I’ve found that having my own diagnostics kit when I travel (for work or for fun) can be useful. Over the course of a few years I’ve modified it, but for the last year it has stayed largely unchanged. I don’t have anything crazy in the kit and it is small enough that tossing it in a day pack or messenger bag isn’t an issue.
12/2018 Update:
I’ve added a Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscope. I remade the plastic case for the EENT kit to accommodate the ophthalmoscope.
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I have a few rapid diagnostic tests that I can toss in if needed including HIV, Malaria, and Dengue.
Here’s the breakdown of what I carry as of 12/2017
| Generic Name | Specific Product with Manufacturer Link | Purchase Link |
| Stethoscope | Littman Classic II | Amazon |
| Blood Pressure Cuff | Welch Allyn DS44-11 | Amazon |
| Pulse Ox | Nonin Onyx II | Discontinued – Check eBay |
| Retractor for Pulse Ox | Key-Bak Retractor | Amazon |
| EENT Kit (custom assembled) | Packaging is made with a vaccum sealer | |
| Pen Light | From NAR Corpsman Kit | Amazon* |
| Fluorescein Strips | FUL-GLO (from NAR Corpsman Kit) | Moore Medical |
| Otoscope Head w/ Speculum | From NAR Corpsman Kit | Amazon |
| Cobalt Lens | From NAR Corpsman Kit | Amazon |
| Nylon Eye Loop | From NAR Corpsman Kit | Amazon |
| Eye Magnet | From NAR Corpsman Kit | Amazon |
| Tetracaine Eye Drops | Tetracaine Hydrochloride Opthalmic Solution 0.5% (RX) | Moore Medical |
| AAA Batteries (3) | Generic AAA batteries | Amazon |
| Permanent Marker | Sharpie | Amazon |
| Random pen with duct tape on it | ||
| Note Pad and Pen | Rite in the Rain 4×6″ Pad | Amazon |
| MACE Cards | DoD Military Acute Concussion Evaluation Card | Free |
| Urine HCG Test | QuickVue Urine HCG | Amazon |
| 10 Parameter UA Test Strips | HealthyWiser 10 Parameter Strips | Amazon |
| UA Reading Card | Custom Made | |
| UA Interpretation Card | Custom Made | |
| Pouch | Outdoor Research Backcountry Organizer #2 | Amazon |
| Headlamp | Petzl TacTikka w/ blue lens (older style) | Amazon |
| Visual Language Translator | Kwikpoint Visual Language Guide: EMS | Kwikpoint |
| Thermometer | ADC Oral Thermometer | Amazon |
| Thermometer probe cover | ADC Thermometer Probe Cover | Amazon |
| START Triage Card | Custom Made | |
| Glucometer w/ test strips and lancets | Bayer Contour Glucometer | Amazon |
*You can buy this on Amazon, but you are likely better off checking on eBay. These often go up for sale for $100 USD or less. The Deluxe Corpsman Kit is identical to the basic except for the addition of a Heine mini 3000 Ophthalmoscope. You can buy that specific ophthalmoscope separately or a different one if you prefer.
I like how lightweight and compact the components of the corpsman kit are, but they definitely aren’t the most durable or best on the market. The otoscope gets the job done but the lens will fall out eventually and you can’t just buy a replacement otoscope head (as far as I know). If I’m in a clinic with a wall mounted otoscope and ophthalmoscope set I’ll absolutely use those, but to do a quick check the components in the corpsman kit work.
The Amazon links are affiliate links so I get a small amount if you purchase from them.