Defibrillator Testing Support

Advice and support for users of Rigel’s defibrillation analyzers

Get the most out of your Rigel defibrillation analyzers and find the answers to your questions with our FAQs.

FAQs and Articles

How to test defibrillators?

Defibrillator testing varies according to manufacturer, however there are set essential requirements in the current IEC 60601 standard. A defibrillator analyser must be capable of simultaneously simulating and measuring to test accurately and efficiently.

One of the key features of an AED is to ensure it is capable of differentiating and identifying shockable and non-shockable arrhythmias. An AED uses leads placed on the body to measure tiny electrical signals from the heart and determine the type of cardiac arrhythmia. A defibrillator analyser will accurately replicate these arrhythmias, to test the AEDs ability to detect rhythms and recommend a shock.

Maximum energy delivery is required during performance testing so a defibrillator analyser must cover these aspects. Defibrillators can deliver up to 360J and accuracy of delivered energy from all types of defibrillators needs to be performed in various simulated impedances (25Ω to 175 Ω in 25 Ω steps).

Timing of defibrillator energy delivery is crucial to patient survival, which is why defibrillator analysers will now often integrate charge time tests.

What is defibrillator testing?

External defibrillators provide high levels of energy to the heart of a patient after uncontrolled contractions of the heart muscles occur. The energy briefly stops the heart and the natural heart rhythm restarts on its own. The purpose of defibrillator testing is to ensure basic safety and accuracy conformances e.g. accurate defibrillator energy output in to various loads.

There are two types of external defibrillator; basic life support (BLS or AED) and advanced life support (ALS). BLS defibrillators, more commonly referred to as automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) can be operated by anyone. Algorithms accurately evaluate cardiac rhythms and automatically permit a shock. ALS defibrillators are comprehensive devices used by medically trained personnel and provide pacing, vital signs monitoring and other optional features.

Defibrillator testing procedures vary according to manufacturer, however there are set essential requirements in the current IEC 60601 standard.

ALS defib performance testing includes the following tests:
- Defibrillator energy output measurements (Energy output measurements ensure that patients receive the required amount of energy. Too high and the heart muscles can be damaged, too low and defibrillation may not occur)
- Transcutaneous pacing pulse rate, current and duration measurements (Pacer rates often need to be synchronised with the natural rhythm of the heart)
- Maximum delay time from the synchronized peak QRS complex to the peak delivered energy (Ensures a shock does not occur during the sensitive phase)

BLS defib performance testing includes:
- Defibrillator energy output measurements
- Differentiation and identification of shockable and non-shockable arrhythmia (Non-shockable arrhythmias require CPR or drug administering for resuscitation)
- Maximum delay time from the synchronized peak QRS complex to the peak delivered energy

Why test defibrillators?

Defibrillators have an important role in providing the necessary intervention required for successful CPR procedures. Advancements in technology give emergency medical staff the tools to deliver ALS solutions reducing potentially fatal outcomes.

The timing of defibrillation is crucial, with survival rates reducing by 7-10% every minute. AEDs are improving out of hospital cardiac arrest outcomes, and can be found globally in most public places for use by untrained personnel use.

Defibrillators are hazardous medical devices, and are certainly not without risk. With this taken into consideration, regular performance and safety tests of defibrillators will further improve patient safety by ensuring the devices meet manufacturers’ specifications, are accurate, and meet their intended purpose of use.

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