English Club : Learn English : English for Work : Medical Professionals : Supplies

Medical Supplies and Tools

Here is a list of some of the most common supplies found in doctor's offices, operating rooms, and medical kits. Study the vocabulary and try the matching exercise.

antiseptic	liquid used to sterilize (clean) the surface of the skin
bandage	a cloth covering that is placed over a wound to prevent bleeding, swelling and infection
bandage scissors	tool used to cut bandages
blood pressure monitor	a tool that measures the force of blood flow through a person's body
dressing	protective covering that is placed over a wound
elastic tape	a thin roll of stretchy material that is sticky on one side
eye chart	a poster of letter, word, and number combinations of various sizes used to test a person's eyesight
forceps	instrument used during operations and medical procedures (assists the doctor in pulling, holding, and retrieving)
gauze	thin, netted material used for dressing wounds
hypodermic needle	sharp pointed metal piece that pricks the skin (attached to a syringe), used for taking blood or administering medicine
IV bag	the pouch that contains liquids to be pumped into a patient's body
medicine cup	small plastic measuring cup
microscope	equipment that makes small things appear larger than they are
otoscope	a device used for looking into a patient's ears
oxygen mask	equipment that fits over the nose and mouth and supplies oxygen
privacy screen	an object that is used to separate the doctor and patient from others in an open room
scales	a device that measures a person's weight
stethoscope	equipment for listening to a person's heart and lungs
syringe	a cylinder-shaped piece that attaches to a needle and can be filled with liquid
table and head-rest paper	paper that is placed on an examining table or head-rest to prevent the spread of germs
test tube	glass cylinder that is filled with blood or other liquids and can be capped and placed in a storage area
thermometer	an instrument used to check a person's body temperature
vial	a small bottle or container used for storing liquids

Matching Exercise
Match the comments with the supplies that are needed:

1	I can't catch my breath.	a	table and head-rest paper
2	Prepare the examining table for the next patient.	b	thermometer
3	We'll have to get a blood sample.	c	oxygen mask
4	I need to sterilize the wound.	d	hypodermic needle
5	We'll have to feed him with liquids.	e	bandage scissors
6	Let's find out your weight.	f	scales
7	I need to examine the patient in private.	g	eye chart
8	Let's check your vision.	h	antiseptic
9	Let's see if you are running a fever.	i	IV bag
10	Can you cut this gauze for me?	j	privacy screen

Answers: 1c, 2a, 3d, 4h, 5i, 6f, 7j, 8g, 9b, 10e