3M Littmann 3128 Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black, 27 inch
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List Price: Our Price: $144.98 You Save: $61.22 (30%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of 3M Littmann 3128 Cardiology III Stethoscope, Black, 27 inch
Customer Review: good product and price
Summary: 5 Stars
My Littmann stethoscope that I had since medical school finally broke for good and I was forced to get another. This one is quite good and the price was right. I only wish I had gotten a shorter version (my old stethoscope was about 2 inches shorter) and I did not notice this until I got the new one. I have not noted any difference in ausculatation, it just 'feels' different not having to be as close to the patient for the exam (which I am sure some may find of benefit).
I am told by my cardiology colleagues that the shorter version does make a positive difference in hearing heart sounds and I am told there are some studies that have backed this up (I have not researched them as of yet). As I said, I cannot really notice a distinct difference in auscultation (other than those that I chalk up to my own abilities).
Of some interest, I did a quick survey after I got this stethoscope and noted that most of the residents in our program have scopes the same length as my new one and faculty who have purchased stethoscopes recently have ones the same length as my new one...so it would seem that it may take some effort to find the shorter versions now.
Anyway, this is a very fine product, quick delivery, etc...I just should have checked out the information a little closer.
Customer Review: Solid Stethoscope but overpriced
Summary: 3 Stars
Littmann stethoscopes are known for their quality, durability...and price. I received a Cardiology II as a gift upon entering Medical school and absolutely loved it. Well, it finally broke and I decided to purchase the Cardiology III as a replacement. While the sound quality was not awful (though not as good as my Cardiology II), the tunable feature was annoying as I was used to my traditional bell. Tunable stethoscopes feature the diaphragm and bell on one chestpiece instead of two, and the pressure applied must be adjusted for high and low frequency sounds. Yet, this design does not work well on curved surfaces.
I do not know why Littmann is moving away from traditional stethoscopes, but I wish they had not discontinued some of their older models. Instead, I have been using a GRx CD-27 for the past few months and could not be happier with it. It offers superior ausculatation, durability and at about one-fourth the price. I have recommended it to all my colleagues and especially my students. It offers better performance to the Cardiology III without the guesswork that comes with tunable stethoscopes.
Customer Review: Littmann Cards III the standard for my practice
Summary: 5 Stars
The Cardiology III has been a solid workhorse for me for two and a half years of ER nursing. I bought a second to replace my Cards III that someone "borrowed." The dual head lets me switch it up for pediatrics and adults, and lets me auscultate pulmonary apices in the emaciated or slightly built adult, where the apices are hidden in the "divots" between the clavicle and the trapezius. In general, the sound quality is far superior to the Littmann Classic; there is no comparison in this regard.
My one complaint might be that stethoscopes, perhaps in general, don't handle high strength cleansing wipes well. I've noted that the tuning rim of the diaphragms is breaking down on my first Cards III, which I assume is due to using cleansers like Metriguard and CaviWipes, which I need after patients with isolation precautions. The outer rubber bell sleeve is fine, however, so the stethoscope isn't falling apart, or anything. The alternative, a little alcohol swab, just doesn't cut it for cleaning up.
Customer Review: Well worth the money
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had mine for about 3-4 years. You can pick up murmurs and crackles very easily with this model. Recently, I tried using my former stethoscope on patients (Sprague Rappaport), and WHOA!! I could barely hear anything!! (I had gotten spoiled by my Cards-III for the last few years without even knowing it!) Years ago, I was wondering how my classmates and residents (all of whom seemed to have the Cards-III) could hear murmurs and stuff, and I couldn't! As a resident now, I'm glad I own one. One day, I forgot my own Cards-III, and had to borrow a colleague's stethoscope (it was a Classic II SE). Even though her Classic II SE was also a Littman, I still couldn't hear as clearly through that, as I did the Cards-III.
On the downside, it is rather pricey. But I equate it to buying a good pair of glasses. In exchange for your money, you'll be able to hear a lot more.
Customer Review: A Doctor
Summary: 3 Stars
I have had 2 of these stethoscopes. I had the first one for 5 years or so before it got lost/stolen at work. I practice full-spectrum family medicine in rural Alaska. I liked the double-sided diaphragm gadget since it was useful for babies through adults. However, the diaphragm on the smaller side broke after a 1-2 years of use. I bought another one to replace the first and had the same problem with the smaller diaphragm breaking/becoming useless. Recently the rubber tubing broke and now I can't hear a thing. I've had it for about 3 years. I'm thinking of switching brands or maybe downgrading to a less expensive model for my next one.