With a range of medical supplies available on the market today, stethoscopes, although considered basic, are crucial. Stethoscopes are important for listening to heart rate and recording blood pressures, and are used in basic vital signs of any and every patient. The first priority of every first responder is airway, breathing, and circulation. Stethoscopes are the keys needed when determining lifesaving assessments. The decisions for buying stethoscopes are critical since paramedics are using them in noisy environments where hearing and differentiating sounds can be difficult, and breath sounds are important no matter who is taking them or wearing maternity scrubs. An excellent choice is the Welch Allyn Harvey DLX stethoscope. Enclosed are some features to look for in a stethoscope, and where the Harvey DLX ranks in each category.

1. Tubing Design
There are two basic designs for tubing that go from the chest piece of the stethoscope to the ear pieces. The original design uses two separate tubes, which is known as a Sprague design. The two tubes offer excellent hearing, compared to a single tube. However, one significant problem is that the tubes often rub together and create more noise — or artifact — that can compromise what the paramedic is listening for. The Harvey DLX stethoscope features dual bore tubing, but the Welch Allyn brand name ensures that artifact has no presence in this superior stethoscope.

Another style uses a single tube, rather than the dual tubes. These were designed to help eliminate some of the artifact. These models vary greatly in quality — lower quality models have narrow tubing that can make it difficult for the transmission of sounds. Lower end models are often found in clinics where they are used for taking blood pressures.

Bilumen tubing incorporates the best of both worlds. It uses a single tube that has a split lumen which goes to each earpiece. Basically, it has two tubes inside a single tube. This offers improved hearing without the artifact. The bilumen models often offer better sound quality and decreased artifact.

2. Chest piece design
There are two different designs for the chest piece of a stethoscope — combination or single design.

The combination chest piece has two heads that can be rotated to select from either a diaphragm or a bell. The diaphragm is used to listen to high frequency sounds, while the bell side is used to hear lower frequencies. This is the technology used in the Harvey DLX stethoscope. It is simple to use, eliminating the margin of error.

The single head chest piece uses a unique design. To hear low frequency sounds, one rests the chest piece in place with light pressure. To hear high frequency sounds, one applies firm fingertip pressure on the chest piece. This pressure alters the frequency response by changing the contact points. There are some newly designed single head chest pieces that use a lightweight acrylic design. This is intended to increase the amplification significantly, but some complain that it is difficult to find the exact right pressure.

3. Test run
Before you purchase stethoscopes, or any medical equipment for your organization, get input from your colleagues. Have them test various models on the market to determine what they feel works best in their working environment.

If you expect your paramedics to be able to differentiate lung and heart sounds in the back of an ambulance, you need to purchase a good quality stethoscope. It is one of the essential tools needed to provide the best level of patient care. Their input is valuable and it offers them ownership in the decision process.

To sum it all up, the Welch Allyn Harvey DLX Double-head Stethoscope is the easiest-to-hear and most accurate heart sounds of any stethoscope on the market today. The stethoscope is optimized for listening to higher frequency and critically important heart sounds like murmurs, clicks, and ejection sounds. It provides clear transmission of the first and second heart sounds, and has ideally sized bell bridges that fit in the intercostal space between the ribs. The tightly constrained diaphragm provides superior response at targeted frequencies. The stethoscope also features an additional corrugated diaphragm for detecting mid-range and lower frequencies.

Dangerous heart defects are usually about the last thing on a new parent’s mind when they are bringing their newborn home from the hospital. As long as the baby looks healthy, they are only too happy to check out of the hospital and bring their new bundle of joy home. However, critical congenital heart defects (CHD) that are not diagnosed soon after birth can cause serious problems after babies go home – even death. And heart problems are not as rare as most people think. Heart defects are one of the most common types of birth defects, and about 1 out of every 125 babies is born with a congenital heart defect.

