Diagnostic lamps are indispensable in many areas of everyday medical practice, outpatient and inpatient. Depending on the application, they are Diagnostic lights Available from specialist retailers in different sizes and shapes or with adjustable brightness for illumination purposes.
What is a diagnostic light?
The diagnostic light is a recognized medical instrument with a certain standard. These examination lights are specially developed and produced for use in medicine. Diagnostic lights are medical and certified supplies. They are used in particular to illuminate body cavities and must therefore not only be practical, but above all also handy, robust and compact.
Certification as a medical product can only be fulfilled if the manufacturers meet the high requirements for everyday suitability and material. Compared to other light sources, diagnostic lights are therefore comparatively expensive to purchase. Examination lights serve the purpose of enabling a precise and quick diagnosis in the shortest possible time.
Shapes, types & types
Shapes, types and types of medical lights for examination and diagnosis always depend on the fields of application and the purpose of the examination. The most famous diagnostic lights used in medicine are pen-shaped. This shape, reminiscent of a larger ballpoint pen, has proven itself, for example, in emergency medical services for diagnosing the pupillary reflex. In older models of examination lights, conventional mini light bulbs are still installed as a light source. However, all newer models have LED technology.
The pen-shaped, particularly handy examination lights have long been used not only for checking the pupillary reaction, but also for diagnostic illumination of other areas of the body. The pen light as a diagnostic light can always be carried by the user. Because with a practical clip it can be easily attached to a jacket or smock pocket. If necessary, the luminaire is quickly available. Modern medical pen lights are also called Penlight designated. Larger diagnostic lights with continuously adjustable brightness are used, for example, in dental practices or by ENT doctors.
Structure & functionality
Diagnostic lights in medicine consist of 2-5 components. Apart from the fact that they are certified medical aids for diagnostics, the structure is similar to conventional household lamps or light sources. In the case of the penlight, the battery and lamp can be changed at any time by unscrewing them. At the rear end of the examination light there is a pressure switch that closes the circuit and ensures convenient operation. The small examination light is simply switched on or off with the thumb. This means that even brief inspections of the oral cavity or pharynx can be carried out reliably and easily. In addition to being operated with single-use batteries, diagnostic lights can also use rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology as an energy source.
Larger diagnostic lights are equipped with special reflector screens and mirrors to prevent a shadowy environment during the examination process. In ENT practices, a diagnostic light can be attached directly to the examiner's head with the help of a fixing strap. For the doctor, such special lights offer the advantage that he can use both hands freely during the examination.
In the ENT practice, a reflector mirror ensures that the lamp does not dazzle if a patient accidentally looks directly into it. The same effect can also be found with the diagnostic lights in the dental practice for targeted illumination of the oral cavity. Whenever there is a risk that a patient could be exposed to glare phenomena during an examination with a diagnostic lamp, these protective mechanisms in the form of reflectors or mirrors are required.
Diagnostic lights in the ophthalmologist's practice have a completely different structure with complicated optics. Special high-resolution optical aids are required for the important diagnostic examination of the fundus. The stereo microscope in the ophthalmologist's practice is used directly on the human eye. It is a special slit lamp with sophisticated lighting and control technology. With this diagnostic light, the ophthalmologist can safely and reliably detect even the finest changes in the eyes and the fundus.
ENT doctors also use so-called larynx mirrors, nasal lights or lights with a wedge-shaped light cone and magnifying optics for optimal illumination of the ear canal, for example if there is a suspicion of otitis media.
Large, multi-beam LED examination lights are also located in the operating room. These larger lights do not work with battery technology, but are connected to the regular power grid. With some models, however, battery operation is also possible, should the power supply fail.
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As strong helpers in different medical areas, the diagnostic lights in their different shapes and sizes are indispensable. As a medical product, users can rely on the fact that examination lights also meet certain quality criteria reliably meet. In the case of the penlight, this includes bright and precise illumination of the examination area.
As rescue doctors, emergency doctors cannot do without medical lights on their missions. Because in an emergency, reflex tests or an assessment of the extent of bleeding decide what to do next. Normal daylight is not sufficient for a reliable assessment and forecast.
In addition, special medical lights with appropriate magnifying optics are used in dermatological examinations. Skin changes can only be diagnosed with certainty through the rigid illumination with defined magnification. As a rule, for example, the early detection of skin cancer takes place with the aid of such a lamp with magnifying optics.
