Fluke Biomedical has introduced two new models in its line of electrical safety analyzers—the ESA715 and ESA712.

The ESA715 and ESA712 offer the same core capabilities as the recently launched ESA710, with added features that support global standards testing and manual measurement mode, respectively.

The ESA715 replicates the functionality of the ESA710 but also offers testing to global standards. The ESA712 delivers the same testing options but exclusively through manual measurement mode. Both models are designed to enhance workflow automation, accuracy, and efficiency for healthcare technology management professionals.

Like the ESA710, the new analyzers feature a compact design, five-inch color LCD touchscreen, and an intuitive interface. The ESA715 also includes onboard OneQA workflow automation software, designed to standardize testing procedures, promote procedural adherence, and support integration with CMMS and EAM systems for end-to-end workflow automation.

Key features of the ESA715 and ESA712 electrical safety analyzers include:

• Global standards testing manual measurement mode 
• Portable, ergonomic design with integrated handle
• OneQA-enabled workflow automation (ESA715)
• Wireless capability for field testing and automatic result synchronization
• Ten applied parts posts with LED lighting guidance
• Insulation resistance range from 50V, 100V, 250V, and 500V
• Automated test sequences for compliance to electrical safety standards (ESA715)
• ECG waveform tests and dual-lead measurements
• Data entry via barcode scanner, external keyboard, or on-screen keyboard (ESA715)
• Rugged construction for field applications
• Service and coverage with the Protect+ Program

“The introduction of the ESA715 and ESA712 electrical safety analyzers, in addition to the ESA710, underlines our dedication to innovation and excellence in healthcare technology management,” says Mike Nguyen, senior product manager at Fluke Biomedical, in a release. “These models further our aim to set new standards for electrical safety testing in the healthcare industry.”

Photo caption: ESA715 and ESA712

Photo credit: Fluke Biomedical

Fluke Biomedical announced the launch of the ESA710 Electrical Safety Analyzer, designed to improve electrical safety testing by combining portability with advanced functionality.

The ESA710 Electrical Safety Analyzer features a compact design with a five-inch color LCD touchscreen and an intuitive user interface. Equipped with OneQA Workflow Automation Software, the ESA710 standardizes testing procedures and promotes procedural adherence, potentially leading to time and cost savings for healthcare facilities. The onboard software allows for automated documentation and integrates with several CMMS/EAM systems for end-to-end workflow automation.

Key features of the ESA710 Electrical Safety Analyzer include:

• Five-inch touchscreen with user-friendly interface
• Portable, ergonomic design with integrated handle for enhanced mobility
• OneQA-enabled workflow automation for standardized testing procedures
• Wireless capability for field testing and automatic result synchronization
• Ten applied parts posts with LED lighting guidance
• Insulation resistance range from 50V, 100V, 250V, and 500V
• Automated test sequences for compliance with electrical safety standards
• ECG waveform tests and dual-lead measurements for comprehensive analysis
• Easy data entry through barcode scanner, external keyboard, or on-screen keyboard
• Robust construction tested for rugged field applications
• Comprehensive service and coverage with the Protect+ Program

“The ESA710 Electrical Safety Analyzer exemplifies our commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare technology management,” says Mike Nguyen, senior product manager at Fluke Biomedical, in a release. “With its precision, compliance features, and user-friendly design, the ESA710 sets a new standard for electrical safety testing in the healthcare industry.”

Photo caption: ESA710 Electrical Safety Analyzer

Photo credit: Fluke Biomedical

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St. Charles, Mo.-based medical test equipment manufacturer BC Group International, Inc. announces the launch of the latest model of its BC Biomedical ESU Analyzer. The ESU-2350, which is designed to complement BC Group’s current line of ESU Analyzers, is a midrange unit that is competitive with the Fluke QA-ES III and Rigel Uni-Therm, company officials say.

The ESU-2350 was designed for customers who do not require a top-of-the-line ESU- 2400 with its higher accuracy, additional loads, advanced automation, pulse mode capability, etc., BC Group officials say. “Until now, BC Group did not have a mid-range analyzer,” adds Tim Welby, BC Group’s national sales and marketing manager.