Fortunately, many heart defects are treatable and babies born with these heart defects can go on to lead active, productive lives. But a baby can’t receive treatment unless someone realizes there is a heart defect present. It is estimated that hundreds of American babies die each year because they were born with heart defects that were treatable, but unfortunately were not detected in time. When a newborn is seen by a pediatrician before being discharged from the hospital, the doctor will listen to the baby’s heart with a stethoscope to make sure the heart sounds like it is working properly. This method can pick up on some heart defects, but unfortunately it does not pick up on everything. Babies need further evaluation to detect the presence of other types of heart defects. However, additional screening for heart defects is not usually done in most hospitals.

Why aren’t all babies being screened for heart defects so they can receive the appropriate treatment? You might think it is difficult or expensive to screen newborns for heart defects, which explains why it is not being done in most cases. But the truth is, screening newborns for heart defects is fast, easy, cheap, non-invasive, and only requires standard equipment that is already available in every hospital!

All it takes to detect many of these heart defects is to use pulse oximetry to measure the amount of oxygen in the baby’s blood. A pulse oximeter is a small monitor that can be strapped to a newborn’s foot and beam light through the foot to determine the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. It doesn’t hurt the baby, and it only takes about a minute. Pulse oximeters are essential pieces of medical equipment that are used regularly to monitor patients. New advancements in pulse oximetry technology have lead to even more accurate and easy to use monitors, like the Nellcor N-65 OxiMax Pulse Oximeter. The Nellcor N65 is a convenient handheld device that can monitor oxygen saturation and pulse rates. It uses the latest digital signal processing technology to provide more accurate readings over a wider range of measurements, and it’s even resistant to signal interference. If hospitals were to use pulse oximeters like the Nellcor N65 to screen newborns for heart defects, they would be assured of the most reliable results, and the testing itself would be fast and simple to perform.

Research studies have proven that pulse oximetry is an effective way to catch most congenital heart defects. On July 6, 2009, the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics released a statement reviewing the current research. They conclude that using it to screen newborns is effective, low-cost, and safe. Based on their conclusion it seems obvious that pulse oximetry is something that should be recommended for all newborns, but these organizations stop short of actually saying pulse oximetry should be used to screen all babies. Instead, they recommend more research before they will decide whether this should become standard of care.

However, as Dr. Darshak Sanghavi, a pediatric cardiologist, explains in a New York Times blog, parents don’t have to wait for this life-saving test to be accepted as the standard. Parents can simply ask a nurse or doctor to use pulse oximetry to screen their newborn for heart defects before leaving the hospital. The ideal time to use pulse oximetry is after 24 hours of life but before being discharged from the hospital. The test should not cost anything since the hospital already has the equipment.
What parent wouldn’t want the assurance of this simple test?

You may have never heard of Charles Chamberland, but chances are you’ve benefitted from the invention credited to this seventeenth century French microbiologist. The autoclave is essentially a specialized steam cooker used to sterilize equipment. Surprisingly, the autoclave shows up in more places than you’d think, and is essential for ensuring patient safety in many situations.

Picture this- you’re sitting in the doctor’s office, dentist’s chair, or even a tattoo parlor.  As they approach you with a sharp-looking metal instrument, you nervously wonder how clean this instrument really is. Sure, it looks clean, but what if there’s some nasty germ that got on the equipment from the last person it was used on? Is soap and water enough to ensure your safety?

You’re right to wonder, but thanks to the autoclave, you’re probably safe (as long as the equipment was sterilized correctly, of course). Physicians, dentists, tattoo artists and others use autoclaves to kill any bacteria, viruses, or fungi that may be present on instruments.  The autoclave uses steam, intense heat and high pressure to sterilize items. Autoclaves, or sterilizers as they are sometimes called, come in a range of types and sizes to meet the needs of different settings.

Autoclave Types

Stove Top Autoclave

The simplest autoclave is a stove-top model. It looks like a large pot with a bolt down lid and a pressure gauge. As the name implies, the stove top autoclave requires an external source of heat. While this is the most affordable type of autoclave sterilizer, the stove top autoclave is both inconvenient and very dangerous if not used correctly.

