What Is a Diagnostic Set?

A diagnostic set is comprised of medical instruments that are used to look into the eyes, ears, nose, and throat. Most diagnostic sets will include one instrument with interchangeable parts that can be used for each of the four elements. However, some diagnostic sets will have the ophthalmoscope—an instrument used just for the eyes—as a separate part. Due to its space-saving case, a pocket diagnostic set is ideal for domiciliary and ward use, practitioners on the move, or as a backup instrument.

What Is a Diagnostic Set Used For?

A diagnostic set is used as part of a routine exam to assess the health of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat, and to look for indicators of a patient’s medical condition. For example, if a patient has pressure and pain inside their ear, the doctor would use the otoscope to look inside the ears. If the results are indicative, this might help the doctor to diagnose an ear infection – or another ear-related illness. The speculum of an otoscope can be removed to look into the throat or eyes. Likewise, the ophthalmoscope might be used during a patient’s suspected retinal migraine to see if there is decreased blood flow to their eye, in which case a diagnosis could be made.

In addition to the basic attachments, a diagnostic set will often include multiple diagnostic beams. In the Keeler Diagnostic Set, this includes:

• Wide Angle – for general examination.
• Macula – for more detailed views.
• Intermediate – providing easier access for non-dilated pupils and in peripheral examination.
• Slit – used to access the anterior chamber depth to determine retinal elevations and depressions.
• Fixation Cross and Red Free Filter – projects a graticule onto the retina for assessment of eccentric fixation.

As one otoscope or ophthalmoscope is used for all patients, the speculums (and full instrument) will be cleaned down between each use. If the doctor uses disposable speculums, these will be changed between uses. For obvious reasons, this eliminates the risk of transmitting disease between patients.

Contents of a Diagnostic Set

While diagnostic sets will differ between brands, most diagnostic sets contain:

1. Universal Handle
2. Otoscope
3. Ophthalmoscope
4. Reusable Speculas
5. Disposable Speculas
6. Spare Bulbs

1. Universal Handle

The main handle that holds the interchangeable parts (the otoscope and ophthalmoscope).

2. Otoscope

An instrument designed for visual examination of the eardrum and the passage of the outer ear, typically having a light and a set of lenses.

3. Ophthalmoscope 

An instrument for inspecting the retina and other parts of the eye, including the optic disk, retina, retinal blood vessels, macula, and choroid.

4. Spare Bulbs 

Spare bulbs for the otoscope and ophthalmoscope. For a Keeler Diagnostic Set, this is a bulb that uses genuine Halogen and Xenon tech to yield a brighter, whiter illumination that lasts.

Some diagnostic sets will also come with a bulb extractor and pneumatic testing adaptor.

4. Reusable and Disposable Specula

Diagnostic Sets will come with a range of reusable speculas. However, you can get disposable speculas which are disposed of after use, instead of being cleaned between uses like the reusable ones.

At morSafe, we stock all of the supplies that you need to maintain good health and safety in your car, home and workplace, with free next day delivery available.

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Written by Holly, for Morsafe Supplies.