Medical Instruments & Their Uses

A visit to the doctors office introduces a patient to different types of medical instruments and yet this is barely scratching the surface. Medical students and doctors have to handle a wide array of medical instruments on a daily basis. They have to remember the names of each of these tools as well as what they are used for. The purpose of each medical instrument varies based on classification.

Diagnostic Instruments

Diagnostic medical tools can be used to diagnose a patient's blood pressure or reflexes. The stethoscope is used to listen to the heart and lungs as well as the intestines. Diagnosis is based on whether or not the sounds are normal or abnormal. The Taylor percussion hammer is used to test the reflexes in the joints and can even test for bone fractures.

Obstetrics Instruments

Medical Instruments & Their Uses

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When a woman goes into labor the need for certain obstetrics instruments comes into play such as forceps and umbilical scissors. Forceps are sometimes used to assist the mother in delivering her baby's head. Umbilical scissors are used after the baby is born to cut the umbilical cord, separating baby from mother.

Orthopedic Instruments

Orthopedic doctors have to use special tools in order to take care of the bones that they treat on a daily basis. Ostetomes are simple devices that are designed to make it easier to cut through or in some manner mark bone, according to WiseGeek.com. An orthopedic surgeon may use a medical instrument known as a bone curette which is used to remove an excess of bone or tumors.

Scalpels and Operating Knives

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Various types of scalpels and operating knives are also commonly known medical instruments. According to AbsoluteAstronomy.com, a scalpel is a small but extremely sharp bladed instrument used for surgery, anatomical dissection, and various arts and crafts. Scalpels come in various shapes and sizes in order to offer more precision cutting. A surgical knife is used for practically the same thing as a scalpel, surgery and dissection.

Ophthamologist Instruments

When dealing with the health of your eye, ophthalmologists must use special instruments in order to view your retina such as the ophthalmoscope. An ophthalmoscope is used to examine a person's eye and the overall health of their retina. Imaging instruments can also be used in order to further evaluate the optical nerve and retina of the eye.