Front Loading Autoclave

Front loading autoclaves are more popular than stove top models because they are easier and safer to use. (However, they are also potentially dangerous and must be used with caution.) These self contained units include a heat source and they allow the user to set controls to the desired temperature and cycle length. Smaller counter top sterilizers are convenient for medical and dental offices or tattoo parlors. Larger installed units are generally found in hospitals, laboratories, and other facilities that regularly need to sterilize a large volume of items.

Both manual and automatic front loading autoclaves are available. Manual sterilizers generally have dials on the control panel that allow users to set temperature and cycle time. Choosing a manual front loading autoclave is a great option for small medical practices or other offices that need effective sterilization at an affordable price.

Automatic autoclaves may be a little more pricy, but they offer the maximum convenience for sterilizing equipment. Users can select pre-programmed cycles or enter their own specifications. With an automatic sterilizer, the user can push one button and have the unit sterilize and dry a load without any further human input. Some automatic autoclaves even open their doors by themselves to allow heat and steam to vent after sterilization.

Autoclave Effectiveness

Autoclaves are very successful at killing germs like bacteria, fungi, and viruses. In fact, autoclaving is the standard method for sterilizing non-disposable medical equipment in order to ensure patient safety.

However, in very rare situations an autoclave may not be enough. Sterilization alone is not effective against prions that cause Mad Cow Disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that contaminated equipment should also be immersed in Enzol Enzymatic Detergen during the sterilization cycle for in order to destroy the prions. Also, a microbe called “Strain 121” can actually survive the very high temperatures in a sterilizer. Not that Strain 121 poses a threat to anyone’s health- this microbe was discovered living in thermal vents deep under the ocean. Still, it illustrates that sterilization is not perfect.

A more common problem with autoclave sterilization occurs when something goes wrong with the cycle and the proper temperature and pressure is not maintained for long enough to kill all pathogens. Several quality control methods have been developed to ensure that the sterilization was effective. Autoclave tape and some medical packaging contain chemical indicators that change color when the necessary autoclave conditions are reached. Biological indicators (“spore tests”) use spores to also create a color change and are more reliable than the chemical indicators. Physical indicators contain an alloy that melts when the autoclave cycle has run properly.

To keep an autoclave working properly, it should have maintenance performed ever six months. A spore test or biological indicator should be run at regular intervals, and autoclave tape or bags with indicator dye should be used with every load. The owner’s manual of an autoclave will also describe daily and weekly maintenance needed for optimum performance.

Bag instruments to be autoclaved that will not be used immediately. This will keep instruments sterile after they are removed from the autoclave until they are ready to be used.

When used properly, autoclaves are an effective and essential way to sterilize equipment and instruments. The steam sterilization used by autoclaves is non-toxic, low cost, and reliable. Autoclaves have greatly contributed to patient and consumer safety in doctor’s offices, hospitals, dentists’ offices, and tattoo parlors.

The unit itself is made of a soft material which still has firmness to it but allows for some flexibility in order to get it into position to apply it. Contained within the material are a series of wooden slats which help to perform the rigidity of the ked board. It consists of a head piece which also has a hard collar for the cervical section of the neck which stops the movement of the cervical spine.

It then has some straps attached to it so the unit can be locked firmly in place to prevent movement. It comes with a cushion that is placed behind the head and then has handles on either side in order to be able to lift the patient.

in order to get the most benefit of the ked extrication device, proper use and application is critical. To begin with training should be carried out in the proper use of the ked board and it also requires good teamwork to get the most benefit from it.

Individuals that are taking part in applying the ked extrication board to a patient should know what their specific job is. Usually the perfect scenario is to have 5 individuals plus a doctor or paramedic that is in charge. It must be remembered that before the ked device can be used the patient must be stabilized first.

