Some key diagnostic tools I have used in clinic so far have played a vital role in diagnosing my patients.

Flu test

It’s quick and easy. While they may only take 10-15 minutes to detect the presence of influenza virus antigens, rapid flu tests are not failproof. This is even after new, stricter rapid flu test standards passed by the FDA in February 2018. Effectiveness varies depending on the type of diagnostic test used and the type of influenza that is circulating  and this can cause false negative and, to a lesser extent, false positive testing results. Still, if your symptoms resemble the seasonal flu, it might be helpful to check for flu viruses and rapid flu testing is the quickest way.

Rapid strep test

A rapid strep test involves a quick throat swab. Within minutes, the testcan show the presence of group A streptococcus bacteria, which can cause strepthroat and other infections (including scarlet fever, abscesses, and pneumonia).

Portable Blood Pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer)

Evidence-based medicine has proven that the measurement of blood pressure is important in determining the overall health of a person. The sphygmomanometer can help diagnose:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Artery hardening
• Arterial plaque
• Hypotension

Urinalysis

A urinalysis is a test of your urine. A urinalysis is used to detect and manage a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infections, kidney disease, pregnancy and diabetes. A urinalysis involves checking the appearance, concentration and content of urine. Abnormal urinalysis results may point to a disease or illness.

Otoscopes

Otoscopes are handheld devices that allow physicians to look into the ear canal and view the tympanic membrane through the magnification lens. Otoscopes help diagnose:

• Ear infections
• Tinnitus
• Causes of vertigo or dizziness
• Meniere’s disease
• Swimmers ear

The cons of not using these diagnostic tools would put the provider at risk for misdiagnosing or missing important assessments that can help lead to proper diagnosing of a patient while ultimately lowering the quality of healthcare provided.