3M Littman classic III a decent stethoscope?

Published

Currently using the Ambient noise reducing stethoscope electronic 3100 and I dont really care for it too much, was going to switch to the one mentioned above... Do any of you use this stethoscope? How does it work for you?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

I have one and I like it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's a good scope. I recommend the Cardiology III but it comes with a hefty price.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As far as I'm concerned, the Littman Classic II S.E. ($70) and Classic III ($80) are a wash, and are just about all that a student or average nurse needs. However, if you're in an 'auscultation-heavy' field, you may want to upgrade to the Cardiology III ($150) series, though it's a bit bulky and I've heard it's not very good at detecting different bowel sounds.

Personally, I use a Littman II S.E. It gets the job done well, and if it grows legs and walks out on me, I'm not going to shed a tear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

what do you mean they are a wash?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
what do you mean they are a wash?

Almost undetectable difference in quality, hence the minimal difference in price.

I owned a Classic 3, lost it, bought a Classic 2, can barely tell the difference, other than the fact that the 3 is slightly curved.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I use my cardiology III for mostly subtle heart and lung sounds. I do listen to bowel sounds but I'm not skilled enough there to even know varying bowel sounds.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I have had a number of stethoscopes in my career.

Hands-down, for the price, the Master cardiology is the best bang for the buck.

Master Cardiology

It helps pick up all kinds of heart/lung/bowel sounds, etc and is crystal clear. I am no expert in adventitious sounds, but this one definitely noise-cancels better than any other steth I have had including the other Littmans mentioned here.

Like most things, a stethoscope is an investment. Well worth the extra money to get the best, for the durability and performance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Moved thread to AN's Nursing Scrubs / Uniforms / Gear forum --see previous threads.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have the Cardiology II for years and it's a great stethoscope. Going strong after all those years so it's paid itself off.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

My classic II SE but I preferred my cardiology III. I have a master cardiology but I don't like it as much as my cardiology III. I use my cardiology III and keep the master cardiology as a back up. We had a discussion at work and we think it is because I am just "in tune" with the cardiology III after using it so long that the master cardiology is just harder for me to hear from. My sister has my classic II and her fellow students love it because it's the green rainbow version.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.

What kind of nursing do you practice? Except for advanced practice nurses we generally assess but not necessarily diagnose and are not required to evaluate all the subtleties a specialist would need to know. Remember physicians are extremely quick to request emergency consults when faced with something outside their realm of expertise. We don't need the best whiz bang devices, we just need to know when to seek expert consultation. Yes the classic II is adequate, but so are many others. What I think you should do is figure out what it is about the 3100 you don't care for and what you are looking for in a stethoscope, then find what will work for you. The specs on a 3100 far outstrip the specs on a classic II.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion