The current 3M Littmann range of stethoscopes is made up of 9 different models and knowing which one is right for your needs as a GP, nurse, surgeon, paramedic or any other type of healthcare professional can be tricky. Each model is designed with a specific use, and user, in mind. Below is a brief overview of each model in the Littmann range and which professions it is most suited to.
Littmann Classic III
The current "industry standard" stethoscope, the Littmann Classic III has both an adult and paediatric side. Both sides have tunable diaphragms, allowing the user to fine tune what they are listening to by increasing or decreasing the pressure they use. The Classic III is the perfect choice for a first stethoscope for medicine students and is also often used by GPs and nurses due to its adaptability. The one-piece diaphragms are easy to clean with just an alcohol wipe and a 5 year manufacturers warranty means that the Classic III will last through most of medical school and probably beyond.
Suited for: Students, Nurses, GPs
View the Classic III Range
Littmann Core Digital Stethoscopes
Take listening to a whole new level with up to 40 times amplification and bluetooth connectivity to your iOS or Android device. The 3M™ Littmann® CORE Digital Stethoscope is Littmann's most advanced stethoscope yet, with up to 40x amplification (at peak frequency, versus analog mode), active noise cancellation, in-app sound wave visualization and other powerful features designed to help give you a clearer picture of patient health.
Suited for: Cardiologists, GPs, Child Specialists, Medical Students, Nurses, Respiratory Specialists, EMT, ER, Critical Care.
View the Core Digital Range
Littmann Cardiology IV
The Cardiology IV is the latest model to be released by Littmann and has been designed from the ground up to offer superior sensitivity, infection control properties and versatility. The chestpiece has both adult and paediatric sides and can be converted to an open bell for lower-frequency sounds. All parts are 100% latex-free and can be wiped clean with an alcohol wipe without damage. The Cardiology IV stethoscope comes with a 7 year warranty from the date of purchase. The Cardiology IV comes with free access to the Littmann Learning App, worth £49.
Suited for: Advanced Students, GPs, Emergency Medics, Paramedics, Cardiologists, Child Specialists
View the Cardiology IV Range
Littmann Master Classic II
The highest rated stethoscope in the Littmann Classic range, the Master Classic II is perfect for paramedics, physios and specialist nurses. The shape of the one-side chestpiece reduces ambient noise and makes it easy to move around the body during assessment. The Master Classic II comes with free access to the Littmann Learning App, worth £49.
Suited for: Specialist Nurses, Physiotherapists, Paramedics, GPs
View the Master Classic II RangeLittmann Master Cardiology
The single-sided chestpiece of the Master Cardiology makes hearing cardiac sounds easy. Dual-lumen tubing reduces background noise and improves the quality of sound transmission, giving the Master Cardiology a 10/10 Littmann performance rating. All stethoscopes in this range come with a 7 year warranty on materials and manufacturing, so if yours is damaged you can have it repaired, for free. The Master Cardiology comes with free access to the Littmann Learning App, worth £49.
Suited for: Cardiologists, Paramedics, Emergency Medics, GPs
View the Master Cardiology Range
Littmann Infant
Designed to be used on neonatal patients, the Littmann Classic II Infant range has both a tunable diaphragm and open bell side which are smaller than any other stethoscope in the Littmann portfolio. This small size means that a good acoustic seal can be made with the patient which improves the transmission of sound to the user. The diaphragm and open bell are both non-chill to enhance patient comfort. Littmann's Infant range comes with a 3 year warranty on materials and manufacturing.
Suitable for: Child Specialists, GPs, Paediatric Nurses
View the Littmann Infant RangeLittmann Paediatric
Similar to the Infant model, the Littmann Paediatric has a smaller chestpiece than standard, though not as small as the Infant. This makes it perfect for use on children, very thin patients and in difficult to reach areas. The diaphragm and open bell are both non-chill to enhance patient comfort. Littmann's Paediatric range comes with a 3 year warranty on materials and manufacturing.
Suitable for: Child Specialists, GPs, Paediatric Nurses
View the Littmann Paediatric RangeLittmann Lightweight Nursing
The Littmann Lightweight Nursing stethoscope is designed to facilitate general assessments such as taking blood pressure and basic auscultation. Its unique chestpiece shape allows for easy movement around the body. While it may not be as acoustically sensitive as other models, it's an affordable option for many nurses. The Lightweight Nursing range comes with a 2-year warranty on materials and manufacturing.
Suitable for: Nurses
View the Littmann Lightweight Nursing Range