When the ked is prepared and ready to use it is placed between the seat and the victim, and the cervical spine must be kept rigid while this is taken place. The ked board has to be completely and correctly lined up so that the wings of the ked are where they should be under the armpits and lined up with the torso. In order to do this this means leaning the patient forward slightly again though the spine must be kept rigid. All of this must take place by doing only one movement forward. Once this is done then the straps are fastened securely and in proper order. Most often the most senior personnel on the scene will determine if and when the ked extrication device is to be used.

Cryosurgery

Skin lesions like warts can be unattractive, uncomfortable, and sometimes even painful. Cryosurgery is an effective treatment method that uses extremely cold temperatures to destroy the tissue. Specifically, when the temperature drops low enough, ice crystals actually form inside the skin cells and cause necrosis, or cell death.

Cryosurgery, which is also referred to as cryotherapy, is often a better option than other treatment methods because it is less invasive than scalpel surgery or electrocautery. Compared with other methods of removing skin lesions, cryosurgery causes less pain and scarring. It’s also an affordable procedure that is relatively safe and simple for qualified physicians to perform. Many specialists perform cryosurgery, including dermatologists, gynecologists, and urologists. Pediatricians, general practitioners, and family physicians can also safely use cryotherapy to treat common skin lesions.

Cryosurgery Options:

Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen is the most common method of cryotherapy used by doctors. It can be used to treat more skin lesions than the other methods, including cancerous lesions. The liquid nitrogen is kept in a dewar flask and applied using cryospray or a cryoprobe. This method provides an extremely cold temperature (-196°C, which in Fahrenheit is equivalent to the hard to imagine temperature of -320.8°F). Liquid nitrogen is very effective at treating skin lesions; however, the super cold temperatures can also cause unintended side effects, like damage to healthy skin. When liquid nitrogen is applied with a swab, the temperature is about -20°C.

Although liquid nitrogen works well for cryosurgery, it can present logistic problems. Large equipment and a significant investment are required to begin offering liquid nitrogen treatments. The shelf life of a typical dewar is only about 3-6 weeks, which means that physicians have to pay to buy more liquid nitrogen even if they hardly used it. Especially for doctors who are not performing cryosurgery frequently, liquid nitrogen can be too expensive. Additionally, standard dewars are not portable (spray devices are portable). Liquid nitrogen must also be shipped through a special delivery from a local gas company.

Verruca-Freeze

Verruca-Freeze is the coldest portable cryosurgery unit available. Although nowhere near as cold as liquid nitrogen, Verruca Freeze has an effective temperature of up to -70°C, which is well below the -20°C to -30°C threshold needed to destroy most benign skin lesions.

Verruca-Freeze is convenient because it is portable, easy to apply, and has an impressively long shelf life of over five years! Treating skin lesions with this cryosurgery system is bloodless, odorless, and self-anesthetizing. 21 different benign skin lesions can be effectively removed with this treatment. In fact, Verruca-Freeze has a success rate of 91.3% on the first application, and 100% on the second.

Verruca-Freeze can be applied with CryoCones or CryoBuds, and the whole procedure takes only two to three minutes. In addition, the formula (which contains trifluoroethane, pentafluoroethane, and tetrafluoroethane) is non-flammable, environmentally safe, and will not incur any hazmat fees.

Histofreezer

The Histofreezer^® Portable Cryosurgical System has been proven effective by 19 years of widespread use. It is clinically proven to produce results that are comparable to liquid nitrogen, but with less scarring and blistering. This portable system is also more convenient to use than liquid nitrogen, and has a much lower cost-per-application.

Histofreezer can be used on the 9 most common benign skin lesions. The effective temperature is -55°C, which is cold enough to destroy unwanted tissue quickly and efficiently. Use Histofreezer for a high average skin lesion resolution rate of 93.4% (actual resolution rate varies from 100% to 86% depending on the type of lesion; resolution rate is based on application of Histofreezer with post-treatment of 27% salicylic acid/17% lactic acid).

