Healthcare

Littmann Stethoscope Buyer’s Guide: Part 2

Let’s say you need a stethoscope but you aren’t interested in a cardiology-grade scope. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for inferior quality or acoustics! 3M Littmann offers several models of Classic II and Select stethoscopes sure to meet your needs. Each stethoscope exemplifies the hallmark Littmann quality and attention to detail.

3M Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope

The Master Classic II gives you the best acoustics available without the price tag of a cardiology scope. The single-sided, ergonomic chestpiece is great for healthcare providers who spend considerable amounts of time using their stethoscopes and will appreciate the award winning, easy-to-hold design. Nurses and EMTs report that the Master Classic II fits more easily under blood pressure cuffs than other bulky, two-sided models. You will still be able to use the bell mode thanks to Littman’s tunable diaphragm. The Master Classic II comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope

The Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope will give you the greatest versatility when working with children. The child-sized bell and floating diaphragm on this dual-head scope will give you the highest acoustic sensitivity for listening to your smallest patients. The kid-friendly tubing colors guarantee that your pediatric patients will love your scope as much as you do! The Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

If you are looking for a traditional, dual-head scope, consider the Classic II S.E. Stethoscope for excellent acoustics and versatility. You can use the diaphragm on one side and the bell on the other side, or take advantage of the tunable diaphragm to switch between low- and high-frequency sounds without turning the chestpiece over. Three year manufacturer’s warranty.  The Classic II S.E.is a great choice for general practitioners, medical students, and nurses.

3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope

Don’t want a scope that will drag you down? The Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope is a great entry-level, lightweight scope with clear acoustics. Another plus is the unique chestpiece design that’s easier to orient around blood pressure cuffs and body curves. The chestpiece features a traditional bell on one side and a tunable diaphragm on the other. Two year manufacturer’s warranty.  The Lightweight II S.E. is ideal for nurses and EMTs doing basic auscultation who don’t want to invest in a more pricey scope that’s too heavy anyway.

3M Littmann Select Stethoscope

The Select Stethoscope may be Littmann’s most affordable scope, but it will still give you reliable acoustics. Designed for basic auscultation, the Select is a high-quality alternative to second-rate nursing and sprague scopes. The lightweight design and convenient single-sided chestpiece make this scope easy to use and carry, so it’s perfect for nurses, EMTs, and entry-level users. The tunable diaphragm gives you the versatility of both bell and diaphragm mode without the bulk of a dual-head scope. The Select comes with a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pondering Prices

The Classic II S.E. is priced somewhat lower than the Master Classic II and the Classic II Pediatric. For an even more affordable scope go with the Lightweight II S.E. or the Select.

How important is the price tag? You have to factor in how you will be using your scope and how long you expect it to last you. If you’re an EMT and you know there’s a fair chance your stethoscope will get lost during a rescue operation, consider buying one of the cheaper models that will still give you reliable acoustics. But don’t compromise your standards just to save a few dollars if you expect to hold on to your scope for years – the superior quality of the acoustics in the high performance stethoscopes will more than justify the initial investment.

If you’re looking for something more than a traditional acoustic stethoscope, don’t miss the final installment of the 3M Littmann Stethoscope Buyer’s Guide for a discussion of Littmann’s innovative electronic scopes. Read Part 1 of the Buyer’s Guide to learn about the cardiology scopes. Share your own tips with other buyers by leaving a comment about your experience choosing a stethoscope.

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