Medical Speculum: Types, Uses & Design Features

Speculum: Instruments for Visualizing Body Cavities

A speculum (Latin: "to look") dilates an orifice for examination, sampling, or procedure.

Common Types

Type	Use	Design Features
Vaginal (Cusco / Graves / Pederson)	Gyn exam, Pap, IUD, colposcopy, biopsy	Bivalve (dual blades), screw/ratchet opening; metal (reusable) or plastic (disposable); Graves = wider blades for parous; Pederson = narrower for nulliparous
Otoscope Speculum	Ear canal / TM visualization	Cone-shaped, 2–5 mm tip; disposable plastic; attaches to otoscope head
Nasal Speculum (Killian / Cottle / Vienna)	Anterior rhinoscopy, nasal procedures	Bivalve, spring-loaded; blades 1–2 cm wide; stainless steel
Rectal / Anoscope	Anorectal exam, biopsy, banding	Cylindrical (anoscope) or bivalve (rectal); 5–10 cm length; disposable or metal
Aural (Ear) Speculum	Same as otoscope	—

Design Features

• Adjustable blades – gradual dilation, patient comfort.
• Light source integration – fiber optic, LED, or external mirror.
• Locking mechanism – maintains exposure hands-free.
• Material: Stainless steel (autoclavable) vs. polycarbonate (single-use).
• Pediatric sizes available for all types.

Patient Comfort & Safety

• Warm metal speculum (run under warm water).
• Lubricate (water-based) – vaginal/rectal.
• Explain procedure; drape; chaperone offered.
• Slow insertion; stop if pain.
• Disinfect/sterilize per Spaulding classification.