Electrical Safety Test
Electro-medical devices are powered by electricity or an internal power source (batteries) and are often attached to the patient through wires. Some of these devices have active parts inserted into the patient's body and may be in direct contact with the heart. There is a risk to the patient in the event of current leakage from the device. The current can also be transmitted through a health care professional, such as a nurse with an electronic device next to the patient. Electrical shock can cause disruption during health care procedures and result in injury or death. This makes electrical safety an extremely important topic in medical device quality assurance. The physiological effects of electric shock range from a buzzing sensation to severe burns and electrocution. Excitable human tissue is very sensitive to current in the frequency range of the world's electric power systems (50 Hz to 60 Hz). The figure below shows the effects of current flowing from one contact point on the skin to another.
The test is performed in accordance with NBRIEC 62353 and NBRIEC60601. Aiming to bring safety to the operator and patient, ensuring that electromedical equipment is not supplying or driving harmful currents to those involved.