The Histofreezer solution is made of 95% dimethyl ether, 2% propane, and 3% isobutene. It is environmentally friendly and contains no CFCs. However, it is flammable, and H-60 and H-505 are subject to hazmat fees. The shelf life is two to three years, which is a significant improvement over liquid nitrogen.

Like sundials and typewriters, the acoustic stethoscope has finally met its electronic match. While some gadget lovers have embraced the new electronic models, more “old school” types have shunned the electronic scopes and clung more tightly to their well-worn acoustic ones.

Is change always good? Who really needs an electronic stethoscope?

If all you need is a pulse and heartbeat, by all means, don’t trade in your traditional scope. But the electronic stethoscopes offer clear advantages for clinicians who need excellent acoustics. In cardiology or other diagnostic settings, you can’t afford to risk the harm to your patient’s health, and the damage to your practice, from misdiagnosing a condition. Electronic stethoscopes help clinicians correctly identify difficult-to-hear heart sounds, like S3 gallops, aortic regurgitation murmurs, and abnormal lung sounds.

Respiratory specialists, EMTs, and nurses in demanding situations would benefit greatly from electronic stethoscopes as well. With amplification and background noise reduction, these stethoscopes offer sound quality far beyond traditional acoustic scopes. Medical students looking for an extra edge will also benefit from an electronic stethoscope, which will serve them well throughout any rotation and into the beginning of their careers. Electronic stethoscopes are particularly vital for any clinicians who are hard of hearing.

3M Littmann offers four electronic stethoscopes with a range of features, and a range of prices, to suit your needs. All electronic stethoscope models come with a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3000

The Model 3000 is Littmann’s most basic (and affordable) electronic stethoscope- but it’s still one impressive scope! With 18 times the amplification of high-end cardiology scopes, you will hear heart and lung sounds as never before. Innovative Ambient Noise Reduction (ANR) technology reduces background noise by up to 75% using acoustic canceling, so the sounds you need to hear are still crystal clear.

It won’t take long before you are just as comfortable with the Model 3000 as you were with your old traditional scope. The chestpiece features a one-button, ergonomic control for changing the volume and frequency mode. Traditional cardiology tubing means that your scope folds up and slips into pockets as easily as any acoustic stethoscope. A single AAA battery will power your stethoscope for approximately six months (200 hours), and a low-battery warning will alert you when it is time to replace the battery.

The enhanced sound quality of this electronic stethoscope is invaluable when listening to faint body sounds, when a patient is obese, or when the health care provider has limited hearing.

3M Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3100

In the Model 3100, 3M Littmann took the design of the earlier Model 3000 and improved it with enhanced sound quality, ease of use, and functionality. This electronic scope offers 24 times the amplification of high quality acoustic stethoscopes, and Ambient Noise Reduction reduces background noise by an impressive 85%. Frictional Noise Reduction technology is an added plus that minimizes distracting handling noises.

The Model 3100 surpasses the 3000 with its detailed, yet simple interface. An unobtrusive LCD screen displays the patient’s heart rate, current settings and the remaining battery life. You can navigate the menu or switch frequencies from bell to diaphragm mode with the touch of a button. Your electronic stethoscope will be ready as soon as you are thanks to instant-on technology. Even with all these advanced features, The Model 3100 only weighs about as much as a cardiology-grade stethoscope, so it’s easy to carry and wear. The Littmann Model 3100 has a rugged design intended to last for years.

This scope is ideal for practitioners who want exceptionally clear body sounds with a life-like auscultation experience similar to using a Littmann cardiology stethoscope. The moderate difference in price between the 3100 and the 3000 is more than offset by the enhanced sound quality and ease of use.

3M Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200

The Model 3200 combines the exceptional sound quality and ease of use of the Model 3100 with advanced capabilities that allow you to record, save, send, and analyze body sounds.  Similar to the 3100, this electronic scope features 24x amplification and Ambient Noise Reduction of 85%, in addition to Frictional Noise Reduction.  The Model 3200 is also surprisingly simple to use. It has instant-on technology and only weighs as much as a cardiology-grade scope. The Littmann Model 3200 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.

