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Instruments designed for accurate measurement of a length of time. These instruments typically consist of a mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic (e.g., quartz oscillator) time measuring unit with an analog or digital display. Timers are primarily intended to measure the duration of a given procedure, such as the application of diagnostic or therapeutic radiation (e.g., radiography, fluoroscopy, radiotherapy, phototherapy) and the performance of clinical (e.g., resuscitation, anesthesia, dialysis) and/or laboratory procedures; timers are also used during inspection and/or calibration of medical equipment. Many timers use display signals (e.g., alarms) to show that a preestablished period of time has ended. Some devices may include appropriate attachments to control the operation of other devices following a program; clinical timers are frequently an integral part of medical and/or laboratory devices.
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