Welch Allyn
Welch Allyn Student Catalog


Welch Allyn Frequently Asked Questions

Q Who is Welch Allyn?
Q What is a diagnostic set?

A A basic diagnostic set consists of an ophthalmoscope for examination of the eye, an otoscope for examination of the tympanic membrane and external ear canal, and a battery handle to power these instruments.

Q What is the most popular diagnostic set?

A Over 95% of students choose the Welch Allyn diagnostic set No. 97200-MC. It is our most popular set because it meets all physical diagnosis course requirements at an affordable price.

Q Why should I consider purchasing a Welch Allyn diagnostic set?

A There are many reasons to choose but these are key:

  • Welch Allyn instruments are designed and built to make the task of learning to perform physical exams easier and more accurate.

  • Welch Allyn has the most extensive distributor network; service is always local and prompt.

  • Our warranty is the best in the industry; diagnostic sets are unconditionally guaranteed during medical school and residency programs.

  • 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.

  • The Welch Allyn diagnostic set you use today will help you make precise diagnostic decisions for years to come.
    Q What is Halogen HPX?

    A The Welch Allyn Halogen HPX Lamp is the latest technology in gas filled lamps. By filling the lamp with a high-pressure mixture of halogen and xenon gases, we have invented a miniature lamp that is more than 30% brighter and whiter than standard halogen lamps.

    Comparison of life and brightness of Halogen HPX to traditional halogen lamps.

    At 70% of Halogen HPX lamp life, light output is 85% of original output.

    This graph clearly shows the important differences in brightness and longevity characteristics between Halogen HPX and other Halogen lamps.

    Only Welch Allyn Halogen HPX provides 3250 degrees K color temperature which is maintained during the entire life of the lamp, providing the most accurate observation of tissue color.
    HPX Welch Allyn
    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-ocular lens. Welch Allyn, however, is the only manufacturer that offers a crossed linear polarizing filter to eliminate 99% of unwanted reflections.

    Q How durable is a Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope?

    A Extremely durable. Welch Allyn ophthalmoscopes are engineered and manufactured for precision and longevity:

  • The optical tube is constructed of chrome-plated brass for precise alignment and long life.

  • The glass condensing lens, objective lens, aperture dial assembly and lamp are sealed inside the metal optical tube.

  • The aperture dial is mounted to the metal optical tube to maintain precise alignment even if the instrument is dropped or otherwise misused.
    Q Is the shape of the ophthalmoscope and location of its controls important?

    A Yes, for some users it can be equally as important as the optical system, which is why the Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope comes in a compact package. This, combined with easily accessed controls, makes using the Welch Allyn ophthalmoscope easy even for persons with small hands.

    Q How does the Coaxial Vision System help when performing a fundus exam?

    AWhen viewing the fundus it is extremely important that the light beam from the ophthalmoscope and your viewing angle 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 viewing path in near coincidence.
    ophthalmoscope view
    Q What is the ophthalmoscope and what can be seen with it?

    A The ophthalmoscope is used 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 surgically entering the patient. A good view of the fundus will not only give an indication as to the health of the eye, but will also tell you a lot about the patient's overall health. Early signs of diabetes, hypertension, and neurological problems can be detected with the ophthalmoscope.
    Q What is the otoscope used for?

    A The otoscope is used to view the tympanic membrane and external ear canal to diagnose outer and middle ear pathologies.

    attach otoscope to handle

    Q How durable is the Welch Allyn otoscope?

    A Extremely durable. Check out the busiest hospital and physicians exam rooms to see what otoscopes they use when durability counts. Welch Allyn otoscopes are engineered and manufactured for precision and longevity:

    Q Should I choose a hard or soft case for my diagnostic set?

    A It's a matter of personal preference. Both 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-both Welch Allyn cases allow for this.
    Q Which diagnostic set is right for me?

    A The set that is right for you is the one you feel most comfortable with. Our most popular set is the 97200-C. This set offers all the instruments needed for your physical diagnosis course at an affordable price.
    Q I've often heard that the full size set is the better set for my physical diagnosis course. Is this true?

    A The full size set offers two advantages over the CompacSet. The full size ophthalmoscopes uses coaxial vision and is 3.5v, whereas the CompacSet uses standard optics and is 2.5v. The CompacSet offers instruments that will perform very well in your physical diagnosis course and also provide maximum portability-extremely important during your residency.


    Additional Questions about the Welch Allyn 97200-MC.

    power handle

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