Diagnostic Instruments Buying Guide

What Are Diagnostic Instruments?

Medical equipment are those devices that are used in order to diagnose the health parameters of a person. The effectiveness of these devices makes it possible to detect illnesses at an early stage, thereby ensuring that the treatment can start on time. From checking normal fever to performing blood sugar test, these devices are indispensable for patients as well as doctors. The accuracy of these devices play a major role in detecting any illness at an early stage and in ensuring early cure. Diagnostic instrumentsare of different types. These instruments are used for measuring vital signs of a patient such as blood pressure, ECG, dissolved gasses in the blood and EEG. They are used for blood testing, genes, urine etc .

You can also use diagnostic medical equipment at home to maintain a record of your blood pressure and sugar level. Medical imaging machines such as CT scan machines, ultra sound machines and MRI machines which help in taking pictures of body organs provide a clear image of the affected body organ. The usage of diagnostic instruments is therefore of paramount importance. At Moglix, we are aware of the major concerns that loom large in the minds while looking for diagnostic devices. Therefore, we have assembled a wide range of products such as Thermometers, Glucometers, Stethoscope, Blood Pressure Checker, Pulse Oximeters etc. from brands like Accu-Chek, Omron, Healthgenie, Kennedy, Dr.Morepen, NRT, S R Engineering etc. Moglix has a wide price range to suit the budget of our buyers, most of whom are involved in the medical profession. The product price has been kept within a reasonable range to suit their budget.

What Are the Different Types of Diagnostic Instruments?

How to Select Diagnostic Instruments?

The vast diversity of these devices further complicates the selection process. To make the buying process a smooth and less time consuming one for our patients, we have divided the category on the basis of diagnostic tools. Therefore, while buying them, you will need to keep in mind the exact area of the body where it will be applied during the treatment process. Here are some steps that you can adopt while buying different types of diagnostic devices: -

Thermometers

While buying multipurpose thermometers, you will need to check the body temperature with a sensor which is normally found in a small metal tip on one end. Using this type of thermometer , it is possible to measure a child’s temperature orally, rectally, or under the arm.

Thermometers are either made from glass or are digital. These are the most affordable type of thermometers and offer highly accurate readings. While using ear thermometers, doctors apply an infrared ray in order to measure the temperature within an infant’s ear canal. They offer quick results and are safe but are not highly comfortable. Using them is also tougher as compared to other thermometers since they need to be inserow bg-white pad-tb-15d in a perfect manner so as to make accurate, consistent readings. They are ideal for children who are 6 months or older.

Mercury thermometers are one of the most common types of thermometers. In this thermometer, a glass tube is filled with mercury and a standard temperature scale marked on the tube. Due to temperature changes, mercury expands and contracts. You can read the temperature from scale. These thermometers are commonly used in homes and are made from glass of the straw size and have a silvery-white liquid inside them. They are mostly used in homes, schools and hospitals.

Stethoscopes

The Littmann stethoscope is one of the most commonly used stethoscopes in the world. These stethoscopes have an ergonomic design and are manufactured using the ‘tunable technology’ in the diaphragm. So users can hear low as well as high frequency sounds just by applying pressure to it. They come with tight, soft sealing ear tips which ensure sound transmission to be made through anatomically designed headsets. They comfortably fit within the user’s ear canal. Littmann stethoscope price tends to vary according to model.

Blood Pressure Monitors

Blood pressure monitors or checker that are meant for domestic use normally come with a middle-sized cuff. So, the cuff size is the most important area to which users need to pay attention. Choosing a BP check machine of the wrong size will cause inaccuracies in blood pressure. Therefore, users will need to measure the upper arm at the midpoint between the shoulder and elbow before selecting a cuff size. Check the clinical validation of these devices is essential for the blood pressure monitors that are to be used in hospitals and clinics. Digital monitors that come with the ‘clinically validated’ tag should be given precedence.

The blood pressure measurement machine which you buy will need to be clinically validated by the Indian Medical Association and international bodies such as Association for the Advancement for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and International Protocol for the Validation of Automated BP Measuring Devices . The monitor should also satisfy the buyer’s special needs, especially if it is meant for use by the elderly, pregnant women or children. Children or senior citizens who have smaller or larger than average-sized arms require special-sized cuffs. They are normally available in pharmacies. You will need to take a measurement of your upper arm and select a monitor that comes with the proper cuff size.

