# How not to lose your stethoscope

**Lost stethoscopes are terrible**

Lost stethoscopes are a common problem for healthcare professionals, and they can be inconvenient and embarrassing to be without one. Not only do we rely on our stethoscopes as a tool in our everyday practice, but they often hold sentimental value as well. For example, I personally received my first stethoscope as a going away present from close friends, and losing it would not only be frustrating, but it would also be emotionally difficult. As a medical student, it is especially embarrassing to be without a stethoscope during rounds, as the consultant is always testing us. Losing a stethoscope can also be frustrating for nurses, who may have to interrupt their work to borrow one from a colleague.

**Ways I tried**
There are various ways to try to prevent stethoscopes from being lost, such as using a name tag or a belt clip. For example, I have tried attaching a Littman name tag to my stethoscope and even had it engraved on the diaphragm. While these methods can be helpful, they are not always effective. For one thing, the small size of the engraving on the diaphragm may not be noticeable to others, and stethoscope Littmann name tags are used by many healthcare professionals, so it can be hard to distinguish one stethoscope from another. Additionally, using a belt clip can be inconvenient, as it can be easy to forget to attach the stethoscope before leaving a room.

**Bluetooth Trackers**
Bluetooth trackers, such as the Tile and the AirTag, offer a solution to the problem of lost stethoscopes. These devices allow you to track the location of your stethoscope using a smartphone app. For example, when the Tile first came out, I realized that it could be a useful tool for finding my stethoscope. However, I found that it was somewhat inconvenient to use, as it had to be zip tied to the stethoscope, which made it awkward to use when auscultating the back. The AirTag is a better option for me, as it is compatible with my iPhone and does not have to be attached to the stethoscope in an obvious way. However, it should be noted that Bluetooth trackers are not foolproof, and they may not always be able to pinpoint the exact location of a lost stethoscope. They can provide the last known location, which can be helpful in the search, but they may not always be able to detect a stethoscope that is outside of their range.

**Using AirTag helps**
The [AirTag stethoscope name tag](https://www.stethoscopetags.com/) offers a unique solution to the problem of lost stethoscopes. It combines the benefits of a Bluetooth tracker with a large, visible name tag, making it easier to locate a lost stethoscope. The name tag, which is available in ultra-big font, is clearly visible, and it can be used to distinguish one stethoscope from another.

Additionally, the AirTag is hidden within the name tag, so it does not have to be attached to the stethoscope in an obvious way. This is a useful feature, as it allows the AirTag to be used without drawing attention to itself.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, lost stethoscopes are a common problem for healthcare professionals, and they can be inconvenient and embarrassing to be without one. While there are various ways to try to prevent stethoscopes from being lost, such as using a name tag or a belt clip, these methods are not always effective. Bluetooth trackers, such as the Tile and the AirTag, can help locate lost stethoscopes, but they are not foolproof. The AirTag stethoscope name tag offers a unique solution to the problem, combining the benefits of a Bluetooth tracker with a large, visible name tag. It is a useful tool for preventing the loss of stethoscopes in the healthcare setting.