How to Use a Sprague Rappaport

October 14, 2022

Are you wondering what all those additional pieces are with your Sprague Rappaport type stethoscope? BV Medical is here to explain each piece, so you are confident in using your Sprague Rappaport.

What is a Sprague Rappaport?

A Sprague Rappaport is a multi-functional stethoscope. You can change the chestpiece to be used for infant, pediatric, or adult use. These stethoscopes should come with additional pieces for you to switch out bells and diaphragms. Think of a Sprague Rappaport as an all-in-one stethoscope.

Sprague Rappaport Pieces

Sprague Rappaports will come with additional pieces for you to change out your chestpiece to be used for your intended use. Pieces include Infant Bell, Child Bell, Adult Bell, Child Diaphragm Replacement Cover, Adult Diaphragm Replacement Cover, and a Diaphragm Key. There will also be additional ear tips. Please note a Bell is recommended for lower frequency sounds, and a Diaphragm is recommended for higher frequency sounds.

Diaphragm Key. This will help you unscrew and remove the Diaphragms if needed.

Adult Diaphragm. Generally, this chestpiece is used to detect heart sounds of higher frequencies, diastolic and third heart sounds, as well as first and second heart sounds. The high pitched murmurs emitting from the heart are also detectable.

Pediatric Diaphragm. This is designed to hear infant heart sounds of high pitched nature.

Adult Bell. To pinpoint low and medium pitched sounds and murmurs.

Child Bell. Concentrates on narrow spots such as between the ribs or any other small places to detect low and medium pitched sounds or murmurs.

Infant Bell. Best suited for examination of infants and small children to detect low and medium pitched sound and murmurs.

To start switching out the pieces simply unscrew and screw on the new pieces turning left to loosen and right to tighten.

Chestpiece Combinations

Adult Diaphragm/Pediatric Diaphragm

Sprague Rappaports will often come in this setup. The bottom is the Adult Diaphragm and the top is the Pediatric Diaphragm. Recommended for high frequency detection for Adult and Pediatric patients.

Adult Diaphragm/Adult Bell

This setup is optimal for Adults to detect both low and high frequencies. Recommended for only Adult patients.

Pediatric Diaphragm/Child Bell

The bottom part is the Pediatric Diaphragm and the top is a Child Bell. This setup is recommended for child patients to detect both low and high frequencies.

Pediatric Diaphragm/Infant Bell

The bottom part is the Pediatric Diaphragm and the top is an Infant Bell. This setup is recommended for infant patients to detect both low and high frequencies.

If you have any questions or concerns then don't hesitate to email us at orders@bvmedical.com or call us at (888) 822-8293 to connect with one of our Customer Service Representatives. Where people can reach people.

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