CESO SEMINARS 2002 Insulation and Continuity Testing for Laparoscopic Instruments

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CESO SEMINARS 2002Insulation and Continuity
Testing for Laparoscopic Instruments

• Presented by
• Stephen Moule
• CARSEN GROUP INC.

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Insulation Testing Continued

• 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

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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

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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

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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

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Hand-outs / background information

• Copy of the Power Point presentation
• Copy of reference material
• Information sheet on the tester

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Reference Material

• Joni Morford www.communicator.com
• www.infectioncontroltoday.com
• www.endonurse.com
• www.smbe.nsw.au/workshop
• www.health.nsw.gov.au

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Hands-on tester demonstration

• Interactive Testing within groups
• Check and verify insulation integrity
• Check the continuity of cable

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Q A

• Floor open for discussion.
• FAQs
• Does my hospital have a testing program?
• Where is the best location for testing?
• Who is best qualified to test?

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