General Stethoscope Questions
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I can't hear anything out of my stethoscope. Is something wrong with it?
If the acoustic performance seems to be lacking or absent, visit the Optimizing Performance page for tips to optimize your stethoscope's performance.
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Do 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes contain latex?
No. Littmann stethoscopes use Next Generation Tubing that does not contain natural rubber latex or phthalate plasticizers.
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Can any Littmann stethoscope be used during an MRI?
No. All of our stethoscopes contain metal.
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What are the advantages of using a tunable diaphragm?
The tunable diaphragm is a 3M invention that allows you to listen to both low and high frequency sounds without the need to remove the chestpiece from the patient, turn it over, and reposition it.
By varying the pressure placed on the patient, a tunable diaphragm will adjust, or tune, the sounds to allow you to hear either low or high frequencies. When holding the tunable diaphragm on a patient and pressing lightly, low frequency sounds will be transmitted. When using the tunable diaphragm and pressing firmly, higher frequency sounds will be emphasized.
This convenience will save you time and allow you to focus on your patient instead of trying to determine if you should be listening to the bell or diaphragm side of the chestpiece.
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What's the best way for me to be sure I'm buying an authentic Littmann stethoscope?
That's easy. Visit Littmann.com to see a full list of Authorized Dealers and look for sellers who display the 3M Littmann Authorized Dealer badge on their site or in their store. Authorized Dealers will offer a great selection, be knowledgeable, and help find just the right authentic Littmann stethoscope for you.
Cleaning and Care
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How should I routinely clean my mechanical or electronic stethoscope? Can I sterilize it?
3M recommends cleaning Littmann stethoscopes in-between every patient with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution or wipe. Do not use hand sanitizer as a cleaning agent as there are additives that may damage parts of the stethoscope. Do not immerse your stethoscope in any liquid or subject it to any sterilization process. For more information on cleaning both electronic and mechanical stethoscopes, read the Cleaning and Care page in the My Stethoscope section.
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Why does the tubing on my stethoscope become stiff and rigid after a period of years?
The majority of tubing used on Littmann stethoscopes is made of PVC (polyvinylchloride), which becomes hard when exposed for long periods of time to the lipids found in human skin. If worn around the neck, we recommend wearing the stethoscope over a collar away from contact with your skin.
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What stethoscope replacement parts are available?
Visit the Parts page to see all of the parts and accessories available for your Littmann stethoscope. Parts may be purchased from our retailers. Visit the Where to Buy to find an online retailer, or a local retailer near you.
Product Information
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Can I use the 3M™ Littmann® Classic II Infant Stethoscope on neonates?
Yes. However, some neonatal specialists report that the diameter of the bell and diaphragm on this model is still too large to get good surface contact on neonates.
