CESO SEMINARS 2002CESO SEMINARS 2002

Insulation and Continuity Insulation and Continuity Testing for Laparoscopic Testing for Laparoscopic

InstrumentsInstruments

Presented by

Stephen Moule

CARSEN GROUP INC.

TopicsTopics• 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 BreakdownInsulation 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 Connect the (-) lead of the tester to the banana jack of the instrumentof the instrument

• Select the appropriate sized orifice on the test jig Select the appropriate sized orifice on the test jig

( 5 mm, 6,5mm, or 10mm )( 5 mm, 6,5mm, or 10mm )

• Select the high voltage setting on the testerSelect the high voltage setting on the tester

• Activate the tester with the foot switch Activate the tester with the foot switch

• Pass the instrument through the jig and back againPass the instrument through the jig and back again

Insulation Testing ContinuedInsulation 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

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 TypesPortable:• 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 TypesTester 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 MaterialReference 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?

Thank YouThank You