Q: What is a diagnostic set?
A: A diagnostic set consists of an ophthalmoscope for examining the eye, an otoscope for examining the tympanic membrane and external ear canal, and a battery handle to power these instruments.
Q: Why should I consider purchasing a Welch Allyn diagnostic set?
A: There are many reasons to choose Welch Allyn, but these are key:
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Our ongoing commitment to quality and technological innovation. This includes our Halogen HPX lamps, cutting-edge Lithium Ion-powered handle, and state-of-the-art Coaxial Vision System, to name a few.
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Welch Allyn has an extensive distributor network; service is always local and prompt.
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Our warranty is excellent; diagnostic sets are unconditionally guaranteed during medical school and residency programs.
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Most students want a set that can expand its capabilities as their needs change. We make a wide variety of accessories that are compatible with our 3.5v instruments, and more innovations are planned for the future.
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The Welch Allyn diagnostic set you use today will help you make diagnostic decisions for years to come.
Q: Which diagnostic set is right for me?
A: The set that is right for you is the one you feel most comfortable with. Your three main choices in deciding which ophthalmoscope, power handle, and case style you prefer.
Q: Is the PocketScope Diagnostic Set popular with students?
A: Actually, fewer than 10% of all students purchase a PocketScope set. Many students tell us that the 3.5 V sets are easier to learn on. The 3.5 V sets provide more light, which is key to getting a good view of the eye and the ear.
Q: Should I choose a hard or soft case for my diagnostic set?
A: It's a matter of personal preference. Both Welch Allyn cases provide sufficient protection. The hard case lays the instruments out very nicely, but the soft case is somewhat smaller. It is very important that your set fit in your lab coat and both cases allow for this.
Q: What is an ophthalmoscope and what is used for?
A: The ophthalmoscope allows you to view the back of the eye, commonly called the fundus. This is where nerves and blood vessels converge, and it is the only place these structures can be seen without surgery. A good view of the fundus not only helps you assess the health of the patient's eye, but it will also tell you a lot about his or her overall health. An ophthalmoscope can detect early signs of diabetes, hypertension, and some neurological problems.
Q: Why do I need a PanOptic Ophthalmoscope?
A: Traditionally the ophthamoscope has been one of the most difficult instruments to learn and use because of the challenge of obtaining a good view of the fundus. The PanOptic Opthalmoscope simplifies and improves the fundus exam. The three key reasons why are: easier entry into the eye, a 5 X larger field of view, and 26% greater magnification over conventional ophthalmoscopes. The most common response when novice and trained healthcare professionals alike try the PanOptic is "wow".
Q: How does the Coaxial Vision System of the conventional ophthalmoscope help when performing a fundus exam?
A: When viewing the fundus it is extremely important that the light beam from the ophthalmoscope and your viewing angle area are in close proximity. The path your eye follows through the patient's eye to the fundus is extremely narrow; therefore, the most efficient method of viewing the fundus is to keep the ophthalmoscope's light beam and your vision line in synch as much as possible.
Q: How many apertures or "programs" of light does an ophthalmoscope have, and what are they used for?
A: There are six out of seven possible apertures in the Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope.
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Micro-spot aperture: Allows quick entry in small, undilated pupils.
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Small aperture: Provides an excellent view of the fundus through an undilated pupil.
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Large aperture: Standard aperture for dilated pupil and general examination of the eye.
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Fixation aperture: Features graduated crosshairs for measuring eccentric fixation or locating lesions.
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Slit: Used to determine levels of lesions and tumors.
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Cobalt filter: Used with fluorescein dye to view small lesions, abrasions, and foreign objects on the cornea
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Half-moon aperture: Provides combination of depth perception and field of view
Q: What is a red-free filter?
A: The red-free filter excludes red rays from the examination field for easy identification of veins, arteries, and nerve fibers. The red-free filter can be used with any of the six apertures.
Q: Is glare a problem during ophthalmoscopy, and if it is, how can it be dealt with?
A: Excessive glare can result when light reflects back from a patient's eye because of the shape of a person's cornea, their internal limiting membrane, and/or the presence of an intra-ocula lens. Welch Allyn, however, is the only manufacturer that offers a patented crossed-linear polarizing filter to eliminate 99% of unwanted reflections.
Q: What is an otoscope used for?
A: The otoscope is used to view the ear's tympanic membrane and external canal to diagnose outer- and middle-ear pathologies.
Q: How is the MacroView Otoscope different from the older style diagnostic otoscope?
A: The MacroView Otoscope provides an improved view and enhanced features for easier ear exams. It has nearly twice the field of view and 30% higher magnification as compared to the older style Welch Allyn diagnostic otoscope. The optics system provides a clear image and the focus wheel allows you to fine tune the view.
Q: How does the Welch Allyn otoscope convert to a throat or nasal illuminator?
A: Hold the throat illuminator's collar stationary and twist the otoscope section loose. Keep the otoscope section stationary and turn the power handle until the otoscope section is removed. The throat illuminator is now ready to use. The nasal illuminator attachment snaps easily onto the power handle for a full view of the nasal passages.
Q: How durable is the Welch Allyn otoscope?
A: Extremely durable. Welch Allyn otoscopes are engineered and manufactured for precision and longevity. Made of metal and high-impact ABS material, our otoscope will maintain its shape if dropped. All fiber optics are reinforced and flush-mounted as is the insufflator port (the small opening on either side of the otoscope that creates a closed system when viewing by applying positive or negative air pressure).
Q: What is the "Smarter" battery technology in the Lithium Ion handle?