The ESU-2350 is a high-accuracy (± 2% Reading), root mean square radiofrequency measurement system designed to be used in the calibration and routine performance verification of electrosurgical generators. It offers a higher degree of accuracy in the mid-range category than previously attainable with conventional electrosurgical unit analyzer designs, BC Group officials maintain.

“As is true with all of our BC Biomedical products, the ESU-2350 is made in the USA, and is designed, manufactured, and supported in St. Charles, Missouri,” says Welby.

The latest features include:

• Internal load bank with a range of 0 to 5500 Ω in 5 Ω increments
• Provides for automatic or manual activation of ESU generator during power load curve tests
• Is 100% compatible with Covidien/Valley lab ForceTriad, FT10, FX8, and Ligasure generators, as well as other manufacturers’ generators
• REM/ARM/CQM testing is accomplished via a 500 Ω adjustable load in 1 Ω increments

“With its color touchscreen, overall lightweight, smaller footprint design, report generation, and modest price, the ESU-2350 is the premier analyzer in the mid-range category,” Welby concludes.

The AA-8000 anesthetic agent analyzer is designed to meet the demand for a small, easy-to-use unit with high reliability and accuracy, BC Group officials say. Utilizing proprietary state-of-the-art digital, non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, the AA-8000 provides a low cost, high function, microprocessor-based analyzer that is simple to operate while maintaining high performance and accuracy.

The unit’s flexible design and portable size make it the ideal service tool for anesthesia-service applications in hospitals and surgical centers, according to the company. Moreover, it has a slanted display and adjustable handle/stand to allow for ease of viewing. While the internal, rechargeable Lithium battery provides for hours of continuous operation by biomed techs.

Further, a one-button selection of the agent to be analyzed, coupled with one-button control over the built-in sampling pump make the unit simple and quick to use, according to the company. As such, no complex menus and key combinations are required with the AA-8000 anesthetic agent analyzer. The internal data logger combined with the internal clock allows for the storage of up to 250 time- and date-stamped readings that can be downloaded to a computer using the USB interface.

Finally, a Flash Memory and the USB interface allow for field upgrades with downloads for the AA-8000 analyzer from the BC Group website. The AA-8000 is expected to be shipped by third quarter 2018 but can be pre-ordered now.

TOP PRODUCT FEATURES

• Uses state-of-the-art non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology
• Measures four anesthetic agent gases: sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, and halothane
• A small, portable unit with adjustable handle/stand
• A large graphical display with backlight
• User-friendly interface with one-button agent select and one-button sample (pump) control
• Automatic compensation for temperature and barometric pressure
• A built-in sampling pump
• Gas flow sampling at 200 ml/min
• Manual and automatic operation
• Internal data logging with date and time, and up to 250 samples
• A rechargeable Lithium battery for hours of continuous operation
• A USB computer interface
• Field-upgradeable flash memory
• Fast warmup time
• Comes with a NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate with data
• Service Tool for anesthesia-service application
• Made in the U.S.A.

For more information on the AA-800 anesthetic agent analyzer and the complete line of biomedical test equipment offered by BC Group International, Inc., including more than 75 different product lines, visit BCGroupStore.com.

What’s more, company officials say, onboard automated test sequences can be tailored to match the facilities’ preventive maintenance and service protocols—actions that improve efficiency and speed. Combined with the Bluetooth option and app, Safe-T Sim can also be operated from a smartphone/tablet to automatically generate electronic test reports, which are easily transferrable to a computerized maintenance management system.

Other key benefits of the Safe-T Sim automated electrical safety analyzer include ECG/Respiration simulation, “stay onscreen” battery operation and a four-year warranty.

The device also offers an automatic warning of secondary ground paths, preventing invalid readings. Plus, the analyzer performs electrical safety tests including point-to-point testing, load current measurement, ground leakage, chassis (also known as touch) leakage, patient lead leakage and ground continuity.

Jack Barrett, the company’s national business development manager said: “The SafeTest 99 further expands the ever-popular SafeTest product line with an economical solution to electrical safety testing.”

Andrew Upton, managing director at Seaward Group, Rigel Medical’s parent company, concurs, adding: “We’ve developed a medical safety analyzer that can be used both for medical and laboratory equipment, at line voltages ranging from 90 to 264vac with patient lead testing.”

