TNT 12000 X-Ray Test Device

FROM FLUKE BIOMEDICAL

Barracuda X-ray
multimeter
FROM RTI
Electronics

Evolution of
Biomedical
Test Equipment

iomedical test equipment lies at the foundation of every hospital and

GP surgery. From the simple thermometer to the CT scanner, biomedical
equipment is used in every medical diagnosis and, in many cases, is also
used for selecting the appropriate treatment option. Before the widespread availability of biomedical test equipment, the art of medical diagnosis was
little more than educated guess work. The huge advances that we have enjoyed
in medical science since the mid nineteenth century have only been possible
because innovations in methods of biomedical testing have led the way.

Before 1900
Prior to the 20th century, the evolution of biomedical test equipment had progressed relatively slowly. The invention of the thermometer in 1603, the refinement of the hearing tube (later to become the stethoscope) in 1819, and the discovery of X-rays in 1895
represent perhaps the most significant steps in the development of
biomedical testing. It is significant that these important advances
occurred within a period stretching over nearly 300 years. The discovery of X-rays can perhaps be considered to be the pivotal breakthrough in medical diagnosis, and ultimately helped to launch
the equipment-based age of medicine. This development was relatively swiftly followed by the invention of the electrocardiograph
(ECG) in 1903, which introduced the style of instrumentation for
physiological measurement that is used universally today.
1960s
It was during the 1960s that biomedical equipment technology
evolved into its own distinct field within the medical sciences.
Dedicated engineers known as Biomedical Equipment Technicians
(BMETs) were given the responsibility of maintaining and
repairing the instruments and equipment used in clinical laboratories, radiology departments, surgery, anesthesia, respiratory
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therapy and other high-tech hospital departments. Qualifications

in biomedical technology are now widely available, and many
people dedicate their careers to the maintenance and repair of
testing equipment.
Early 2000s
During the 2000s, biomedical equipment underwent a significant
change of emphasis, as the focus was moved to integrating several
individual analyzers into a single, multi-function device combin-

SC-5 SimCube
NIBP Simulator
from Pronk
Technology

Evolution of biomedical test equipment

ing many features. One example of this change can be seen in the
development of the MedTester 5000c, an integrated, automated biomedical test system, launched by Fluke Biomedical prior to 2005.
This unique, fully automated electrical safety and biomedical performance inspection device combined all the important features
of conventional manual electrical-safety analyzers into a single device, and still claims to be the most versatile analyzer available on
the market for biomedical professionals and manufacturers.
In November 2003, the SC-5 SimCube NIBP Simulator from
Pronk Technology was launched, combining the functions of a
manometer and an NIBP simulator. This simulator was designed
to complement the existing SimCube SC series, and offered ECG,
respiratory, arrhythmia, pacer simulation, and IBP modes for accurate biomedical testing. The SimCube simulated real-life oscillometric pulses by varying both the shape and size of the wave as
cuff pressure changes.
RECENT
In 2005, RTI Electronics launched its all-in-one X-ray multimeter
for quality assurance purposes, known as Barracuda. The Barracuda was able to measure on all modalities; R/F, mammography, fluoroscopy, pulsed fluoroscopy, dental, panoramic dental and CT systems, and could be configured to meet all users specific needs and
requirements. The Barracuda was compact and easily transported
in its carrying case. Furthermore, as the Barracuda was a modular
system, it could be configured in many different ways, with a num-

ber of add-on probes being available (including mAs probes, ionization chambers, dose detectors and light detectors).
Another example of a multi-functional device is the Fluke
ESA612 electrical safety analyzer, launched in 2009 by Fluke
Biomedical. This device offered the functionality of a simulator,
multimeter and electrical-safety analyzer in a single test tool. The
combination of several features into a single small, portable, ergonomic, lightweight device, incorporating a large, easy-to-read display, meant that it could be used in field applications and in situations where multiple devices would be cumbersome.
In addition to developing the ESA612 electrical safety analyzer,
Fluke also launched the TNT 12000 X-Ray Test Device. The most
comprehensive instrument available for assuring quality and
safety of diagnostic X-ray imaging systems, the TNT 12000 X-Ray
Test Device measures kVp, radiation dose, dose rate, time, and half
value layer in a single exposure.
Plus, a long battery life ensures uninterrupted operation all day.
As testament to this products novelty, it recently won the Medical
Design Excellence Award in the radiological and electromechanical
devices category. Earning highest marks in design, technology, innovation, user-related features, and benefits to both patients and the
overall healthcare system, the TNT 12000 X-Ray Test Device is considered best-in-class for its contribution to improving patient safety,
reducing cost, improving systems uptime, ease of use, and overall
innovation in the field of diagnostic imaging quality assurance.

Replacing biomedical test equipment

Biomedical test equipment, like all high-tech equipment, has a
limited lifetime. The high demand placed on these instruments
means that they must be replaced on a regular basis, and some
hospitals introduce a rolling system for the replacement of
test equipment. However, biomedical test equipment does not
necessarily have to be replaced by a brand new model every
time. In many cases, replacement with a refurbished model can
prove an adequate and highly cost-effective solution. Indeed,
it has been estimated that replacing existing equipment with a
refurbished model rather than a new model can save up to 60%
in initial outlay.
Highly trained biomedical engineers are able to renovate
and restore the function and accuracy of biomedical test equipment by following protocols similar to the ones outlined below. Cosmetic refurbishments are appropriate for newer models
where the functional capacity has not been impaired over time.
Technical refurbishments may be required for older models that
have seen greater usage.

Technical refurbishment:
An initial physical check is undertaken, in which unit is cleaned
and batteries are replaced
All equipment parameters and conditions are functionally
verified using the latest testing equipment
All parts or components that are not performing properly are
replaced and/or repaired
The unit is reassembled and undergoes further testing and
calibration
All accessories commonly used with the equipment are intro duced so overall operational effectiveness can be verified
The refurbished equipment is present to the quality control
department for final approval.
Cosmetic refurbishment:
Equipment is inspected for any wear and tear
Units are primed, sanded and painted
Use of AFC paint booth for perfect results
The end product is completely free of blemishes.

A piece of biomedical test equipment refurbished in this way is likely to offer many more years of useful service. Furthermore,
as older models adequately match most of the specifications of a brand new model, the size of the cost saving may more than
compensate for any small reduction in functional capacity.

june 2010 / medicaldealer.com

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