Medical Equipment Calibration
The Importance of Medical Equipment Calibration - New Zealand
Medical Equipment Calibration plays a critical role in the reliability of diagnostic processes and, ultimately, the safety of patients. The importance of regular medical equipment calibration cannot be understated.
In top-tier healthcare systems like New Zealand’s, where medical practitioners strive for excellence in patient care, the accuracy of medical equipment is non-negotiable, which brings us to the topic of Medical Equipment Calibration.
In this blog, we shed light on the significance of Medical Equipment Calibration, particularly in the context of New Zealand's healthcare landscape.
Medical Equipment Calibration is the procedure of identifying and rectifying uncertainties and discrepancies in measurements, ensuring that medical equipment measurements are accurate, consistent and within acceptable standards.
The accuracy of medical devices is paramount, directly influencing diagnostic procedures and patient outcomes.
Unlike faults arising from manufacturing, deviations in output often result from continuous use, resulting in inaccurate readings and affecting the internal components over time.
Although deviation for calibration is a common occurrence, medical practitioners and healthcare providers can retain control over the accuracy and performance of medical equipment by scheduling regular maintenance and calibration with a trusted partner like Able Tech.
What is Medical Equipment Calibration?
Distinguishing Calibration from Maintenance
It's crucial to distinguish between calibration and maintenance activities. While maintenance addresses faults in a device, calibration is instrumental in identifying instruments that deviate from the manufacturer's standard baseline readings.
However, the good news is Able Tech offers maintenance and calibration of medical equipment within the same scheduled service visit, asserting peace of mind in the accuracy of your medical equipment.
Calibration Frequency and Tolerance Limits
Manufacturers typically provide built-in systems and guidelines for calibration processes, along with recommended frequencies. However, users can tailor the calibration frequency based on the instrument's application and usage frequency.
Every device comes with tolerance limits, and if calibration falls within these limits, the device can continue to be used. Conversely, failure in calibration renders the device unusable until corrective actions are taken.
It's noteworthy that during the initial warranty period, unauthorised work may void the warranty. Therefore, healthcare providers in New Zealand should follow up with the supplier and/or manufacturer on the terms and conditions of the warranty.
In the meticulous process of calibration, comprehensive documentation is imperative.
This includes a Calibration Plan categorised on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) detailing calibration steps, and a Calibration Results Sheet showcasing actual results and tolerance limits.
Notably, the calibration status is indicated on the device, including the date of calibration and the next due date for calibration. This rigorous documentation process aligns with New Zealand's commitment to regulatory compliance.
Documentation: A Pillar of Calibration
Significance of Medical Equipment Calibration in New Zealand Healthcare
Medical devices, irrespective of manufacturer or sophistication, are susceptible to internal wear and tear.
In New Zealand, adherence to calibration processes is not just a best practice; it's a regulatory requirement. The calibration process is essential for detecting erratic readings caused by the natural degradation of internal components, a phenomenon common to even the most advanced manufacturers.
In compliance with regional regulatory bodies, such as the AU/NZS standards, regular calibration is mandatory. The documentation maintained during the calibration process is crucial for routine inspections, ensuring that healthcare providers in New Zealand meet the stringent requirements set forth by regulatory authorities.
Able Tech has the technical expertise to calibrate most medical devices commonly found in medical practices across New Zealand. Below is a sample list of the products we routinely calibrate, reflecting our commitment to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of essential medical tools:
Types of Medical Equipment Requiring Calibration
Benchtop Autoclaves – Servicing & Validation:
Essential for sterilising medical instruments, benchtop autoclaves undergo meticulous calibration to ensure optimal performance, contributing to the overall safety and efficacy of sterilisation processes.
Blood Pressure Monitors – Aneroid & Digital:
Accuracy in blood pressure readings is critical for diagnosing and monitoring patients. Regular calibration of both aneroid and digital blood pressure monitors is paramount to maintain precision in measurements.
Cryosurgery Devices – Liquid Nitrogen Applicators:
Calibration of cryosurgery devices, particularly liquid nitrogen applicators, is essential to ensure accurate and controlled delivery of cryotherapy, a common procedure in various medical specialties.
Defibrillators
Given their life-saving nature, defibrillators require precise calibration to guarantee they deliver the right amount of electrical energy during critical moments, enhancing their effectiveness in emergencies.
Diagnostic Lighting
Reliable diagnostic lighting is crucial for accurate examinations. Calibration ensures consistent illumination, contributing to the precision required in diagnostic procedures.
Diathermies
Calibration of diathermies, which generate high-frequency electrical currents for medical procedures, ensures their accuracy and safety during surgical interventions.
ECG Machines: Electrocardiogram (ECG) machines, fundamental in cardiac diagnostics, undergo calibration to maintain the accuracy of heart rhythm readings for effective patient care.
Electric Beds / Treatment Tables: Precision in positioning and movement is vital for electric beds and treatment tables. Calibration ensures smooth operation and patient comfort.
Hoists – Load Testing: Load testing of hoists, crucial for patient transfer and mobility, ensures that these devices can safely bear the required weight, contributing to patient and caregiver safety.
Oxygen Concentrators: Calibration of oxygen concentrators is essential to guarantee the accurate delivery of oxygen, a critical aspect of respiratory care.
Patient Scales: Accurate patient weight measurement is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning. Regular calibration of patient scales ensures precision in weight readings.
Pulse Oximeters: Calibration of pulse oximeters ensures accurate measurement of oxygen saturation levels in patients, aiding in the monitoring of respiratory conditions.
Spirometers: Essential for pulmonary function testing, calibration of spirometers ensures accurate measurement of lung function parameters.
Suction Pumps: Calibration of suction pumps is vital to maintain the optimal suction force required for various medical procedures.
Thermometers: Accuracy in temperature measurement is critical for diagnosis and treatment. Calibration of thermometers ensures reliable readings for patient care
Ultrasonic Cleaners: Calibration of ultrasonic cleaners ensures their efficacy in the cleaning and sterilisation of medical instruments.
Vaccine Fridges: Precise temperature control in vaccine fridges is essential for maintaining the efficacy of vaccines. Calibration ensures the consistent and accurate storage of vaccines.
Warming / Drying Cabinets: Calibration of warming and drying cabinets ensures controlled temperature conditions for the storage of medical supplies and equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as New Zealand continues its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare, the role of Medical Equipment Calibration cannot be overstated.
At Able Tech, we stand as a reliable partner for healthcare providers in New Zealand, offering not only top-tier medical equipment but also comprehensive calibration services. Embrace precision, prioritise calibration, and join us in elevating healthcare standards in New Zealand.
Contact Able Tech today and experience the difference precision makes in healthcare delivery.