“We want to make sure patients receive the highest level of care and Rigel Medical is pleased to play an integral role in keeping medical equipment safe,” Upton concludes.

Furthermore, the lightweight device performs electrical safety testing to the requirements of both in-house and field biomedical service technicians, Netech officials say. The Multi-Pro 2000 will measure: receptacle polarity, instrument current, line voltage, chassis resistance., leakage current, leads leakage, isolation current, and point-to-point testing.

Key features of the Multi-Pro 2000:

• Accurate and reliable testing accuracy
• 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and performance waveforms; the built-in ECG simulator allows performance testing of all ECG equipment, making this unit the Cadillac of electrical safety analyzers.
• A fast print function to save test data and print results
• The ability to test the electrical safety of all types of medical equipment by hospital and field-service biomedical technicians
• Measurement results and menus are displayed on the large LCD screen.
• Minimal maintenance requirements

For more information regarding this product, visit Netech.

According to BC Group, the SA-2500 includes all the usual features of a standard safety analyzer, including line voltage measurement, earth/ground lead resistance/leakage current, point-to-point testing, enclosure/chassis leakage current, external resistance, and external leakage current. It has a universal power supply compatible with line voltages from 90-240 VAC with load currents up to 16 amps. All measurements are true RMS readings.

The SA-2500 has a variety of other progressive features, including separate measurements for AC + DC that allows for test limits that are different for AC or DC currents; the ability to measure the quality of insulation in a product’s power wiring to ensure safe resistance to any exposed metal parts; and remote operation capabilities from a PC or laptop to control measurements, test sequences, and print reports.

For more information about the SA-2500, visit the BC Group webstore.

Routine electrical safety testing remains a given at most hospitals around the country, but that might soon be a thing of the past. The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation has released a new edition of its electrical codes handbook, the AAMI Electrical Safety Manual, 2015: A Comprehensive Guide to Electrical Safety Standards for Healthcare Facilities. Written by Matt Baretich, PhD, president of Baretich Engineering in Fort Collins, Colo, the volume highlights some important but under-publicized changes to NFPA 99, the safety code governing healthcare facilities.

A hospital consultant who also coauthored the 2004 and 2008 editions, Baretich helps facilities cost effectively manage their compliance in the areas of medical equipment, utility systems, and hazardous materials. He has spent the last year combing through various electrical safety standards and attempting to distill them into a clear, accessible format. A lot has changed from the “pretty scary” days of the 1970s when medical equipment posed a much higher risk to patients, Baretich says, and the updated codes reflect that: no longer do they require hospitals to conduct routine electrical safety testing. 24×7 spoke to him about how these updates could relieve overburdened biomedical departments and what other practical tips, charts, and resources the volume offers readers.

24×7: Given improvements to medical device technology, is electrical safety still as important as it once was? 

Baretich: The roots of this book go all the way back to when equipment wasn’t quite so well designed and reliable. In those days, it really was important for hospitals to constantly check that their equipment was meeting appropriate standards for electrical safety. As equipment has gotten better, the core issue has declined substantially in importance. The way everyone has responded is better; the power distribution in hospitals is better, the equipment is better. I think that as a profession, we can declare victory and stop spending so much time doing electrical safety testing. There are still things that need to be done, but they’re not as time-consuming as has been the case in the past.

24×7: What are some of the key changes in the new edition? 

Baretich: The 2012 edition of NFPA 99 no longer requires routine electrical safety testing. That’s a big change in the standards, and it’s a change that has not rolled out to many hospitals. The change was based on the fact that it was rare to find anything wrong in routine testing. It was pretty much a waste of effort. Almost all of the problems that are found are connected with some other failure or damage to the equipment. For a long time, I’ve been a proponent of reducing the amount of electrical safety testing. That opinion, which is increasingly shared by others, is reflected in the codes. The old way of doing things has really lost its justification.

While we’ve trimmed back some things in this manual because they just aren’t that important anymore, we’ve added some things related to isolated power systems. They’ve been somewhat controversial over the years. The latest edition of NFPA 99 has made the default decision that you need to install them in areas like operating rooms unless you go through a formal risk assessment process. The requirement for the risk assessment process is new. It’s easy for hospitals to say, “I’m not going to bother with that. I’m just going to install the system.” In what I think is an important addition, the manual outlines how you can do that risk assessment process and points the reader toward references they can use.