Pulse Oximeters

A good knowledge of pulse oximeters is essential, both for doctors as well as patients. Since an oximeter is a highly versatile device, the user needs to have a clear perception of the exact reason for usage. Pulse oximeters are of different types such as table tops with sensors, wrist-worn sensors, handheld oximeter and portable oximeter . They are small, have a rectangular shape and are clipped on the finger. The display screen is visible on the probe itself. It needs to be battery operated. They are commonly used in order to find oxygen saturation by clinicians, patients as well as caregivers.

The handheld oximeter on the other hand are used by hospitals and medical institutes because of their higher level of accuracy. In these devices, the probe is connected to the screen which is connected to a cable. To acquire a good reading, the probe will need to be attached to the user’s index finger. These oximeters are highly reliable for spot checks and daily oxygen monitoring. Therefore, it is ideal for people who require continuous monitoring due because of a long-term illness require a model which is suitable for constant use.

If you need it to check your oxygen level periodically, then a small clip-oximeter would be the primary option. In case a doctor wants to measure a patient’s heart rate, then he will need to look for a model which comes with a heart rate monitor. For patients, prior consultation with their doctor is essential before buying an oximeter.

Glucometers

There are numerous factors that have to be kept in mind while buying glucometer online . Prior consultation with an experienced doctor or medical insurance coverage can help patients acquire glucometers more easily as compared to others. The testing procedures of these devices tend to vary for each meter. Some require more work to be done as compared to others. Important considerations that need to be made includes the amount of blood the test strip requires, the time it takes for reading and the clarity of numbers that are visible on screen.

One major aspect that needs to paid attention to is the ability of a glucometer to store the readings. Since tracking these numbers is essential for long-term care, maintaining a record is most important. It can save them from a lot of hassles such as writing down the numbers in a notebook or diary. So, their main aim should be look for a meter which comes with memory options. There are a number of models to create logs that can retrieve past readings at a later time. The latest versions of glucometers create a downloadable file which is in sync with computers. They can thus be emailed to doctors.

Wrist worn sensors are wireless and are used for daily monitoring. They can also be used while the patient is asleep, which makes it an ideal model. It is designed like a wristwatch, has a small wire that connects the probe, and needs to be placed on the index finger with a small monitor on the wrist. The readings will apply on it.

Stethoscopes

Stethoscopes are the most important diagnostic instrument for a doctor. While buying the stethoscope, it is a must to go for a perfect MDF stethoscopein order to meet ER, nursing, pediatric, physician or veterinary needs. Choosing a right stethoscope for anyone makes it essential for users to look beyond names, price and word of mouth. In order to find out the most suitable stethoscopes, it is essential to know all the components of a stethoscope. Some of them are mentioned below: -

• Construction- Check the construction of high-density materials like titanium or stainless steel. The harder materials can conduct sound in comparison to softer, more porous metals like aluminum. Moreover, a chest piece not only comes with a hand-polished finish on the outside as well as outside is exemplary. An incomplete chest piece which internally has perforations which can absorb sound, as in case of a ceiling. A chest piece with an incomplete finishing internally has perforations that can absorb sound as case of ceilings. A hand-polished and smooth chest piece provides a clearer and accurate sound.
• Headset- Ideally the headset needs to be of the same high-density material as in case of chest piece and needs to be angled at 15° as a standard. Apart from the highest sealing and sound on the chest piece for the same quality metals in order to transmit sounds to the headset. Caution needs to be maintained while checking the materials that are used on both headset and chest piece. This is because in most of the cases, you will need to look at the description of your stethoscope that might include the material of the chest piece.
• Diaphragm- Look for a high-quality and strong diaphragm. It would be wise to keep an extra case in case of a puncture or other mishaps.
• Tubing- First and foremost, you need to select a stethoscope that comes with a thick and durable tubing to isolate acoustics from external noise in order protect the sound. Thin or tubing that are prone breakage might lead to loss of sound. A number of tubes would be more longer than others in order to maintain a safer distance from patient to physician. Sounds can be modulated with longer tubing. Therefore, to find a stethoscope and can make up for the length with chest pieces, headsets that are made using quality materials.
• Ear Trips- Often people think that ear tips are like an afterthought while selecting a stethoscope. In reality, they are essential while selecting a stethoscope. But in reality they are highly vital to offer accurate readings. Ear tips need to fit in a safe and comfortable manner and are preferably offered in different sizes of comfort. Apart from the comfort factor, it also needs to create a seal inside the patient’s ear so as to prevent external sound from seeping through. For ear tips, size and materials are the most important factor which you need to keep in mind.
• Stem- Even a slight issue in the stethoscope’s stem can create a lot of difference. In order to get the best quality of sound experience, you should look for a stem which is constructed in the same quality as its chest piece. Therefore, you should not overlook this minute detail. This great stem is designed with precision and needs to ‘’snap’’ within place in order to minimize sound leakage.

