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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Littmann Stethoscopes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Littmann Stethoscopes
General FAQ about Littmann stethoscopes
I can't hear anything with my Littmann stethoscope. Is there something wrong with it?
If the acoustic performance is poor or you can't hear anything at all, visit our performance optimization page for tips on how to optimize the performance of your Littmann stethoscope.
Do 3M™ Littmann® stethoscopes contain latex?
No. Littmann stethoscopes use the latest generation of tubing that does not contain natural rubber latex or phthalate plasticizers.
Are there any Littmann stethoscopes that can be used during an MRI scan?
No. All of our stethoscopes contain metal.
What are the benefits of an adjustable diaphragm?
The adjustable diaphragm is a 3M invention that allows you to listen to high and low frequency sounds without having to remove the chestpiece from the patient, turn it over and then reattach it.
By changing the pressure on the patient, you can adjust an adjustable diaphragm so that you can hear either low frequency sounds or high frequency sounds. If you apply light pressure to the patient with an adjustable diaphragm, low frequency sounds will be transmitted. If you apply firm pressure when using the adjustable diaphragm, high frequency sounds will be amplified.
This saves you time and allows you to focus on your patient instead of having to think about whether to use the bell or the diaphragm side of your chestpiece.
Can I use the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Infant Stethoscope on newborns?
Yes. However, some neonatal specialists report that the diameters of the bell and diaphragm on this model are still too large for good skin contact on newborns. For this we offer a special stethoscope, the Neonatalit from Zellamed .
Can I have my stethoscope engraved?
Of course, we are happy to engrave your stethoscope. You can choose between engraving on the chestpiece or on the ear hook. You can choose “Arial” or “Lucida” as the font. Since we engrave in-house, we can ensure very short processing times.
If the acoustic performance is poor or you can't hear anything at all, visit our performance optimization page for tips on how to optimize the performance of your Littmann stethoscope.
Do 3M™ Littmann® stethoscopes contain latex?
No. Littmann stethoscopes use the latest generation of tubing that does not contain natural rubber latex or phthalate plasticizers.
Are there any Littmann stethoscopes that can be used during an MRI scan?
No. All of our stethoscopes contain metal.
What are the benefits of an adjustable diaphragm?
The adjustable diaphragm is a 3M invention that allows you to listen to high and low frequency sounds without having to remove the chestpiece from the patient, turn it over and then reattach it.
By changing the pressure on the patient, you can adjust an adjustable diaphragm so that you can hear either low frequency sounds or high frequency sounds. If you apply light pressure to the patient with an adjustable diaphragm, low frequency sounds will be transmitted. If you apply firm pressure when using the adjustable diaphragm, high frequency sounds will be amplified.
This saves you time and allows you to focus on your patient instead of having to think about whether to use the bell or the diaphragm side of your chestpiece.
Can I use the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Infant Stethoscope on newborns?
Yes. However, some neonatal specialists report that the diameters of the bell and diaphragm on this model are still too large for good skin contact on newborns. For this we offer a special stethoscope, the Neonatalit from Zellamed .
Can I have my stethoscope engraved?
Of course, we are happy to engrave your stethoscope. You can choose between engraving on the chestpiece or on the ear hook. You can choose “Arial” or “Lucida” as the font. Since we engrave in-house, we can ensure very short processing times.
cleaning and care
How should I regularly clean my mechanical or electronic stethoscope? Can I sterilize it?
3M recommends that you clean Littmann stethoscopes after each patient with a 70% isopropyl solution or an alcohol swab. Do not immerse your stethoscope in liquids or subject it to a sterilization process. For more information on cleaning electronic and mechanical stethoscopes, see the Cleaning and Care page in the My Stethoscope section.
Why does the tubing on my stethoscope become stiff and inflexible after a few years?
Most of the tubing on Littmann stethoscopes is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which hardens when it comes into contact with the lipids found on human skin over a long period of time. If you wear the stethoscope around your neck, we recommend placing it over the collar to avoid contact with your skin .
What replacement parts are available for your stethoscope through Littmann Service?
Visit the Replacement Parts | Accessories - page to find out what parts and accessories are available for your Littmann stethoscope. We are also happy to help you over the phone.
3M recommends that you clean Littmann stethoscopes after each patient with a 70% isopropyl solution or an alcohol swab. Do not immerse your stethoscope in liquids or subject it to a sterilization process. For more information on cleaning electronic and mechanical stethoscopes, see the Cleaning and Care page in the My Stethoscope section.
Why does the tubing on my stethoscope become stiff and inflexible after a few years?
Most of the tubing on Littmann stethoscopes is made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which hardens when it comes into contact with the lipids found on human skin over a long period of time. If you wear the stethoscope around your neck, we recommend placing it over the collar to avoid contact with your skin .
What replacement parts are available for your stethoscope through Littmann Service?
Visit the Replacement Parts | Accessories - page to find out what parts and accessories are available for your Littmann stethoscope. We are also happy to help you over the phone.