List of Medical Supplies and Equipment: 60+ Terms with Examples

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Medical vocabulary plays a crucial role in healthcare communication. However, it is important to distinguish between medical supplies (consumable items), medical equipment (machines and devices), and other related categories such as mobility aids and medical environments.

In this guide, we organize the vocabulary clearly into categories so learners can understand and use each term accurately.

Medical Supplies and Equipment Vocabulary

1. Medical Supplies (Consumables & Basic Items)

• Cotton wool
• Surgical mask
• Compression bandage
• Bandage
• Antiseptic
• Pill
• Tablet
• Plasters (U.K.) / Band-aids (U.S.)

2. Medical Tools & Instruments

• Stethoscope
• Thermometer
• Syringe
• Dropper
• Scalpel
• Needle
• Sutures
• Tweezers
• Medical clamps
• IV (intravenous line)
• First aid kit
• Pregnancy testing kit

3. Diagnostic & Monitoring Devices

• Blood pressure monitor
• Pulse oximeter
• Glucometer
• Eye chart
• Otoscope
• Ophthalmoscope
• Laryngoscope
• Spirometer

4. Medical Equipment (Machines)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine
• Computed tomography (CT) scanner
• Anesthesia machine
• Nebulizer
• Dialysis machine
• Infusion pump
• Centrifuge
• Autoclave
• Defibrillator
• Surgical lights
• Operating table
• Endoscope
• Colposcope
• C-arm fluoroscope
• Microscope
• Slit lamp
• Portable oxygen concentrator
• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine

5. Mobility & Support Equipment

• Wheelchair
• Crutch
• Cane
• Stretcher
• Gurney
• Sling
• Cast

6. Hospital Infrastructure & Furniture

• Ambulance
• Examining table
• IV stand
• Hospital bed
• Basin

Medical Supplies and Equipment with Examples and Pictures

Medical Supplies

Cotton wool

• The nurse placed a piece of cotton wool on the injection site to absorb any bleeding.

Surgical mask

• During the surgery, all medical staff wore a surgical mask to maintain a sterile environment.

Compression bandage

• The first aider applied a compression bandage to reduce swelling.

Bandage

• A bandage was used to cover and protect the wound.

Antiseptic

• The nurse cleaned the wound with antiseptic.

First aid kit

• A first aid kit is essential for emergencies.

Medical Tools and Instruments

Stethoscope

• The doctor used a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s heart and lung sounds.

Thermometer

• The nurse used a thermometer to check the patient’s temperature.

Syringe

• The doctor used a syringe to inject the vaccine.

Dropper

• The nurse used a dropper to apply eye drops.

Scalpel

• The surgeon used a scalpel to make a precise incision.

Needle

• The nurse inserted a needle to draw blood.

Sutures

• The doctor used sutures to close the wound.

Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices

Eye chart

• The optometrist asked the patient to read the letters on the eye chart.

Medical scale

• The patient stepped onto the medical scale to measure body weight.

Blood pressure monitor

• We used a blood pressure monitor to check the patient’s blood pressure.

Pregnancy testing kit

• The couple used a pregnancy testing kit to confirm pregnancy.

X-ray (X-ray machine)

• The doctor used an X-ray machine to check the bones.

Respiratory and Emergency Equipment

Oxygen mask

• The patient was given an oxygen mask to help with breathing.

Resuscitator

• The paramedics used a resuscitator to assist breathing.

Patient Support and Transport Equipment

Ambulance

• The ambulance arrived quickly to transport the patient.

Sling

• The patient wore a sling to support the injured arm.

Stretcher

• The patient was carried on a stretcher.

Clinical Furniture and Treatment Items

IV (intravenous line)

• The patient received fluids through an IV.

Examining table

• The patient lay on the examining table.

Urine sample (specimen sample)

• A urine sample was collected for testing.

Basin

• The patient used a basin during recovery.