How long do Littmann stethoscopes last?
ten years
Did you know? It is recommended that the 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscope chestpiece is replaced after ten years of use.
How do I know which Littmann stethoscope I have?
The 11 or 14-digit alphanumeric serial number can be found engraved on the chestpiece of your stethoscope.
Why does my stethoscope tubing get hard?
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.
How do you get stains out of stethoscope tubing?
Our stethoscopes can be cleaned with soap and water or with an isopropyl alcohol wipe. Another option is using a 2% bleach solution. However, the stethoscopes that contain red pigments in the tubing color (Burgundy, Pink, Plum, Peach, Raspberry, Orange, etc.) do experience slight discoloration after exposure to bleach.
Do stethoscopes expire?
Most manufacturers recommend replacing your stethoscope every 2 years, but as one user on allnurses.com forum so eloquently puts it, “It would be in a company’s interest to have us all buying new equipment every 2 years.”
How often should a stethoscope be cleaned?
Just as we wash hands between each patient, clinicians should disinfect their stethoscopes after every patient assessment with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe1 to help reduce the risk of patient-to-patient cross contamination.
How can you tell a real Littman?
How do I know if my Littmann stethoscope is authentic? Authentic Littmann stethoscopes have a serial number engraved on the chestpiece. If your 3M™ Littmann® stethoscope does not have a serial number, or you have difficulty locating the serial number, please contact us through our online form for further assistance.
Why can’t I hear through my stethoscope?
There are a number of possible causes for poor sound quality or lack of sounds being heard through your Stethoscope. HeadSet Alignment. Wearing the headset with the ear-tips inserted the wrong way will result in poor sound quality. EarTip Size.
Can you change Littmann stethoscope tubing?
No worries. We offer affordable Littmann stethoscope repairs that include replacing the tubing, eartubes, diaphragm, rim, nonchill sleeves and eartips. Click here to find out where to buy replacement parts.
