BMET HOSA Event: Medical equipment list

What are stethoscopes? What do they do?

A medical instrument used to listen to internal sounds in the body (heartbeats, bowel movements); assesses and monitors a patient’s condition during physical exams

What are sphygmomanometers? What do they do?

A device that measures blood pressure, used to listen to arterial blood flow sounds.

What are glucometers? What do they do?

A handheld medical device used to measure blood sugar levels; commonly used by diabetics to monitor and manage their blood glucose levels daily.

What are ophthalmoscopes? What do they do?

A medical device used to examine the inside of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels; essential tools in eye exams and general health check-ups

What are otoscopes? What do they do?

A medical device used to examine the ear canal and eardrum; commonly used in routine check-ups and to diagnose ear-related conditions

What are electrocardiographs (ECG or EKG)? What do they do?

A medical device that records the electrical activity of the heart over time; the recorded data is displayed as a waveform on a monitor or printed for analysis by healthcare professionals

What are thermometers? What do they do?

A medical device used to measure body temperature to assess for fever or other health conditions; essential for detecting infections and monitoring patient health in both clinical and home settings

What are Patient scales? What do they do?

Medical devices used to accurately measure a person's weight; ranges from simple mechanical models to advanced digital scales that can also measure body composition like BMI

What are MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)? What do they do?

Medical device that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body; useful for examining soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs without the need for radiation

What are CT Scanners (Computed Tomography)? What do they do?

Medical device that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body; useful for diagnosing conditions involving bones, organs, and blood vessels, such as fractures, tumors, or internal bleeding.

What are linear accelerators (LINAC)? What do they do?

A medical device used in radiation therapy to treat cancer by delivering high-energy X-rays or electron beams precisely to a tumor

What are X-ray machines? What do they do?

A medical device that uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the inside of the body, especially bones and certain tissues; commonly used to diagnose fractures, infections, and lung conditions, as well as to guide some medical procedures

What are mammography machine? What do they do?

A specialized X-ray device used to detect and diagnose breast abnormalities, such as lumps or early signs of cancer; Modern machines often include digital mammography or 3D tomosynthesis (more clarity)

What are fluoroscopy systems? What do they do?

Medical imaging device that provides real-time, moving X-ray images of internal structures, often used for guiding procedures or diagnosing conditions

What are ultrasound machines? What do they do?

Medical device that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the inside of the body; commonly used for monitoring pregnancies, examining soft tissues like muscles or organs, and guiding procedures such as biopsies

What are bladder scanners? What do they do?

Non-invasive medical device used to measure the volume of urine in the bladder; commonly used to assess urinary retention, monitor bladder function, and reduce unnecessary catheterizations

What are surgical video towers? What do they do?

mobile system used in operating rooms to display live video feeds during minimally invasive surgeries, such as laparoscopic or arthroscopic procedures; improve precision and visualization, enabling surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and minimal disruption to surrounding tissues

What do Microscopes do?

Create high-quality clear images using a light. Upright microscopes are the most common type.

What are Hematology analyzers?

Conduct a complete blood count (CBC), which is usually the first test requested by physicians to determine a patient's general health status.

What do Blood gas analyzers do?

Measure blood gas, pH, electrolytes, and some metabolites in whole blood specimens. They can measure pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and concentrations of many ions (Na, K, Cl, (HCO₃⁻)) and metabolites (Ca, Mg, glucose, lactate).

What do Chemistry analyzers do?

Calculates the concentration of certain substances within samples of serum, plasma, urine, and other body fluids. Substances analyzed through these instruments include certain metabolites, electrolytes, proteins, and/or drugs.

What do histology procedures do?

Procedures that involves embedding tissue followed by a slicing or chopping step for slide preparation. Microtomes, cryostats, freezing stages, and tissue choppers are available, as well as blades that cut embedded tissue to the desired thickness.

What do Centrifuges do?

Used for the separation of fluids, gas or liquid, based on density. The centrifugal force pushes heavier materials to the outside of the vessel.

What are patient monitors? What do they do?

A medical device that continuously tracks vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiratory rate, in real time; essential in settings like operating rooms, ICUs, and recovery areas to ensure patients are stable and respond well to treatment

What is Capnography technology? What does it do?

Medical technology used to measure and monitor the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in a patient’s exhaled breath, providing important information about breathing and ventilation; used during surgeries, in intensive care, or in emergency settings

What are EEGs (Electroencephalogram)? What do they do?

