What Kinds of Equipment Do Pediatricians Use?

There are a number of things that pediatrician's use to help diagnose and treat their patients.  While they may seem intimidating to children, it may help to explain to them what each instrument is used for. Common equipment used in a pediatrician's office include scales, thermometers, stethoscopes and otoscopes.

Scales

Pediatricians use scales to determine the weight of infants and children. Infants are weighed using a tabletop scale, which has curved sides and allows the infant to lay inside of it to get an accurate weight. Once children get older, they are able to stand on an adult scale.

Thermometers

Thermometers are used to check the child's temperature. The type of thermometer used will depend on the age and temperament of the child. Most older children will be able to hold a thermometer under their tongue. Other thermometers are used rectally or in the ear.

Stethoscopes

A stethoscope is used to listen to the heart and lungs. It has two ear pieces that the pediatrician will place in his ears and a flat piece that is placed on the chest or back. The flat piece is placed on the chest to listen to the heartbeat and placed on the back to listen to the lungs.

Otoscopes

An otoscope is the instrument used to look at the child's ears. It contains a magnifying lens and a light to allow the pediatrician to look at and spot any abnormalities within the ear.

Ophthalmoscopes

An ophthalmoscope is used to look at the child's eyes. It uses a magnifying lens and a light to inspect the retina, lens and optic nerve.

Sphygmomanometers

A sphygmomanometer is used to check the child's blood pressure. It has a cuff that is placed around the arm, and a tube that is attached to a gauge to read blood pressure.

Syringes

A syringe is used to administer immunizations to the child. There are also syringes used to suction mucus out of the nose.

Reflex Hammers

A reflex hammer is used to tap the child's knee in order to check their reflexes.