The Importance Of Medical Electrical Safety Testing

Electrical devices play an important role in healthcare, providing machinery and equipment that has significantly advanced areas such as the diagnosis, treatment and management of different medical conditions. As technology continues to improve, these devices are becoming even more sophisticated, improving their efficiency and accuracy.

However, the integration of electrical devices also introduces some potential risks, which is why medical safety testing is an indispensable process. Understanding what needs to be tested, why it’s crucial and the essential tests that need to be carried out can help improve safety and ensure equipment remains effective in delivering high-quality patient care.

In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of medical electrical safety testing and how you can maintain the highest standards in your medical practice.

Understanding the importance of medical electrical safety testing

Medical electrical safety testing ensures the safe functioning of electrical devices in healthcare settings. These tests help identify potential hazards, and reduce the risk of harm to patients and healthcare essentials, while ensuring the integrity of medical equipment.

All healthcare organisations have a duty to comply with health and safety legislation. This includes the Electricity at Work Regulations (EWR) 1989 and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Using the necessary testing equipment in line with IEC 62353, regular testing can make a big difference to patient care, and even safe lives.

Medical electrical safety testing is different to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). Specialist tests need to be carried out to maintain the integrity of medical devices that could be damaged with other forms of testing.

What needs to be tested?

Medical settings contain all kinds of electrical devices, all of which need to be tested.

Some of the main devices requiring tests include:

Electrocardiographs (ECGs)
X-ray machines

Defibrillators
Infusion pumps
Surgical instruments with electrical components
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines
Ultrasound devices

Electronic thermometers
Ventilators

Tests carried out should include:

Protective Earth Resistance
Insulation Resistance
Equipment Leakage Current
Equipment Leakage Current
Applied Part Leakage Current

The frequency of testing will depend on the device and the frequency of use, but having a regular testing programme can ensure all necessary devices have tests carried out when they need them.

Why is electrical safety testing important?

There are several key reasons why electrical safety is important, including:

Patient safety

Patient safety is the primary concern in healthcare. Medical device safety testing ensures that devices do not pose any electrical hazards, and therefore reduces the risk of injury to patients.

Testing also helps ensure that devices are working as they should, preventing errors or inaccuracies that could affect patient care.

Risk mitigation

Testing medical devices allows potential risks to be identified and mitigated before devices are used on patients. This avoids preventable medical complications while also reducing the risk of fires and power outages within healthcare settings.

Legal compliance

As outlined above, there are strict regulations all healthcare organisations must adhere to, and are enforced by regulators.

Reputation and trust

All healthcare settings have a duty to their patients. Patient care and wellbeing are the most important priority, and regular testing demonstrates a commitment to patients while instilling confidence that care is delivered to a high standard.

What happens if you neglect electrical safety testing?

Medical electrical safety testing isn’t something that can be avoided.

Any failure of an organisation to meet its responsibilities can lead to severe consequences, including:

Patient harm

Faults with electrical devices have the potential to cause serious injury, and death in the worst cases. These incidents are avoidable and should be mitigated at all costs.

Medical complications

Any malfunctioning devices could pose a safety risk by providing inaccurate data. This could result in medical complications, as well as delay recovery in patients.

Legal consequences

If a patient is harmed as a result of a faulty electrical medical device, there could be some serious repercussions for healthcare organisations. These could include financial consequences as well as criminal proceedings.

Reputational damage

It doesn’t take long for news of hospital failures to spread, and any incidents that happen as the result of testing failures could lead to reputational risk. This can lead to a loss of trust amongst patients and stakeholders, in addition to the staff who work in these settings.

Complying with testing legislation and ensuring all tests are carried out according to regulations can help prevent issues relating to faulty medical electrical devices, helping to keep patients and employees safe from harm. .

Professional, reliable medical electrical safety testing with JPen medical

If you’re looking for professional, reliable and experienced medical device testing, JPen Medical can help. We provide regular medical electrical safety testing services across the UK, helping healthcare providers fulfil their obligations and help maintain safe and effective working environments.

Find out more about our medical electrical safety testing or contact us today to take advantage of our Free Technical Helpline and get advice about medical equipment and testing.