Caution - Follow Directions for Use
Electrical Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions When Recording Patients
Audio Playback of Recorded Sounds
Misuse of this product could result in damage to the product, malfunction of the product, or compromise performance.
• Use only AAA Alkaline batteries. The ds32a will not function if battery voltage is depleted. Use fresh batteries, and replace
when indicated.
• Do not sterilize this device, or immerse it in liquids. Clean using alcohol swabs or non-abrasive cloth lightly dampened with
alcohol or water.
• Avoid use/storage in very high humidity, high temperature or dusty conditions. Leaving the device in excessively hot or cold
vehicles is NOT recommended.
• Do not attempt to modify or repair this device yourself. If you experience problems, send this device to Thinklabs for repair. See
the Support page at http://www.thinklabsmedical.com
• The Thinklabs Rhythm stethoscope has been tested to be resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI & ESD). However, it
may be susceptible to stray electromagnetic fi elds. If unexpected sounds are heard, change location, or move away from
possible sources of interference, such as cellular telephones or wireless devices.
• At the conclusion of the ds32a useful life, dispose/recycle in accordance with local regulations.
Read these safety precautions before using your stethoscope with accessory audio cables. The Thinklabs ds32 and ds32a
Digital Stethoscopes include an Audio Output for recording patient sounds. This can be used for education, electronic medical
records, email or telemedicine, using cables supplied with your stethoscope or available from Thinklabs.
Record only on equipment which is “floating” i.e. operating on battery power and not connected to any other equipment. The
following equipment connections meet these criteria:
•Stethoscope connected to a portable mp3 recorder such as an iPod, Sony, Olympus or other handheld recorder as long as
the recorder is NOT simultaneously connected to other equipment. Recording attachments that connect to an iPod are
permissible since they are powered by the iPod.
•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer, as long as the computer is being powered by its internal batteries, and is
not connected to any other equipment except devices powered by the notebook computer, such as a mouse.
The following recording setups would NOT be safe and may NOT be used:
•Stethoscope connected to an mp3 recorder which is simultaneously being charged in a cradle or is connected via USB or
other interface to a mains-powered computer.
•Stethoscope connected to a desktop computer while the stethoscope is applied to patients for recording.
•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer connected to mains power, such as during charging. (Even if the batteries
are charged, the notebook computer must be “floating”).
•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer which is in turn connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) or other wired
connection to provide, for example, internet service. The LAN is probably grounded to the mains power grid, and is thereby
grounding the notebook computer.
•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer which is in turn connected to an external disk drive which is main-powered,
a display monitor, etc. Again, the peripheral equipment is not “floating” and therefore the notebook computer is grounded.
IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT WHATSOEVER ABOUT THE SAFETY OF YOUR RECORDING
ARRANGEMENT, PLEASE CONTACT THINKLABS IN WRITING VIA EMAIL FOR
CONSULTATION.
The Audio connection on the ds32 and ds32a is bi-directional, allowing the same connection to be used for listening to
recorded sounds. The benefit of using the stethoscope for listening is that the headphones are designed specifically for
listening to auscultatory sounds.
When using the stethoscope for playback, you may connect the stethoscope to any headphone output, including mains powered
equipment i.e. safety precautions apply only to recording or listening to patients, when the device is being used as a
stethoscope.
When in patient contact, DO NOT CONNECT the Stethoscope to
ANY Equipment which is MAINS-POWERED.
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