Medical penlight is essential for medical professionals to evaluate patients and provide medical care. This practical instrument in their diagnostic toolkit allows clinicians, whether nurses or doctors, to measure pupil size and responsiveness and assess the severity of an injury or disease process. They can also monitor and trend a patient's condition to establish whether or not the therapies have been effective.
What Is Penlight in Medical Terms?
As the name suggests, this is a little flashlight in the shape of a pen. Built with either LED (light-emitting diode) or tiny halogen lightbulbs, it is usually 12 to 15 centimetres long. It uses AA or AAA batteries and is made to illuminate a single spot, as opposed to the broader illumination of a standard flashlight. While police officers and mechanics use this handy device, a lightweight and compact pen light for doctors is most frequently used in the medical field as a practical diagnostic instrument; every medical worker should always have one on them for typical diagnostic purposes.
Benefits of Penlights
There are numerous benefits to using a high-quality diagnostic pen with light than carrying a conventional, bigger flashlight. These are a few of them.
They're Easy to Carry
Penlights are lightweight and portable, making them convenient to carry about all day. Because they’re pen-sized, they fit in your pocket and their thin profile won't cause the fabric on your scrubs or lab coat to rip. You won't even be able to know you're carrying them due to their small weight.
They Fit Into Small Spaces
These tiny lights are useful when assessing symptoms in the mouth and throat, which are relatively small places that would be difficult to reach with a standard-sized flashlight. Some medical flashlights have a tongue depressor attached for a simpler throat inspection.
They Allow for Targeted Illumination
Shadows will still cover various body areas, such as the lips, neck, and ears, even in a well-lit doctor's office. Only at the right moment can you highlight the areas that need to be examined with a light-coloured pen.
They Provide an Ideal Brightness Level
You probably experienced temporary blindness if you have ever shone a regular flashlight straight into your eyes. That’s because the flashlight emits more lumens than your eyes can detect. The unit of measurement for light brightness is a lumen. Lumens are not the same as watts, which is the unit of measurement for brightness. Penlights can produce a pupil reflex in patients by accurately delivering the correct amount of lumens without compromising their vision.
How to Choose a Medical Penlight?
Although a pen light for doctors may appear to be the most basic piece of equipment,
instead of a regular one is essential. Besides this, considering several other important factors can help you choose the most excellent alternative for your diagnostic needs, even though there is no right or wrong solution.
Metal vs Plastic
Most nursing penlights are made from either metal or plastic. While both disposable and reusable options typically use these materials, exceptions exist. That’s why it’s essential to check the product description before buying. Plastic penlights are crafted from durable plastic, while metal ones are usually made from lightweight yet sturdy materials like brass or stainless steel. Some plastic penlights even feature metal components, such as clips.
Disposable vs Reusable
Both disposable and reusable penlights have their pros and cons. Reusable models, while more expensive, are built to last thanks to their high-quality materials and robust construction. They’re a better choice for eco-conscious buyers as they generate less waste over time. On the other hand, disposable penlights are cheaper upfront but are made from lower-quality materials and have a shorter lifespan.
Halogen vs LED Bulbs
If you’ve shopped for light bulbs recently, you’ve likely come across halogen and LED options. Halogen bulbs produce a bright, warm light similar to natural sunlight but don’t last as long and consume more energy. LED bulbs, by contrast, are more energy-efficient, stay cool to the touch, and have a much longer lifespan.
However, some people dislike the light emitted by LEDs, as it often has a white or bluish tint that can slightly alter colours. While LEDs are pricier initially, their longevity and lower energy use mean they often save money in the long run.
Tail Click vs Side Click vs Twist Top Switch Mechanism
Penlights come with different switch mechanisms to turn them on and off. Tail-click penlights feature a button at the top, similar to a click pen, making them easy to use but prone to accidental activation. Twist-top models use a twisting motion to turn the light on and off, avoiding accidental use, as the “cap” doesn’t come off. Side-click switches are typically found on the side of the pen and resemble a metal clip, sliding up and down to control the light.
Pupil Gauge vs No Pupil Gauge
Some nursing penlights include a pupil gauge printed along the side, while others don’t. Whether you choose one with or without a gauge depends on your preference and confidence in estimating pupil response without the added reference.