A: The Lithium Ion Power Handle's Lithium Ion technology provides twice the battery life with just half the weight. This "smarter" technology also means no memory effect, often found in Nickel Cadium batteries. The Power Handle also includes a low-battery indicator
Q: How do I recharge my Lithium Ion batteries?
A: The Lithium Ion handle comes with an AC plugin module. Once you go into practice, you also charge the Lithium Ion handle in the Welch Allyn Universal Desk Charger.
Q: When would the convertible handle most likely be used?
A: The convertible handle is a lifesaver if you are on call or taking an exam and have forgotten to charge the battery. Also, the convertible handle is very useful when you are working overseas or in areas where it is difficult to find electricity.
Q: How does this handle work with either rechargeable or C-cell batteries?
A: Simply remove the rechargeable battery and transformer and replace them with two C-cell batteries and a converter.
Q: How do I recharge nickel cadium batteries?
A: Our convenient built-in charger allows you to plug into any conventional wall outlet for overnight recharging.
Q: Why is a sphygmomanometer important?
A: High blood pressure (hypertension) affects more than 50 million Americans and plays a major role in deaths due to cardiovascular disease. The sphygmomanometer is your tool for early detection of this silent killer and will be used on nearly all of your patients. It is vitally important to be well-trained in blood pressure measurement technique and to have an accurate, reliable instrument to properly diagnose hypertension. Inaccurate diagnosis can lead to inadequate or unnecessary medication and treatment.
Q: Why should I invest in a sphygmomanometer when they can be so easily found all around the hospital?
A: Accurately interpreting the Korotkoff sounds that identify systolic and diastolic blood pressure is as much an art as a science. Owning your own sphygmomanometer will allow you to practice and gain competency in blood pressure measurement. Developing an expertise and becoming an advocate for accurate blood pressure measurement will not only allow you to provide better direct care, but it will also allow you to train others and maintain a high level of blood pressure expertise into the future.
Q: What makes a Tycos brand sphygmomanometer from Welch Allyn better than other brands?
A: Very simply: experience, quality, and trust. Welch Allyn has more experience in the design and manufacture of blood pressure instruments than any other company in the world. Tycos developed one of the first aneroid sphygmomanometers in 1907, and we continually introduce innovations that improve reliability and accuracy.
Tycos-brand instruments are of the highest quality. Most other brands include aneroid movements that are not even manufactured by the company offering the product. Welch Allyn has two manufacturing facilities devoted exclusively to blood pressure instruments.
Welch Allyn and Tycos have been building relationships with health care providers like you for more than 80 years. We back our products with industry-leading warranties. And we support you with more than 100 Welch Allyn field representatives, a network of thousands of distributor representatives, and manufacturing and serving facilities around the world.
Q: What is the clinical advantage of the family practice kit?
A: Incorrect cuff sizing can greatly affect the accuracy of blood pressure measurement. Too small a cuff will cause an overestimation of blood pressure, and too large a cuff an underestimation. The family practice kit provides three indexed cuffs that will properly accommodate arm sizes from 7.7 inches to 20 inches in circumference
Q: The term "certified" is printed on the Tycos dials. What does this indicate?
A: This indicates that each gauge has been produced and tested to meet the U.S. Accuracy Standard or ±3 mm Hg. This certification is our accuracy pledge and your guarantee for an accurate reading.
Q: Why is it important to have latex-free products?
A: Latex sensitivity is a serious problem for both patients and health care workers. It is estimated that 7% of the general population and up to 17% of health care workers are latex sensitive, with reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to anaphylactic shock. Welch Allyn listened to market concerns and produced a complete line of latex-free blood pressure measurement systems. Welch Allyn has chosen Dupont Neoprene as the material to replace natural latex.
Q: What should I look for in a stethoscope?
A: You want to be sure that the stethoscope fits correctly. If you can't get sound past the eartip to your tympanic membrane, all other features are unimportant. The more custom the fit, the easier the sounds travel to your ear.
As a student, you must consider the versatility of the scope. Remember, you will be doing rotations, including pediatrics and cardiology. The Harvey DLX and Elite stethoscopes, for example, adapt easily for pediatrics, and the bell is essential for cardiology.
Q: What is the advantage of a two-tube stethoscope?
A: Two-tube stethoscopes, such as the Harvey DLX and Elite, provide an individual sound channel to each ear. This allows you to hear the subtle characteristics of heart sounds and murmurs more distinctly. The heavier tubing also filters out the distracting noise typical of a busy medical environment.
Q: What makes a Welch Allyn stethoscope better than other brands?
A: Three key elements differentiate Welch Allyn stethoscope: better performance, high quality, and more value.
Performance: Welch Allyn Harvey and Elite cardiology stethoscopes are designed by the preeminent Dr. Proctor Harvey - the first and only "Master" of cardiology bestowed by the American College of Cardiology. Dr. Harvey designed these stethoscopes to accentuate the more important high-frequency ejection sounds, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Harvey and Elite stethoscopes also conform to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines that indicate a stethoscope should include a diaphragm (for high-frequency sounds) and bell (for low-frequency sounds). Some brands have only a diaphragm. AHA guidelines also indicate that "angulation of the binaural must suit the individual"; Harvey and Elite binaurals are adjustable, unlike other brands.
Quality: Welch Allyn cardiology stethoscopes are rugged, using a triple-leaf adjustable spring between binaurals, compared to single- or double-leaf springs common on other brands. And we back that quality with warranties that typically exceed competitive models by two or more years.
Value: Welch Allyn Harvey and Elite stethoscopes are convertible, including both adult and pediatric diaphragms. It's like getting two stethoscopes for the price of one.
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