Diagnostic Sets

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.