How to Take Care of Diagnostic Instruments?

Stethoscopes

Stethoscopes can be damaged by extreme temperatures and with time face problems with tubing. Therefore, you will need to leave that scope in extreme heat or cold over extended periods of time. Exposing them to oils or solvents might cause damage to tubes and chest pieces. Exposure to sunlight can cause considerable damage to the tubes, retain rings diaphragms on the stethoscope. Therefore, they need to be kept at a place where it will be exposed to direct sunlight over long periods of time. When your stethoscopes become dirty, you will need to wipe it down mild soapy water. They need to be kept dry after cleaning., before being wiped down with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution for low level disinfection. The ear tips on the stethoscope need to be removed by unscrewing them from binaurals. This will enable thorough cleaning to be done.

Blood Pressure Monitors

As blood pressure monitor works automatically, it will need to be re-calibrated at least every two years to acquire the best results. To re-calibrate your automatic home monitor, send it back to the manufacturer. Companies usually perform recalibration for a fee.

Oximeters

A pulse oximeter requires routine maintenance and tests to maintain their accuracy. Check it to ensure that the device is clean and decontaminated. Therefore, check whether there is any type of physical damage to the display, case, mounts or components. The switches and controls need to be operated and aligned correctly. Find out if the control numbers, warnings and labels are present. If they do, find out whether they are legible or not. Check the inlets, hoses and power cord and find out whether they are functioning properly or not. Ensure that both filters and vents are clean.

Thermometers

Clean your thermometer after exposure too dirty, dusky, humid and smoky conditions. Regular cleaning is essential in every six months. Utilize a soft cloth or cotton swab with media or medical alcohol. But don’t use soap or chemicals. Wipe the lens carefully first and then body of the thermometer. Let the lens dry fully before using the thermometer. But don’t immerse any part of the thermometer. Store thermometer between 40°F and 149°F (4-65°C). Store the thermometer in a place which is not exposed to extreme temperature.

Glucometers

As in case of other medical devices, glucometers need regular maintenance to function properly. Since your treatment depends of readings of a glucose machine, proper maintenance of a glucometer is must to ensure accuracy in blood glucose values. Here are some steps that you can take to make sure that proper care of glucometer:

Daily cleaning- A number of glucometers come with lens that are streaked with blood and oil from dust and fingers. Avoid using alcohol since it can damage the glucometer. Rather use plain water or special cleaner which is suitable for cleaning sensitive equipment. Use a soft cloth to gently to wipe and clean the affected area.

Once cleaning is done, check all parts to find whether they are neat. Also verify whether there is any physical damage to the case, display, mounts, components or cart. The switches and controls need to be operable and perfectly aligned. Find out whether the control numbers, warnings and labels are present. At the next step check the hoses and inlets to find out if the power cord and charger are functioning properly or not. Last but not the least, check both filters and vents to be sure that they are clean.

Change batteries periodically- The glucometer might not signal when batteries are getting low. You may also get skewed readings before you come across a low battery message. Therefore, learn to use the glucometer and make it a habit to change its battery from time to time. You can also keep a spare set of batteries in case you want a last minute testing to be done.

Performing Controls- This is the most effective way to check whether the glucometer functions properly or not. When you buy the device, you will be offered a control solution. Utilize the solution like a blood sample and compare its reading with the desired range on the control packaging. If you find that the control is out of range, shake the solution in a better manner, clean the lens, or replace your batteries.

Utilize the Check Strip or Key- Once you open a new bottle or test strip, don’t forget to use the check strip or key to set your glucometer’s code. Conduct electrical safety checks- Performing electrical safety checks will help you detect resistance and chassis leakage. Also perform a patient lead leakage current isolation test and insulation tests. All these tests should be conducted according to set parameters.

Acquiring a clear perception of the above mentioned points will make it easier for you to compare and choose best diagnostic instruments for your needs.