The difference between the 3100 and the 3200 lies not in the interface or crystal clear sounds themselves, but in what you can do with the body sounds. The Model 3200 has the capability to record, save and play back body sounds, which gives you the option of sharing them with a colleague or reviewing them when writing up patient charts. A built-in Bluetooth connection allows you to transmit sounds to your PC in real-time. Zargis® StethAssist™ software, included free with every Model 3200, can visualize body sounds or play them back at reduced speeds. You can also purchase the Zargis® Cardioscan™ Heart Murmur Detection Software which helps physicians analyze cardiac sounds to identify and classify suspected murmurs.

The Model 3200 is a great choice for specialists who want an electronic scope that gives them the ability to consult with colleagues or review subtle body sounds. It’s also an important teaching tool to help students learn to identify difficult to hear sounds. You will pay a little more for the advanced features on the Model 4200, but they are definitely worth the investment for many practitioners.

Littmann® Electronic Stethoscope Model 4100WS with Ambient Noise Reduction

The Model 4100WS is an advanced electronic stethoscope that comes with digital signal processing and 3M ™ Sound Analysis Software. With this auscultation system you can save, store, and playback heart and lung sounds. You can even send recordings of body sounds to your PC, handheld device, or 4000 series Littmann scope with an infrared transmission. Phenocardiograms give you a way to view recorded sounds to help with analysis.

The excellent sound quality of the Model 4100WS provides 18 times the amplification of a quality acoustic stethoscopes and Ambient Noise Reduction of up to 75%.  Three frequency modes give you maximum flexibility for listening to heart, lung and other body sounds: Bell (20-200 Hz), Diaphragm (100-500 Hz), and Extended Range (20-1000 Hz).

Compared to the other models, the electronics on the 4100WS are a little more noticeable. However, the interface is still easy to navigate, and the heart rate is conveniently visible on the LCD screen. This stethoscope is an excellent choice for diagnostic settings, telemedicine, and teaching. Although it is the most expensive model, the price is an investment for a truly impressive and versatile auscultation system.

P.S. If you missed the earlier posts, make sure to go back and check out Part 1 of the Buyer’s Guide to learn about the 3M Littmann cardiology scopes and Part 2 for a comparison of the other 3m Littmann acoustic stethoscopes.

Leave a comment below to help other buyers by sharing your experience buying or using a stethoscope.

Let’s say you need a stethoscope but you aren’t interested in a cardiology-grade scope. That doesn’t mean you have to settle for inferior quality or acoustics! 3M Littmann offers several models of Classic II and Select stethoscopes sure to meet your needs. Each stethoscope exemplifies the hallmark Littmann quality and attention to detail.

3M Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope

The Master Classic II gives you the best acoustics available without the price tag of a cardiology scope. The single-sided, ergonomic chestpiece is great for healthcare providers who spend considerable amounts of time using their stethoscopes and will appreciate the award winning, easy-to-hold design. Nurses and EMTs report that the Master Classic II fits more easily under blood pressure cuffs than other bulky, two-sided models. You will still be able to use the bell mode thanks to Littman’s tunable diaphragm. The Master Classic II comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope

The Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope will give you the greatest versatility when working with children. The child-sized bell and floating diaphragm on this dual-head scope will give you the highest acoustic sensitivity for listening to your smallest patients. The kid-friendly tubing colors guarantee that your pediatric patients will love your scope as much as you do! The Classic II Pediatric Stethoscope comes with a three year manufacturer’s warranty.

3M Littmann Classic II S.E. Stethoscope

If you are looking for a traditional, dual-head scope, consider the Classic II S.E. Stethoscope for excellent acoustics and versatility. You can use the diaphragm on one side and the bell on the other side, or take advantage of the tunable diaphragm to switch between low- and high-frequency sounds without turning the chestpiece over. Three year manufacturer’s warranty.  The Classic II S.E.is a great choice for general practitioners, medical students, and nurses.

