Model note · Otoscope
Welch Allyn MacroView otoscope
The MacroView is a wide view 3.5 V diagnostic otoscope head used in GP surgeries, paediatrics and emergency care to examine the ear canal and tympanic membrane. Its extended focal length optics give a larger, focus free view than a standard single lens otoscope, it supports pneumatic otoscopy with an insufflation bulb, and the Plus model can capture ear images with a smartphone bracket. It fits existing Welch Allyn 3.5 V handles and wall systems.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Welch Allyn, Inc. (Hillrom, now Baxter)
- Model
- MacroView otoscope (current 238 series: MacroView Basic 238-2 and MacroView Plus 238-3)
- Device type
- Otoscope
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Models | 238-3 MacroView Plus (iExaminer digital ready) and 238-2 MacroView Basic | Source |
| Size and weight | 7 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm; 115 g | Source |
| Illumination | SureColor LED through ring fibre optics; rated lamp life 60+ years of typical use | Source |
| Light output | 5200 lux, stated as 2.5 times brighter than traditional halogen scopes; CRI 95 typical, 3400 to 4500 K | Source |
| Magnification | About 3 times that of a single lens otoscope such as the standard 250-2 | Source |
| Pneumatic otoscopy | Sealed; insufflation bulb 21504 and SofSeal tip 24320 available | Source |
| Power | Existing Welch Allyn 3.5 V handles; optimised for the 719-3 lithium ion handle (about 5.5 hours on time) | Source |
| Specula | Welch Allyn specula only; LumiView Clear single use 2.75 mm (52432-CLR-1) and 4.25 mm (52434-CLR-1) | Source |
| Earlier halogen version lamp | Welch Allyn lamp REF 06500-U (as specified in the Digital MacroView DFU) | Source |
Recalls
Recalls.
This note lists no recalls. Check the FDA recall database for the latest record.
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- Limit on time to 2 minutes with at least 10 minutes off to keep the housing temperature down. Source
- Do not use in the presence of flammable anaesthetics, and do not use the otoscope in the eye. Source
- Do not disinfect with glutaraldehyde, ethylene oxide, steam or other liquid or gas disinfectants, and keep liquids off the lenses. Source
- Halogen lamps should be handled with eye protection and disposed of carefully. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- Baxter Welch Allyn MacroView Plus Otoscope product page
- Welch Allyn MacroView Otoscopes spec sheet APR103404 (hosted by Tiger Medical)
- Welch Allyn Digital MacroView Directions for use (2008, hosted by Kingston Health Sciences Centre)
- openFDA MAUDE search, MacroView (no matches)
- openFDA recall search, MacroView (no matches)
Not covered: The current MacroView and LED otoscope instructions for use were not reachable as a public file, so warnings and checks lean on the 2008 Digital MacroView DFU, which describes the camera equipped variant of the halogen head; these should be confirmed against the 238 series IFU. No MAUDE reports, FDA recalls, 510(k) summary or error codes were found under the MacroView name, so failing parts evidence is thin.
BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.