Littman stethoscope?
i'm actually looking for a stethoscope for my boyfreind. it would be a gift so i want something that he's going to have for a while.. and he's also over seas so something that won't be that expensive even if it gets lost.. i was thinking of littman 3000 stethoscope.. anybody have had any good or bad experince with it?
please let me know.
thank you.
Answer:
Hi,
I am an RN, and have used Littman stethoscopes and like them a lot. I have not used this model.
I just looked up the 3000. It looks really nice.
I am a little old school, so am wondering if the use of a battery is really needed to amplify noise. It could be a little gimmicky. I think it would still work if the battery goes out, but not completely sure.
I do like the versatility for all types of patients. I am wondering, however, how it would work on all types if the battery goes out. Would it then be like an adult stethoscope only?
Medical professionals are busy, and although it takes 200 hours of use before the battery goes out, that would take a nurse 16 12-hour shifts before the battery goes out. It might be difficult to remember to replace it.
A couple of questions I would ask a dealer:
1. Does it automatically shut off or does it continuously run? I might be concerned if it continuously runs and doesn't shut off on its own...causes battery wear.
2. Does the diaphragm also serve as a bell (most cardiology stethoscopes have the bell built it, but would still ask)
3. How does it function when the battery goes out? Does it function like a regular adult stethoscope? I would be concerned if it didn't work without the battery--could be a patient safety issue.
Just want to make sure you have the "buyer beware" thought on new technology. While I am all for it, I think that knowing what you are getting into before you make such an important purchase. I think it might really help you.
I used the a Littman when I was on the fire department and it is probably the best brand out there. Not only will they replace it at no cost if something happens to it but you don't get the echo effect like you get with the cheaper brands.
I personally dont like the littman as well as i like the Ultrascope. I can hear anything. You can design it yourself just for him. Go to ultrascpoe.com they are great I love mine.
I use a Litttmann Cardiology III. It's the second stethoscope I've had, but compared to the one before the sound is significantly superior. The Cardiology III is mid - high priced though, but when you open the box, you'll find a place for an adhesive name placard that you can get engraved.
People at work (RNs, RTs, and MDs) have all asked to 'borrow my tubes' and have taken the time to say they really like how it fits and sounds.
A stethoscope is an important investment for a health care professional. Less expensive ones won't be covered by a warranty like Littmann's. As an added benefit, LIttmann reps visit hospitals and clinics (usually once a year) to replace parts like O-rings for the diaphragm and bell and ear pieces.
I'm really happy with mine!
My stethoscope is a two tube model with no brand name that sells for about $30. The style I use actually picks-up breath sounds better than a Littman would. My mom has a Littman and an inexpensive stethoscope like mine. She uses her inexpensive model at work so that she can actually hear what's going on in her patients.
There are lots of varieties of inexpensive twin tube scopes available at the uniform store. They are around $30 and the stores usually stock accessories like little LED lights or tube covers. It wouldn't be an expensive gift, but it would be extremely useful and last for a long time.
It is used by doctors. Its great.
Unless you are a cardiologist, pediatrician or geriatric specialist, it is highly unlikely that you would ever benefit from having more than a basic, solid stethoscope. A high-end stethoscope still requires a highly trained ear and an in-depth understanding of cardiac physiology and pathology to detect obscure sounds--an internist or family practitioner are unlikely to detect anything other than obvious problems even with a great stethoscope. That being said, I would not recommend spending more than $100-$200 on a stethoscope.
On the other hand, if he is a medical student or a resident physician, it may make sense to get a better one because they are trying to obtain as much experience as possible in a short period of time, so they might actually get some benefit from a high-end stethoscope, especially if they are thinking of going into one of those specialities that will need it later.
The medicine and health information post by website user , ByeDR.com not guarantee correctness , is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
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