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Pentoscope, otoscope and diagnostic sets: what's inside
Diagnostic sets are a staple for medical students, clinics and general practitioners. Product names such as pentoscope, otoscope set or otoscope and ophthalmoscope set describe different combinations of heads on a shared battery handle.
What is a pentoscope?
A pentoscope is a multi-purpose diagnostic set built around one universal battery handle with several interchangeable heads. The Scissors Town Diagnostic Pentoscope Set (ST1-420-00) includes:
- an otoscope head for examining the ear canal;
- an ophthalmoscope head for examining the eye;
- a throat branch head;
- mouth mirror heads (two exploring mirrors, No. 4 and 5);
- a sturdy adjustment mount bracket;
- 6 disposable plastic ear specula (2 × 2.5 mm, 2 × 3.5 mm and 2 × 4.5 mm), with smaller sizes for newborns available on special order;
- 2 spare 2.5 V bulbs.
Our pentoscope set uses 2.5 V standard illumination and runs on two AA batteries. It is supplied in a blue plastic case with fitted inner packing, and spare parts are available.
Otoscope sets
An otoscope set focuses on ear examination. Our standard otoscope sets (ST1-460-00 and ST1-465-00) has 2.5 V standard illumination, a chrome-plated handle and head, a Luer lock fitting, a 6x magnifying lens, three reusable specula (2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 mm), and a rheostat to adjust the light. The battery handle takes 2 C batteries, and the set comes in a black pouch.
Otoscope and ophthalmoscope sets
This combination (ST1-470-00) adds a full-function ophthalmoscope to the otoscope. It has standard illumination, 4 different apertures and a lens range of -20 to +20, which suits students and general practice. The handle typically takes two C batteries.
How to choose
| Buyer | Usually prefers |
|---|---|
| Medical students | Otoscope and ophthalmoscope sets, or pentoscope sets for a broader kit. |
| GP clinics | Otoscope sets with reusable specula, plus spare bulbs and specula. |
| Distributors and tenders | A mix of sets with matching spare parts, in branded cases. |
What to check when ordering
- Which heads are included.
- Illumination type and voltage.
- Battery type (AA or C).
- Specula: reusable or disposable, and the sizes included.
- Case or pouch, and whether spare bulbs and parts are needed.
- Branding and packaging.
The same catalogue also covers stethoscopes such as the Duplex (ST1-137-00) and Anaestophon (ST1-139-00), percussion hammers and laryngoscope sets.
See our diagnostic instruments range.