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Step-by-step guide: using each diagnostic device during an appointment

Short answer

During an Omply appointment, the doctor guides you through using each device — you don't need to know the readings yourself. Your job is simple: pair the device over Bluetooth before you start, hold it in the right spot, and follow the doctor's on-screen and spoken cues. This guide covers setup and placement for each device, plus the most common mistakes to avoid.

Before your first appointment, it helps to read How do I use the devices safely and correctly? and watch the device instruction videos.

Before you start (every appointment)

  1. Charge your devices the night before — see How do I maintain and charge the research equipment?.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone — see Does the phone need to have Bluetooth turned on?.
  3. Open the Omply app and pair each device you expect to use. If a device won't connect, see My device won't connect. How can I fix it?.
  4. Sit somewhere quiet and well-lit, with the devices within reach.
  5. Clean the devices before use, following the monthly routine in Monthly maintenance of research equipment.

If a reading doesn't come through during the visit, don't worry — see What happens if a measurement fails during the appointment?. The doctor can guide you to retry.

Digital stethoscope (heart & lungs)

Setup: Power on and confirm it's paired in the app. The doctor hears the sound live.

Placement:

  • Heart: Place the chest piece on the left side of the chest, just below the breastbone. Hold still and breathe normally.
  • Lungs: The doctor will ask you to move it to several spots on your back (upper, middle, lower) and sometimes the front. Take slow, deep breaths through your mouth when asked.

Common pitfalls:

  • Placing it over clothing — always use it on bare skin.
  • Talking, moving, or holding your breath when the doctor needs to listen.
  • Gripping too hard, which adds rubbing noise. Rest it gently but with full skin contact.

▶ Watch: Digital stethoscope instruction video 📄 Read: User manual (PDF) · Quick guide (PDF)

Digital otoscope (ears & skin)

Setup: Attach a clean tip, power on, and confirm the live image appears for the doctor.

Placement:

  • Ear: Gently insert the tip into the ear opening — never force it deep. The doctor watches the live view and tells you when to stop, hold, or angle slightly.
  • Skin: Hold the lens a few centimetres from the spot or rash so the doctor gets a clear, zoomed close-up.

Common pitfalls:

  • Pushing too far into the ear canal (only go as far as is comfortable).
  • A foggy or dark image — wipe the lens and make sure the light is on.
  • For a child, have them sit still on your lap; see How do I handle matters on behalf of my child?.

▶ Watch: Digital otoscope instruction video 📄 Read: User manual (PDF) · quick guide coming soon

Pulse oximeter (oxygen & pulse)

Setup: Pair it, then clip it onto a fingertip.

Placement: Use a clean, warm finger (cold hands lower the reading). Keep the hand still and resting until the numbers stabilise.

Common pitfalls:

  • Nail polish or very cold fingers giving a poor reading.
  • Moving the hand mid-measurement.

▶ Watch: Pulse oximeter instruction video 📄 Read: User manual (PDF) · Quick guide (PDF)

Blood pressure monitor

Setup: Pair the monitor, then wrap the cuff on your upper arm at heart height.

Placement: Sit with your back supported and feet flat, arm resting on a table. Stay quiet and still while the cuff inflates.

Common pitfalls:

  • Cuff over thick clothing — use a bare or thinly covered arm.
  • Talking or moving during the reading.
  • Cuff too loose or too tight (you should fit one finger under it).

▶ Watch: Blood pressure monitor instruction video 📄 Read: User manual (PDF) · Quick guide (PDF)

Thermometer (infrared ear thermometer)

Setup: Pair it and follow the app prompt.

Placement: Gently insert the tip into the ear opening and aim it toward the eardrum, then take the reading. Wait for the confirmation beep/reading.

Common pitfalls:

  • Measuring right after coming in from the cold or lying on that ear — wait a few minutes so the ear is at a settled temperature.
  • Not aiming the tip toward the eardrum, or excess earwax blocking the reading.
  • Using a dirty tip — make sure it's clean before measuring.

▶ Watch: Thermometer instruction video 📄 Read: User manual (PDF) · Quick guide (PDF)

Following the doctor's cues

The doctor leads the examination. They'll tell you which device to pick up, where to place it, and when to hold still. Readings stream to them in real time. If something doesn't transmit, they'll ask you to retry or, if needed, advise next steps — including when an in-person visit is the safer option (see Can Omply replace a traditional clinic visit?).

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