Testing instrumentation for medical equipment: Part 3

In this three-part series, testing instrumentation for medical equipment is described, organized, and reviewed. In Part 1 (July-September, 1977 issue) reasons for testing were discussed. Part 1 also included a review of the types of testing instrumentation for power and gas outlets, isolated power systems, and conductive floors. Part 2 (October-December, 1977 issue) continued the series with a review of "safety testers," simulators, and calibrators. In this final part, testing instrumentation is reviewed for therapeutic equipment, including pacemakers, defibrillators, and electrosurgical equipment. This paper concludes with suggestions for possible future types of test instrumentation, and with a discussion of the relationship of such instrumentation to the clinical engineering profession.