There is great variability as to what equipment will be available to you when you arrive at a practice, therefore always be prepared. When preparing your doctor's bag, it is worth thinking about what you need for a typical surgery and home visit. Ensure your bag is lockable. Useful items are listed below. More detailed information can be found here.

  • Stethoscope
  • Auroscope
  • Ophthalmoscope
  • BP machine
  • Tendon hammer
  • Tongue depressors
  • Tape measure
  • Thermometer
  • Phlebotomy equipment (venflon, plasters, cotton, etc.)
  • Pulse oximeter
  • Urine dipstick
  • Urine pots
  • Glucometer
  • Gloves Peak flow meter
  • Lubricant jelly
  • Pregnancy test kits
  • Alcohol hand gel
  • Small sharps bin

 3 doctors bag

What drugs do I need?


Appropriate medications to carry around in a doctor's bag may vary. This will depend on:

  • Your area (distance to nearest hospital)
  • The medical conditions you are likely to face
  • The availability of a local 24-hour pharmacy


You must ensure you are confident in knowing how and when to administer emergency drugs. Our online guide is a great resource for this.
Take precautions to safeguard controlled drugs and have systems in place to replace used and expired drugs, as well as maintain and calibrate your clinical equipment.

To restock your bag, you can write out a private prescription. The private prescription should include details of:

  1. Your name and address
  2. The total quantity of the drugs requested
  3. The purpose of the durgs (for medical/doctor's bag)
  4. Your signature