This review will focus on a model that is popular with most healthcare workers. It’s is a model that clinicians globally identify with as it has been around for a long time. We’re going to discuss the most controversial things about it, point out features that uniquely identify it and why you should consider buying one.
As you already know, a stethoscope is a must-have tool for medical practitioners. It is the first tool that helps in patient assessment, especially listening to internal sounds like heart beat. Though recent developments have seen the evolution of an electronic version of the stethoscope, traditional versions have never run out of popularity and are still a number one preference for medics.
Why Medical Professionals Need Stethoscopes
Medical personnel need stethoscopes for various activities. Some of these include:
- Blood pressure Monitoring
Stethoscopes are used to monitor a patient’s blood pressure. Usually, the clinician will place the flat end (diaphragm) below the patients cuff to listen to how blood is pumping through their veins. This will help to determine the patients’s blood pressure rate.
- Determining heartbeat count
Sometimes, there is need to assess how fast a patient’s heart is beating. Heartbeat sounds are impossible to hear analytically by the normal ear. Irregular sounds from the heart, even smallest of murmurs, are magnified when a good quality stethoscope is used.
- Lung assessment
Sometimes doctors need to study the lungs for abnormal breathing or presence of moisture and other liquids. During the cold seasons especially, colds often cause the sinus to drain fluids, which can cause congestion in the lungs.
- Stomach assessment
Some medics will use a stethoscope to listening to sounds emanating from the intestines.
A good quality stethoscope is highly sensitive. The 3M Littmann Cardiology III model has been praised for this. Some medics even profess to being able to listen to sounds even in the presence of clothing using the stethoscope.
Despite the numerous applications of the stethoscope, it can present risks for both you and your patient. Incorrect diagnosis has often occurred when sounds were misinterpreted. Therefore, you should first master all body sounds so that you can take full advantage of this tool when it magnifies those same sounds.
The Littmann stethoscopes are the best stethoscopes for doctors, nurses and students. Although somewhat highly priced, this brand will help you make the correct diagnosis. The Littmann Cardiology III can magnify sounds up to five times five. This has made it popular with spies and exterminators.
Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope Review
Features of the 3M Littmann Stethoscope
- Adaptable tubing
Littmann Cardiology III Pink
The tubes of the stethoscope have a dual lumen. This not only eliminates disturbance from noise but also assures durability.
- Latex-free
Parts of the stethoscope are made of natural rubber with no traces of phthalate plasticizers. Latex sensitive clinicians can safely use this Littmann stethoscope.
- Adjustable diaphragm
The diaphragm (part of the device used to determine change in pressure) has been patented. The diaphragm allows you to fine-tune pressure to enhance sound frequency.
- Perfect-fit headsets
While headset tubes for other steths carelessly fall off during patient assessment, his model has an anatomical design that perfectly align to your ear canal making an excellent fit in the ears.
- Dual-sided chest piece
This stethoscope is highly rated by healthcare workers in the cardiology department because of the dual-sided chestpiece. When using the stethoscope, you can alternate the chestpiece side to use depending on the age of the patients. This will ensure your patients are comfortable during body sound assessment.
- Versatility
The dual-side chest piece allows you to convert the Littmann Cardiology III stethoscope when needed for pediatric use. All you need to do to hear low frequency sounds is to open its bell. The stethoscope also has non-chill rims that ensure patients are comfortable.
- Ideal for every clinician
Whereas the stethoscope has been designed for healthcare practitioners in the cardiology department, its features make it perfect for any medical professional.
The steth can be used on both pediatric and adult patients, thanks to the dual-side chestpiece make. You will therefore not need to purchase a different steth to listen to the more faint sounds of children bodies.
The capability of the steth to fine-tune pressure makes it ideal even for medics working in emergency environments. Whether the vicinity is extremely noisy or uncomfortably crowded, you will have no cause of worry.
The dual lumen design ensures that the rubbing of external tubes and external noise do not hinder your assessment.
Disadvantages of the Littmann Cardiology III
The Littmann Cardiology III design has its limitations. Here is a round-up of some of its downsides.
- Purchase price
Although invaluable in functionality, the cost of this model can be a put off. If you had a budget of less than 100$, it may be impossible to own one of these unless you purchase it when there is a 75% off sales offer. The current price of the stethoscope at Amazon is [amazon_link asins=’B004QEZ2U4′ template=’PriceLink’ store=’steth09-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’d9b606c3-4fa6-11e7-b119-859fe124d471′].
The size and the color of the tube will determine the price of the stethoscope you would like to buy.
- Imitation
The many advantages of this model have led to an influx of copycat versions. You should therefore check the qualities thoroughly when buying this product. The better option however is to buy from an authorized dealer or at Amazon.
Conclusion
The 3m Littmann III stethoscope is a great investment for any medic, especially the ones in emergency situations or cardiology unit. This model not only comes in different colors but also sizes. Most clinicians prefer the shorter versions as they claim it makes a difference in their hearing ability, makes the lung and heart sounds more accurate. However, it’s up to you to decide which stethoscope to go for.
It’s advisable purchase this item from an authorized dealer or at Amazon, regardless of your preferred length. Ensure the dealer offer great customer support so you can get your money’s worth.
All in all, we recommend the 3m Littmann III stethoscope for medical practitioners, nurses and even students who are willing to make a great investment.
