Assessment of the light intensity of otoscopes utilized in teaching hospitals.
BACKGROUND
To attain an accurate otoscopic diagnosis, a functioning device with adequate capacity must be used.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the light intensity of otoscopes, comparing it utilizing the batteries present at the moment of calibration and after new batteries were supplied.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study of a historical cohort, which assessed 38 otoscopes, measuring the light intensity with the batteries present at the moment of assessment compared to the intensity with new batteries, as well as charge of the test batteries and the new batteries.


RESULTS
The mean of the sum of new batteries' charge was 3.19V, and of the test batteries was 2.70V, representing a decrease of 18.02% in charge. The mean luminosity with the new batteries was 366.89lumens, whereas in the test batteries it was 188.32lumens, representing a decrease of 83.75% in the light intensity. Student's t-test was applied for data comparison, showing a statistical difference between the light intensity with the original batteries and the new batteries (p=0.0001; CI=0.95).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a statistically significant difference between the proportions of light intensity in the otoscopes. A small variation in battery charge results in a great variation in light.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, Paraná, PR, Brazil; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hospital Cruz Vermelha, Curitiba, Paraná, PR, Brazil.
Vinicius Ribas
VR
Fonseca
Department of Medicine, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, Paraná, PR, Brazil. Electronic address: giovanabasso@hotmail.com.
Giovana Bittencourt
GB
Basso
Department of Medicine, Universidade Positivo, Curitiba, Paraná, PR, Brazil.
Mariana Nagata
MN
Cavalheiro
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D011211:Electric Power Supplies / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D008029:Lighting / Q000592:standards*; D019720:Otoscopes / Q000592:standards*; D038781:Otoscopy / Q000592:standards*
Light; Luz; Otoscopes; Otoscopia; Otoscopy; Otoscópios