How to use a Littmann Cardiology iii

A medical stethoscope amplifies sound, enabling a clinician to listen to what is happening inside the human body. The technical term for this is "auscultation." This instrument provides valuable information used for making a proper diagnosis. The Littmann Cardiology iii stethoscope features two tunable diaphragms, enabling the user to alternate between low and high frequency sounds. The diaphragms are appropriately sized for adult and pediatric auscultation sites. The Cardiology iii also features a stainless steel chestpiece, and several tubing color choices. The correct use of the stethoscope is imperative in order to receive good sound quality.

Instructions

• 1

  Hold each ear piece just below the rubber ear tip. The tips should be pointed away from you. Gently apply forward pressure while pulling the ear tips away from each other.

• 2

  Insert the ear tips into your ear canal. The tips should be pointed toward your nose; following the natural direction of your ear canal. To ensure the best sound quality, the tips should form a tight seal.

• 3

  Form a "V" with your middle and index finder. Place the chestpiece between the fingers. Holding the chestpiece in this manner gives you more control and eliminates any interference noise created by your fingers.

• 4

  Twist the chestpiece until you hear a "click" to alternate between diaphragms. The large side of the chestpiece is appropriate for adult patients. The small side of the chestpiece is appropriate for pediatric or small site auscultation.

• 5

  Place the stethoscope on the auscultation surface.

• 6

  Apply light pressure to hear low frequencies.

• 7

  Apply firm pressure to hear high frequencies.

• 8

  Wipe the entire stethoscope with an alcohol wipe after each use.