24×7: What other codes have you covered in this new edition?

Baretich: There’s NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code, and another NFPA standard, 70E. There are The Joint Commission standards. There’s the AAMI/IEC standard, 60601-1. Facility Guidelines Institute has some guidelines, and the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has some rules about electrical safety. Those are the key ones that we pull from. There are a couple others that I pulled little bits of information from. They’re all applicable to hospitals.

24×7: What are you trying to accomplish with this volume?

Baretich: It’s somewhat ironic, because I’ve been arguing against the excessive electrical safety testing for a long time, but here I am the author of the book on how to do it. Rather than people having to buy and read all the different codes and standards, I do all that reading and pull out the relatively small portion that applies to healthcare facilities. What I try to make clear in this book is what electrical safety testing really is, when it really makes sense to do it, and why you would not. It’s intended to be a really practical source for someone who doesn’t want to be a specialist in all these codes—they just want to get the job done, be compliant, and do the right thing for patients. It’s smaller than it used to be; it’s 60 pages long. There’s really no reason to expand it, given its objective. We want this to actually be something some busy engineer or technician in the hospital can read, know what to do, and just move on. I’ve tried to explain what the issues are and some of the nerdy detail, and then say, “Here’s what we recommend as a practical way to deal with all this stuff.”

24×7: What are some of the practical measures that you suggest?

Baretich: For example, there have been issues with RPTs, or relocatable power taps. For normal people, that means a multiple outlet strip that you can plug different devices into. There has been a lot of back and forth about what kind you can use where, under what circumstances, and what kind of maintenance programs you need to have. There’s still a lot of confusion out there. In the book, I try to boil it down: here’s the background, here are where the references are, and here’s our recommendation for how to be compliant and not expend effort you don’t need to expend. Basically, in certain parts of the hospital like patient care areas, RPTs should meet a certain standard, and it’s going to be embossed on that RPT. And then you’re ok. Back in the appendices, there are one-page charts summarizing everything on one topic. If you’re writing a policy for your hospital, there are one- or two-page outlines with the core features that should be in the policy.

24×7: How has your consulting background given you context for writing this volume?

Baretich: A big part of my consulting business is working with hospitals to make sure they’re compliant without wasting time, effort, and money. I’ve seen how hospitals may be using old ideas about what they’re supposed to do. And so it’s important for them to get up to the latest standards. I find that some people are not really comfortable with the underlying codes and standards. They can follow the instructions in the manual for testing but may not be aware of the underlying principles. By helping to explain that, I can also help them devise ways to be more economical in their programs. For example, I tell them, “You know, nobody is actually requiring you to do all that electrical safety testing on a routine basis. So, maybe you want to use your resources to do something else.”

24×7: How big an impact does unnecessary electrical safety testing have on hospitals in terms of time and money spent?

Baretich: Each time you do a test, it takes a few minutes to set it up, do the test, and record the results. The number of times varies by the equipment, but it might be once or twice a year as a typical schedule. You can add that up over thousands of pieces of equipment in the inventory. I think the potential is to reduce a lot of effort.

24×7: How widespread is the issue?

Baretich: I know very few places that have actually cut back routine electrical safety testing to a major extent. Most hospitals are doing routine electrical safety testing, and they don’t really have to. But the change in the code is quite new, and I suspect it will take a while for work practices to change. It’s going to be interesting to watch over the next few years. When I lecture, I say, “We spend a significant amount of time doing this, and nobody is requiring us to do it. So why are we doing it—and what are we going to do instead?” And right now, the reactions I get are, “I don’t know yet how we’re going to handle this.” But people are becoming aware of the issue, so I think we’ll see changes, particularly if we continue seeing pressure on maintenance programs to save money. So many hospitals feel that they’re understaffed in medical equipment maintenance. This may be a way that they can streamline operations and get back that edge they need to bring the workload down to match staffing levels.

Jenny Lower is the managing editor of 24×7. Contact her at jlower@allied360.com.