3M Littmann Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope

Don’t want a scope that will drag you down? The Lightweight II S.E. Stethoscope is a great entry-level, lightweight scope with clear acoustics. Another plus is the unique chestpiece design that’s easier to orient around blood pressure cuffs and body curves. The chestpiece features a traditional bell on one side and a tunable diaphragm on the other. Two year manufacturer’s warranty.  The Lightweight II S.E. is ideal for nurses and EMTs doing basic auscultation who don’t want to invest in a more pricey scope that’s too heavy anyway.

3M Littmann Select Stethoscope

The Select Stethoscope may be Littmann’s most affordable scope, but it will still give you reliable acoustics. Designed for basic auscultation, the Select is a high-quality alternative to second-rate nursing and sprague scopes. The lightweight design and convenient single-sided chestpiece make this scope easy to use and carry, so it’s perfect for nurses, EMTs, and entry-level users. The tunable diaphragm gives you the versatility of both bell and diaphragm mode without the bulk of a dual-head scope. The Select comes with a two year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pondering Prices

The Classic II S.E. is priced somewhat lower than the Master Classic II and the Classic II Pediatric. For an even more affordable scope go with the Lightweight II S.E. or the Select.

How important is the price tag? You have to factor in how you will be using your scope and how long you expect it to last you. If you’re an EMT and you know there’s a fair chance your stethoscope will get lost during a rescue operation, consider buying one of the cheaper models that will still give you reliable acoustics. But don’t compromise your standards just to save a few dollars if you expect to hold on to your scope for years – the superior quality of the acoustics in the high performance stethoscopes will more than justify the initial investment.

If you’re looking for something more than a traditional acoustic stethoscope, don’t miss the final installment of the 3M Littmann Stethoscope Buyer’s Guide for a discussion of Littmann’s innovative electronic scopes. Read Part 1 of the Buyer’s Guide to learn about the cardiology scopes. Share your own tips with other buyers by leaving a comment about your experience choosing a stethoscope.

Our company slogan is “Understanding Healthcare” – we understand the importance of medical care and medical supplies, and we also understand the suffering of hundreds of thousands of Haitians who have no way to get the food, water, and medical attention they desperately need.   We couldn’t sit by and just read about the disaster, we had to find a way to help. Sending the shipment of medical supplies to Haiti is our way of reaching out to those in great need. We have been touched and inspired by the tremendous response of individuals who have joined us in contributing to this shipment to Haiti.

The devastation in Haiti is hard to comprehend. A natural disaster that claims the lives of 200,000 is tragedy enough. However, the poverty of this Caribbean nation makes the situation all the worse. After 9-11, the US had the resources to care for the survivors affected by the terrorist attack. We had the resources to rebuild. In Haiti, poverty was a severe struggle even before the earthquake hit. Now, in order to recover, Haiti is dependent on the international community’s aid.

The rescue effort so far has been impressive – governments, organizations, and individuals from around the globe have contributed resources to assist the desperate plight of Haiti.  However, much more assistance is still needed. Dealmed is doing our part to help out… you can also help. Email helphaiti@dealmed.com to get involved.

This time, we’ll compare the high-performance cardiology stethoscopes. Check back soon for a guide to the Littmann Classic II and Select models, as well as a look at the new electronic stethoscopes.

3M Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope

The Cardiology III is probably the most popular Littmann stethoscope out there. General practitioners, pediatricians, medical students, EMTs and nurses will tell you they wouldn’t trade in their Card III for the world. Why does everyone love this stethoscope? The Cardiology III provides excellent acoustics, both in terms of loudness and clarity. What sets it apart from the other Littmann cardiology scopes, however, is its impressive versatility. It has a double head with a tunable diaphragm on each side – the large side for adults, the small side for children. The smaller diaphragm also works well for irregular surfaces, such as bony patients. The hallmark Littman tunable diaphragm allows you to hear low- and high-frequency sounds without turning the chestpiece over. Use light pressure on the chest piece to hear the low-frequency sounds (bell mode), and firm pressure to hear the high-frequency sound (diaphragm mode). The Cardiology III can also be converted to a traditional bell by replacing the pediatric diaphragm with a bell sleeve. The Cardiology III comes with a five year warranty.

