Medical professionals around the world depend on the superior quality and value provided by 3M Littmann Stethoscopes. For generations, Littmann has been renowned as a leader in the stethoscope industry. Few medical professionals could imagine life without this valuable tool. Read the reviews below about the main Littmann models to help you make an educated decision about buying a stethoscope.
An Overview of 9 Littmann Stethoscope Models
While there are an array of 3M Littmann Stethoscopes on the market today, medical professionals often rely on 9 major models to examine pediatric and adult patients. These models all have superior acoustics with an anatomically designed headset and snap tight, soft-sealing ear-tips. They also have a convenient no-chill diaphragm and rim for patient comfort. The latex-free products and packaging are ideal for use on allergy-sensitive patients.
The Littmann Lightweight II SE Stethoscope is a diagnostic tool for blood pressure and limited physical assessment in adult patients. It has a lightweight and tunable diaphragm that make it a perfect choice for licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants and EMT/EMS as well as nursing students, medical assistants and licensed vocational nurses. The unique shape of the chest-piece makes it simple to navigate around bandages and blood pressure cuffs. All it takes to switch between bell and diaphragm modes is a simple pressure change on the chest-piece.
The Littmann Select Stethoscope offers a portable single-sided chest-piece for a budget-conscious price. The model has a variety of tubing colors to help medical professionals stay organized. It is a reliable diagnostic tool to check blood pressure and conduct limited physical assessments. Students and medical professionals rely on this stethoscope to identify, listen to and study body sounds for physical exams and diagnosis in adults. The stethoscope provides clear acoustics, tunable diaphragm technology and pocket portability.
The Littmann Classic II Stethoscope is designed to use on infant patients. It provides high acoustic sensitivity with a dual-sided chest-piece to capture high and low frequency sounds. This is possible through the 1 inch floating diaphragm and ¾ inch bell. Medical professionals and students use the stethoscope to identify, hear and study lung, heart and other body sounds in infant patients.
The Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope has a unique design meant especially for use on pediatric patients. A dual-sided chest-piece with superior acoustic sensitivity make it easier to hear high and low frequency sounds in all types of medical environments. The non-chill rim and diaphragm keeps pediatric patients more comfortable during examinations. Because the stethoscope is made with latex-free materials, it is suitable to use on patients with sensitivities or allergies.
The Littmann Classic II SE Stethoscope delivers superior acoustic sensitivity through the dual-sided chest-piece constructed of stainless steel. One side offers the traditional bell function while the other has an easily tunable diaphragm. The stethoscope conveniently comes with an extra pair of small ear-tips. Medical students and medical professionals both depend on this stethoscope to listen to and study body sounds for diagnosis and physical assessments.
The Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope provides versatile and reliable acoustic performance with a tunable diaphragm for convenience. The single-sided chest-piece is portable and convenient. This stethoscope is a preferred choice for students, doctors and nursing professionals who must listen to and assess various body sounds on-the-go in a variety of medical settings.
The Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope is one of the most recognized diagnostic tools in the industry. It has tunable diaphragms on both sides for the most versatility and convenience along with outstanding acoustic performance. There is a removable diaphragm on the small side the the stethoscope with a non-chill bell sleeve to convert to a traditional open bell to hear low frequencies. From cardiologists to pediatricians, medical professionals use this stethoscope to listen to and assess body sounds in patients of all ages.
The Littmann Cardiology STC Stethoscope has a creative design with an easy-to-grasp chest-piece that can be balanced and maneuvered between auscultation sites. Medical professionals appreciate high acoustic performance from the tunable diaphragm and the single-sided chest-piece. This portable stethoscope is primarily used to identify, listen to and study cardiac sounds in adult patients.
The Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope stands out due to exceptional craftsmanship including a hand-crafted stainless steel chest-piece. It also provides the best acoustic response in the Littmann Cardiology line. It has a tunable diaphragm and a pressure change is used to switch from bell to diaphragm modes for convenience. The stethoscope comes with both small and large ear-tips for comfort.
Tips for Choosing the Right Stethoscope
Littmann offers a wide variety of stethoscopes and it can be challenging to chose the right one. Consider a few simple tips while you shop around for the ideal stethoscope to suit your needs as a medical student or medical professional.
Quality Comes First
While price is often a consideration, it is crucial to select a high quality stethoscope. You need to accurately listen to, study and assess various body sounds including the heart and lungs. A top quality stethoscope offers a superior acoustic experience. You should be able to hear in noisy environments as well as quiet ones. Often medical professionals cannot choose where an exam will take place, especially in emergency situations. Be well-prepared with a quality stethoscope that makes it easy to hear no matter where you are conducted a physical analysis.
Consider Your Patients
Certain physicians are focused on treated particular patients. For example, a pediatrician takes care of infants and children. A cardiologist specializes in treating heart conditions. The stethoscope you choose should be created with your medical specialty in mind. There are stethoscopes specifically made to examine pediatric patients and adults with heart problems. Invest in a stethoscope with robust features to enhance your ability to help patients.
Size and Shape
Medical professionals might want a certain size, shape or color when they buy a stethoscope. Some prefer shorter or longer tubing. Others may want a stethoscope with bold red tubing so they can easily identify their own diagnostic tool. Stethoscopes come in various colors, shapes and sizes to suit almost any personal preference.
Portability
Medical professionals are often in a hurry. They work in a fast-paced environment and must be ready to see multiple patients. Portability is an essential feature to have in a stethoscope. Select a stethoscope with resilient tubing, such as the 3M Littmann Stethoscope. This makes it easy to fold the stethoscope and put it into a pocket without compromising its original shape and function.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Some patients are allergic to latex or have a sensitivity to this material. In certain situations, you might not be able to determine whether a patient has allergies. Using a stethoscope to analyze certain body sounds is one of the first steps taken. The stethoscope should be made with latex-free materials and come in latex-free packaging to accommodate patients with allergies. A non-chill diaphragm and rim is another way to ensure optimum comfort for your patients.
Price
If you are on a budget, price is also an important factor. The key element is to never compromise quality for price. Opt for a basic stethoscope from an industry leader such as 3M Littmann rather than a cheap stethoscope that will not deliver the level of performance you need. Ultimately, a cheap stethoscope is a waste of money because you will have to invest in another one to get the job done properly.