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EMC testing for a Medical Device

What are EMC testing requirements for medical devices? What are the different EMC tests for Medical Equipment?

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Editorial Team - EMC Directory

Apr 21, 2023

EMC testing requirements for medical devices are defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the IEC 60601-1-2 standard. The requirements apply to all medical electrical equipment and systems that operate in the frequency range of 0 Hz to 400 GHz and are intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of patients.

The EMC testing requirements for medical devices include:

  1. Electromagnetic emissions testing: This involves measuring the amount of electromagnetic energy that the medical device emits into the environment. Radiated emissions testing measures the electromagnetic energy that the device radiates into the air, while conducted emissions testing measures the energy that is conducted through the power and signal cables.
  2. Electromagnetic immunity testing: This evaluates the medical device's ability to operate correctly in the presence of electromagnetic interference from other sources, such as radiofrequency equipment or nearby cell phones. Radiated immunity testing measures the device's immunity to electromagnetic fields in free space, while conducted immunity testing measures the device's immunity to interference conducted through the power and signal cables.
  3. Electrostatic discharge testing: This evaluates the device's ability to withstand electrostatic discharge, which can occur when a person touches the device or its cables. Electrostatic discharge testing includes both air and contact discharge tests.
  4. Radiofrequency susceptibility testing: This evaluates the device's ability to withstand radiofrequency interference from other sources, such as mobile phones or radio transmitters.
  5. Surge testing: This evaluates the device's ability to withstand voltage surges that can occur on the power supply or signal cables.
  6. Voltage dips and interruptions testing: This evaluates the device's ability to withstand short-term voltage dips or interruptions that can occur on the power supply.

The typical plan of EMC testing for medical devices includes:

  1. Intended use of the medical device: The testing plan should clearly define the intended use of the medical device and the conditions under which it will be used. This includes the target patient population, the type of medical procedure it is intended for, and any specific conditions that may affect the device's performance.
  2. Specific environments in which the medical device will be used: The testing plan should identify the specific environments in which the medical device will be used, such as hospitals, clinics, or ambulances. The plan should consider the types of equipment and electromagnetic sources that may be present in those environments and evaluate the device's ability to operate correctly in those environments.
  3. Essential performance and basic safety risks associated with the device during its intended use and in the intended use environment: The testing plan should identify the essential performance and basic safety risks associated with the device during its intended use and in the intended use environment. This includes any hazards or risks associated with electromagnetic interference, such as malfunctions or incorrect readings.
  4. Description of the physical and electrical setup required for testing: The testing plan should include a description of the physical and electrical setup required for testing, including any specialized test equipment that may be needed. This ensures that the testing is conducted under controlled and reproducible conditions.
  5. Description of the device configuration(s) and operating modes to be tested: The testing plan should identify the specific device configuration(s) and operating modes to be tested. This ensures that the testing covers all possible configurations and modes of operation that may affect the device's electromagnetic emissions and immunity.
  6. Description of the plan for monitoring essential performance during testing: The testing plan should include a description of the plan for monitoring the device's essential performance during testing. This ensures that any malfunctions or deviations from expected performance can be identified and addressed.
  7. The test levels for each emissions and immunity test to be conducted: The testing plan should specify the test levels for each emissions and immunity test to be conducted.
  8. The pass/fail criteria for each emissions and immunity test: The testing plan should include the pass/fail criteria for each emissions and immunity test. These criteria define the acceptable limits for emissions and the required levels of immunity, and ensure that the device meets the applicable standards and regulatory requirements.

Click here for the list of companies that provide EMC Testing for Medical Equipment.

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