Is this the right stethoscope for you? If you are ready to invest in a Littmann cardiology stethoscope, you will be rewarded by the superb acoustics of the Cardiology III. And if you are looking for a versatile stethoscope that is suited to examining any type of patient, this is your scope.

3M Littmann Cardiology STC Stethoscope

The Cardiology STC, or “Soft Touch Cardiology,” also delivers outstanding acoustics, as you would expect from any Littmann cardiology stethoscope.  In addition, the innovative chest piece is specially designed to be easy to hold in various hand positions. The unique shape of the Cardiology STC chest piece facilitates movement between auscultation sites. The single-sided, tunable diaphragm enables you to easily switch between the bell and diaphragm mode without the bulk of a double-sided scope, like the Cardiology III. EMTs and nurses appreciate that the sleek design of the Cardiology STC fits under blood pressure cuffs more easily than a dual-head stethoscope. The Cardiology STC comes with a six year warranty. If you are working primarily with adults, and looking for unparalleled acoustics and ease of use, the Cardiology STC was made for you.

3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope

The Master Cardiology is Littmann’s top-performing acoustic stethoscope. With superior acoustics and a 10 out of 10 Littman performance rating, this stethoscope is ideal for users who want the greatest diagnostic precision. Similar to the Cardiology STC, the Master Cardiology offers the convenience of a tunable diaphragm in a single-sided chest piece. The classy, hand crafted stainless steel   definitely makes a statement and is also easier to hold than a dual-head. A special procedures adaptor is ideal for difficult sites or pediatric use. The Master Cardiology comes with a seven year warranty - the longest Littman warranty available. The Master Cardiology may be what you’re looking for if you need the best acoustic stethoscope available for high-performance auscultation.

The difference in price between these three models is slight, so base your decision on the design and features that are most important to you. Whether you select the versatility of the Cardiology III, the ergonomic design of the Cardiology STC, or the top-of-the-line acoustics of the Master Cardiology, you can be confident that your new Littman cardiology stethoscope will serve you well for many years.

Not sure these are the right scopes for you? Check back soon for the 3M Littmann Acoustic Stethoscope Buyer’s Guide: Part 2 to learn about the Littmann Classic II and Select models.

Share your stethoscope advice below by leaving a comment. Which model do you find works best for your field?

Everyone’s looking for ways to cut costs these days, but the FDNY has taken it a bit too far. According to the NY Daily News, Assistant Chief of EMS John McFarland recently cancelled all tune-ups on the department’s LifePak 12 defibrillators and cardiac monitors and ordered that all expired units are to be kept in service. This policy change seems to be a misguided attempt to save a little money while the FDNY looks for a new defibrillator contract. The FDNY claims that this policy does not pose a risk to anyone, but EMTs in the department are worried that relying on out of date equipment could cost a victim’s life in an emergency.

The FDNY deserves a lot of credit for all the lives they save with their rescue work. Their firefighters, EMTs and other rescue professionals are putting their lives on the line every day to protect the residents of NYC. The FDNY website has an impressive list of recent rescues (many of which involve treating victims of sudden cardiac arrest with defibrillation). The FDNY is all about saving lives. That’s why it’s so absurd for them to cancel tune-ups on this life-saving equipment. They are welcome to set up a new contract for a different brand of defibrillator/monitor, but why do they need to cancel tune-ups on the ones they are using now?

No one trusts milk that’s past its expiration date. So how does the FDNY expect us to trust their “expired” defibrillators?