Frequently Asked Questions About Littmann Stethoscopes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Warranty


2. Stethoscope Care

  • My stethoscope tubing picks up stains easily. How should I clean my stethoscope?
    Our stethoscopes can be cleaned with soap and water or with an isopropyl alcohol wipe. Another option is using a 2% bleach solution. However, the stethoscopes that contain red pigments in the tubing color (Burgundy, Pink, Plum, Peach, Raspberry, Orange, etc.) do experience slight discoloration after exposure to bleach. Therefore, only use the 2% bleach solution on non-red pigmented stethoscopes or where the aesthetic coloring of the tubing is not of importance. Due to the destructive nature of bleach, we recommend using a bleach solution on a limited basis and/or when necessary, otherwise, using isopropyl alcohol wipes or a disposable wipe with soap and water will suffice for routine cleaning. Visit our Stethoscope Care page for more information.
  • You can use the stethoscope packaging box to store your stethoscope. Many clinicians also opt to store theirs in a bag, briefcase or locker. We recommend storing it in a place away from extreme heat. Visit our Stethoscope Care page for more information.
  • The diaphragms should be cleaned between patients with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a disposable wipe with soap and water. If the diaphragm becomes damaged, it should be replaced. You can purchase authentic Littmann spare parts kits from our authorised distributors in New Zealand. Visit the Where to Buy page for details.
  • The tubing material may become hard when exposed to skin for long periods of time. We recommend wearing the stethoscope over a collared shirt or jacket away from direct contact with your skin. For more information, visit our Stethoscope Care page.
  • You can store your Littmann stethoscope in the packaging box that it came in. Place it in a natual position, inside a cool and dry cupboard, drawer or locker. For more information, visit our Stethoscope Care page.

3. Stethoscope Usage


4. Recommendations

4.1 Which stethoscope would you best recommend for:

  • Medical students and nursing students?
    If you will be performing physical assessments and monitoring, we recommend the Littmann Classic III stethoscope; if you will be performing detailed diagnostic auscultation, we recommend the Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope.
  • We would recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV stethoscope. The Cardiology IV stethoscope delivers outstanding acoustic performance, diagnostic versatility, and convenience for treating adult and pediatric patients. The pediatric side of the chestpiece can be converted to a traditional open bell by removing the tunable diaphragm and replacing it with the included nonchill bell sleeve.
  • If you will be performing limited physical assessments, we recommend our Littmann Classic III Stethoscope, if you will be performing detailed diagnostic auscultation, we recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope.
  • We recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope for animal care.
  • We would recommend our Littmann Classic III Stethoscope. If it is intended for long-term use, we would recommend our Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope.
  • The Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope due to its new and improved acoustics.
  • The Littmann Classic III Stethoscope or 3M™ Littmann® Master Classic II Stethoscope. They are both hard-working and dependable clinical tools for physical assessment and monitoring.
  • We would recommend the Littmann Classic III Stethoscope due to its versatility – large side for mom, pediatric side for fetal heart sounds.

5. Product Information

5.1 Features

5.2 Comparison

  • Is the Card IV superior to the Master Cardiology?
    Both the Cardiology IV and Master Cardiology™ stethoscopes have outstanding acoustics. The major difference is within the chestpiece functionality. The Cardiology IV stethoscope offers a pediatrics side which can be converted into a traditional bell, where the Master Cardiology™ stethoscope has a single sided chestpiece. It really depends on the patients you diagnose and your personal preference.
  • The Master Cardiology stethoscope is considered the top-of-the-line model for acoustic performance. However, the Cardiology IV stethoscope comes very close. The biggest difference lies with the chestpiece. The Master Cardiology stethoscope has a single-sided chestpiece for use on adults. Many cardiologists use this stethoscope.
    The Cardiology IV has a double-sided chestpiece (large side for adults and small side for pediatric or thin patients). A clinician that sees patients of all ages might prefer the Cardiology IV stethoscope because of that. Also, the pediatric side of its chestpiece converts to an open bell, so if you want the option of having an open bell, the Cardiology IV stethoscope is recommended.

6. My Personal Littmann

  • Where can I engrave my stethoscope chestpiece?
    Dealers offer their own engraving services so we recommend shopping around for the best price. Visit our Where to Buy page for a list of 3M™ Littmann® authorised distributors in Indonesia.
  • Littmann stethoscopes does not recommend the use of charms or decorative glitter or rhinestones on the tubing since their effect on acoustic performance is unknown and they may introduce extraneous noise due to rubbing on the sound tube. In addition, these types of decorations interfere with the proper cleaning of your stethoscope.
  • We do not provide special orders nor do we encourage our customers to attempt to customize their stethoscopes.

7. Stethoscope Replacement Parts


8. Where to Buy