Download CESO SEMINARS 2002 Insulation Testing and Continuity for

CESO SEMINARS 2002
Insulation and Continuity
Testing for Laparoscopic
Instruments
Presented by
Stephen Moule
CARSEN GROUP INC.
Topics
• Background on insulation breakdown and failures
• Why tests are performed
• Testing for insulation breakdown
• Testing for continuity
• Types of testers
• Hands on tester demonstration
• Hand-outs / background information
•Q&A
Insulation Breakdown

High Voltage from the cautery device
 Wear and tear due to normal use
 Wear and tear due to abnormal use
 Incorrect sterilization techniques
 Overuse of single use or limited use instruments.
Why tests are performed
• Most Hospitals today have no formal testing for
Laparoscopic instrument insulation integrity
• Testing that does occur is limited to visual and hands
on inspection
• Estimates are that off site burns occur in 1 to 2 % of
all Laparoscopic procedures
• Reduces extended hospital stays for patients
• Avoids possible litigation
Testing for insulation
breakdown
• Connect the (-) lead of the tester to the banana jack
of the instrument
• Select the appropriate sized orifice on the test jig
( 5 mm, 6,5mm, or 10mm )
• Select the high voltage setting on the tester
• Activate the tester with the foot switch
• Pass the instrument through the jig and back again
Insulation Testing Continued
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Green light indicates the instrument passed the test
Red light indicates insulation breach
To verify the integrity of the handle, remove the jig
Insert a cable and attach the “ J “ hook
Activate the tester with the foot switch
Pass over the handle assembly with the “ J ‘ hook
“Green” is a pass
“Red” means insulation breach
Testing for continuity
• Using the lower set of Banana connectors
• Insert the cable connections into these connectors
• Switch the voltage setting to “Low”
• To complete the circuit connect the other ends of
the cable to the terminal box
• Activate the tester with the button on the face
• “Green” means pass
• “Red” means insulation breach
Tester Types
Portable:
• Easy to setup and use, go anywhere
• Designed specifically for Laparoscopic testing
• High voltage setting of 3000 with a current limiting
device
• Recommended for end users having no background in
electrical testing
Tester Types
Bench Top:
• Designed for multiple testing
• Higher test voltages ( 4KV )
• Older types have no current limiting circuitry
• Recommended for use by Biomedical staff
Hand-outs / background
information
• Copy of the Power Point presentation
• Copy of reference material
• Information sheet on the tester
Reference Material
• Joni Morford www.communicator.com
• www.infectioncontroltoday.com
• www.endonurse.com
• www.smbe.nsw.au/workshop
• www.health.nsw.gov.au
Hands-on tester
demonstration
• Interactive Testing within groups
• Check and verify insulation integrity
• Check the continuity of cable
Q&A
• Floor open for discussion.
FAQ’s
• Does my hospital have a testing program?
• Where is the best location for testing?
• Who is best qualified to test?