Medical device used to measure and record the electrical activity of the brain; used to diagnose and monitor conditions like epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain injuries

What are NIBP (Non-Invasive Blood Pressure) monitors? What do they do?

Medical device used to measure blood pressure without penetrating the skin; uses oscillometric technology to detect vibrations in the artery as the cuff deflates, calculating systolic and diastolic blood pressure; found in hospitals, clinics, and homes

What are defibrillators? What do they do?

Medical device used to restore a normal heart rhythm in patients experiencing life-threatening arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest; Modern defibrillators often include automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

What are infusion pumps? What do they do?

Medical device used to deliver fluids, such as medications, nutrients, or saline, directly into a patient’s bloodstream at a precise rate; used in hospitals for treatments requiring controlled administration, such as chemotherapy, pain management, and hydration therapy.

What are syringe pumps? What do they do?

Medical device designed to deliver small, precise amounts of medication or fluids into a patient’s body over a set period; often used for administering medications like insulin, pain relievers, or chemotherapy in situations where precision is critical.

What are PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) pumps? What do they do?

Medical device that allows patients to self-administer pain medication, typically through an intravenous (IV) line, within safe limits set by a healthcare provider; used after surgeries or for chronic pain

What are feeding pumps? What do they do?

Medical device used to deliver liquid nutrition or medications directly into a patient’s stomach or intestines through a feeding tube; used in hospitals and home care for patients who cannot eat normally due to illness, surgery, or other medical conditions

What are Surgical lasers? What do they do?

advanced medical tools that use focused beams of light to cut, remove, or repair tissue with high precision; their precision, minimal invasiveness, and ability to reduce bleeding make them an essential tool in modern surgical practices

What are ESUs (Electrosurgical Unit)? What do they do?

medical device used during surgeries to cut tissue or control bleeding using high-frequency electrical currents; used in various surgical procedures because they offer precision, reduce blood loss, and improve surgical efficiency

What are ventilators? What do they do?

A life-support device that helps patients breathe by delivering oxygen to the lungs and removing carbon dioxide; commonly used in intensive care units and during surgeries to support or replace normal breathing.

What are anesthesia machines? What do they do?

A medical device used to deliver a controlled mix of gases, including oxygen and anesthetic agents, to keep patients unconscious and pain-free during surgery

What are heart-lung machines? What do they do?

Medical device used during open-heart surgeries to take over the function of the heart and lungs temporarily; critical for procedures like heart valve repairs or bypass surgeries

What are intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP)? What do they do?

A medical device used to support the heart in pumping blood, especially in patients with severe heart conditions; used in critical care settings to stabilize patients with heart failure or after a heart attack

What are dialysis machines? What do they do?

a medical device used to filter waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly; life-saving devices commonly used in hospitals, clinics, or at home for patients with chronic kidney failure

What are radiant warmers? What do they do?

A medical device used to maintain the body temperature of newborns, especially premature or sick babies, who cannot regulate their own heat; commonly found in neonatal units and delivery rooms, ensuring newborns stay warm and stable during critical moments after birth

What are incubators? What do they do?

Medical device used to create a controlled environment for newborns, especially premature or critically ill babies, to help them grow and stabilize; used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to provide a safe and nurturing space for vulnerable newborns.

What are automatic tourniquets? What do they do?

Medical device used to restrict blood flow to a limb during surgical procedures, such as orthopedic surgeries, to create a bloodless field; also monitors the pressure and inflation time to prevent complications, ensuring patient safety; improves visibility and reducing blood loss —> allows surgeons to work more efficiently

What are Surgical robots? What do they do?

Advanced medical devices used to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures with high precision and control; used in procedures like prostate surgery, gynecological surgery, and heart valve repairs

What are Sequential Compression Devices (SCD)? What do they do?

Medical device used to prevent blood clots by improving blood circulation in the legs, especially in patients who are immobile; used in hospitals after surgery or during prolonged bed rest to promote healthy blood flow and prevent complications.

What are blood warmers? What do they do?

Medical device used to safely heat blood, IV fluids, or medications before they are administered to a patient, helping to prevent hypothermia; used during surgeries, trauma care, and transfusions to maintain a patient’s body temperature and improve overall treatment outcomes.