A significant number of medical professionals need a stethoscope. Obviously, a stethoscope is mainly used to monitor the sounds made by the heart, lungs, or the intestines as a diagnostic procedure. It is thus highly recommended to go for high quality tool.

The stethoscope price in Kenya range from Ksh 7000 to about Ksh. 19000 depending on the build quality, performance, and brand. 3M™ Littmann® Classic III™ Stethoscope is one of the most popular stethoscopes in Kenya and goes for Ksh. 14500.

Littman has been one of the leading manufacturers of stethoscopes since its founding by Dr. David Littmann in 1963. Littmann had patented a stethoscope with a single bifurcated tube, ideal short length, and two earpieces. In 1969 Littmann Stethoscope was acquired by the highly reputable 3M with Dr. Littmann hired as a consultant.

Stethoscopes come in a variety of styles designs and price points. In this guide, we will compare the models and prices in Kenya including where to buy.

Best Stethoscope Brands in Kenya (According to Survey Results)

According to a recent study survey, most medical professionals were asked how different stethoscopes ranked up against each other. The results were as follows:

1. Littmann Stethoscope
2. MDF Stethoscope
3. ADC Stethoscope
4. Ultrascope Stethoscope
5. Welch Allyn Stethoscope

Littmann stethoscope stands out for its performance and long life.

Stethoscope Prices in Kenya

1. Littmann Classic III Stethoscope

3M’s Littmann Classic III stethoscope is arguably the standard for those with a career in the medical field. The chest piece has a double-sided head with both an adult and pediatric diaphragm. Both diaphragms are tunable, and the pediatric diaphragm membrane can be replaced with a rubber rim to become a bell.

Overall, the Littmann Classic III stethoscope is a great model for everyday patient diagnostics.

Specifications of Littmann Classic III Stethoscope

• Length: 69 cm tube
• Chest Piece: Adult – 1.7 in (4.3 cm). Pediatric – 1.3 in (3.3 cm)
• Weight: 150 g (5.3 oz)
• Chestpiece Material: stainless steel
• Adult/Pediatric Tunable Diaphragms
• 2-year warranty
• Does not contain latex

Littman Classic III Stethoscope Review

The Classic III is very ideal for taking vitals and lacks the nuance needed for cardiology. However, it is perfect for paramedics, nurses, and physicians’ assistants looking for a reliable Littmann stethoscope to do standard patient exams.

It comes in various colours and chest pieces which include: Black Matte-Finish Chest Piece, Rainbow-Finish Chestpiece, Machined Stainless Steel Chest Piece, Smoke-Finish Chestpiece, Champagne Finish Chestpiece, Mirror-Finish Chest Piece, and Copper-Finish Chest Piece.

Pros

• Good build quality
• Solid performance in every aspect.
• Significant added value over the Littmann Lightweight II SE stethoscope
• Latex-Free Materials which is helpful for patients with allergies
• Dual-Sided Chest-Piece with a tunable diaphragm on both pediatric and adult sides
• Next Generation Tubing: Less likely to scuff or mark plus resistance to skin oils
• Good personalization where it comes in a variety of colors and chest-pieces
• Good price: less costly than other stethoscopes of the same design

Cons

• Not as clear as flagship stethoscopes like the 3M™ Littmann® Cardiology IV™ Diagnostic Stethoscope

The price of an original Littmann Stethoscope Classic III in Kenya is Ksh.  14500. Check the current price or order here on Medistus Limited (leading medical equipment supplier in Nairobi, Kenya).

2. 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope

3M™ Littmann®Master Cardiology™ StethoscopeTunable diaphragm conveniently alternates between low- and high-frequency sounds without the need to turn over the chestpiece. It comes with a handcrafted solid stainless steel chestpiece.

The unique double lumen design in the 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope eliminates the tube rubbing noise. It offers the portable convenience of a single-sided chestpiece.

This professional stethoscope features the patented 3M™ Littmann® Snap Tight which are soft-Sealing firm Eartips. These create an excellent acoustic seal and comfortable fit.

Special-procedures adapter for difficult site or pediatric auscultation. The headset is angled comfortably and thus anatomically correct. Its diaphragm and nonchill rim are patient-friendly.

Littmann Master Cardiology Review

3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope has outstanding acoustics which is the highest among the mechanical stethoscopes made by Littmann. The diaphragm on this stethoscope is tunable which allows one to adjust the pressure on the chestpiece to hear high or low frequency sounds.

The tubing design in this stethoscope is dual-lumen which has 2 sound paths in one tube thereby eliminating the rubbing noise which is a problem in traditional double tubes. One can also adjust the headset for individual fit as well as comfort.

The 3M Master Stethoscope comes in one tube colour (black) whereas the Chestpiece Finish comes in three colours which are Smoke, Black Matte and Polished Stainless Steel.

Pros

•  Top of the line acoustics. The longer stethoscope tube does not noticeably lower acoustic quality. Isolates noise well in loud environments
• Tunable technology

Cons

• Detached pediatric adapter. Acoustic difference compared to Cardiology IV is not extreme

 

The 3M Littmann Master Cardiology Stethoscope retails for  Ksh. 19000 in Kenya. Check the current price or order here.

4. Littmann Cardiology IV™ Diagnostic Stethoscope

This top stethoscope has a thick stainless-steel head, increased diaphragm size, and does away with the pediatric diaphragm. This makes the Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope to reach the peak of acoustic performance.

Although the sound quality is second to none, compromises were made in other areas that may make this stethoscope less appealing to some.

If you have a pediatric rotation or check children on a regular basis, the adult-sized diaphragm is too large. Littmann Cardiology IV does come with a rubber pediatric attachment that still lets you use the tunable diaphragm, but it is a separate piece from the stethoscope. Keeping track of the detachable pediatric adapter all the time could be annoying.

The Cardiology IV is one of the heaviest Littmann stethoscopes because thicker stainless steel is used in the chest piece to improve acoustics.

The Littmann Cardiology IV Diagnostic Stethoscope has the following advantages and disadvantages

Pros

• Top of the line acoustics. The longer stethoscope tube does not noticeably hurt acoustic quality.
• Isolates noise well in loud environments

Cons

• Pediatric adapter
• Acoustic difference compared to Cardiology IV is not extreme

The acoustic difference between the Master Cardiology and Cardiology IV stethoscope is not extreme, so the versatility of the Cardiology IV makes it a better pick for most people.

If you value acoustic quality above all else, however, this has the best sound quality before taking a large price leap into electronic stethoscopes.

The price of Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope in Kenya is Ksh. 19000.Check the current price of Cardiology IV here. Medistus Limited offers original Littmann stethoscopes. The main shop is based in Nairobi with deliveries countrywide.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, as you plan on buying you should consider longevity, ease of use, personal preferences, and price. This guide is meant to help you make an informed decision starting the stethoscope prices in Kenya, features, and a review of each.

The stethoscope price in Kenya is Ksh. 14500 to Ksh. 19000 depending on the type. It is highly recommended to check the features above and compare them with the requirements.

For entry level medical practioners and students, we recommend the Littmann Classic III stethoscope which retails for Ksh. 14500. For highly experienced and top level medics, we recommend the 3M Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope which retails for Ksh. 19000.

If you are still wondering where to buy stethoscopes in Nairobi (Kenya), Medistus Limited is the best stethoscope shop.