscope accessories are useful to you. Alternatively, they also make amazing gifts whether it is to your loved one who also is a healthcare professional or your close friend. Please let us know if you thought of other alternatives.