2. INTRODUNCTION
Biomedical engineering(BME) is the application of engineering principles and
design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purpose(e.g.
Diagnostic or therapeutic). It is one of the latest and most dynamic programs
in hospitals.
The aim of a clinical engineering programme is to provide technical expertise
and management support to hospital administration, engineering department
and medical staff.
This field seeks to close the gap between engineering and medicine.
3. It combines the design and problem solving skills of engineering with medical
and biological sciences to advance healthcare treatment, including diagnosis,
monitoring, and therapy.
The BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT (BMED)
Is responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance of diagnostic and
therapeutic equipment and provides evaluations of new technology, conducts
device incident investigations and ensures that equipment is in proper and
safe operating condition.
4. Bio-medical services
This includes all those equipment's used for diagnosis and therapeutic services in the
hospital. It includes
Bio-medical
Endoscopy
lab.
Pathology,
Microbiology,
Blood Bank
Central gas
pipeline
Operation
theaters
ICU, CCU
Hyperbaric
Chamber
Radiology,
X-ray, MRI,
CT,
Ultrasound
Cath lab
Pulmonary
lab
5. FUNCTIONS
The following are some of the important functions of the unit:
Writing specification for new equipment and machinery
Evaluating equipment and machinery. Evaluation must includes, among other things,
not only the initial cost of the equipment but also its operating cost.
Inspecting incoming equipment and machinery and performing pre-acceptance.
Checks before officially accepting equipment and payment.
Setting standards and ensuring their compliance.
Organizing in-service training programs and training for personnel in the clinical
engineering department as well as other user departments to use equipment properly.
6. Evaluating the need for new or replacement equipment and major repairs.
Advising and providing expertise to medical staff and administration.
Organizing a planned maintenance program for all equipment and attending to
emergency breakdown and repairs.
Instituting an effective equipment control system.
Establishing an inventory of all exiting and incoming equipment.
Maintaining work record and maintenance history record.
Active involvement in the activities of the hospital’s safety committee and checking
safety hazards.
7. DESIGN , SPACE, FACILITIES and UTILITIES
FACILITIES
The quality of the facilities of the department has a direct effect on the efficiency
and productivity of its employees. When facilities are inadequate or poor
designed, much time is wasted in extra steps and in making makeshift
arrangements.
DESIGN
A congenial working environment influences the efficiency of employees. A
pleasant and comfortable work area creates a favorable attitude and enhance
productivity.
8. SPACES
It is difficult to established a standard space layout for a clinical engineering laboratory
for all the hospitals.
It depends on a number of factors like the size of the hospital, the sophistication of
equipment, the size and training of personnel and the extent of contract services.
Each Hospital should tailor its structure and design to meet its individual function
needs.
Generally, in small hospital
One biomedical technician, one room of 13.95 sq meters(150 sq ft) = 4.57 meters * 3.71
meters (15 ft * 10 ft) is adequate to perform the basic functions.
In large layout
one side of the room, there is a desk with wall-mounted cabinets or bookcase.
Beside it, there is a file cabinets for manual and records.
Next to the cabinet are a lockable cabinet, shelves and drawers for test instruments,
spare parts and smaller instruments awaiting repairs.
Large instruments that have come for repair are stored at the end of the room on one
side.
9. UTILITIES
In the room, there are workbenches with storages drawers for tools and more
spare parts.
This is the main work area.
The bench is 3.65meters(12 ft) long.
A large laboratory type sink is provided at the end of the row.
The repair area is divided into
Mechanical repair
Electronics repair area
Also small secured storeroom as well.
10. Irrespective of their size, all laboratories require the same facilities. The
lab should be air-conditioned (electronic instruments and spare parts are
temperature sensitive).
The lab also requires good lighting.
There should be adequate power supply
There must be both hot and cold water for cleaning equipment’s.
the lab requires compressed air and a vacuum system(cleaning
equipment’s).
Certain instruments and equipment require moisture-free cleaning which
is done by using nitrogen.
12. Role of Biomedical Engineering Department
Provide
Education
Electrical
Safety
Maintenance
Training
Research and
development
ROLES
Technology
Acquisition
Towards
hospital
designs
13. Six Responsibilities of BMED
Responsibilities
Education
Clinical
research
development
Computing
application
Facility
planning
System
managemen
t
Equipment
management
15. INSTRUMENTATION EVALUATION
Evaluating instruments involving documentation review as well as inspecting and
testing hardware
The unit plays a key role in assisting the administration and medical staff in selecting
equipment and determining the need for new or replacement equipment.
When a new piece of equipment is received, the unit carries out the incoming
inspection.
16. INSTRUMENT CONTROL
The equipment control system starts when a piece of new or replacement equipment is to be
selected.
The unit should check that the operator and maintenance manuals have been received, the
equipment is of acceptable standards, and meets the manufacturer’s and purchase speciation’s.
Calibration is checked for accuracy, and a calibration procedure and records are initiated.
Tags and label are affixed to the equipment.
The warranty card is filled and sent to manufacture.
Necessary entries in inventory(assets register) are made, and maintenance records started.
The equipment should then undergo safety checks, preventive maintenance. Calibration check
and routine maintenance. All checks and work should be entered in proper records.
Replacement of equipment is the final steps in the instrument control system.
17. SAFETY
It is the responsibility of the hospital to provide a safe environment for patients and personnel.
There is no guarantee that they will not be injured even all precautions and safety measures are taken
including compliance with statutory regulations.
A hospital has three major kinds of responsibility as far as handling of equipment is concerned.
These are follows:
1. Warn: It is the responsibility of the hospital and the manufacturer to identify equipment which,
if improperly used or maintained, may cause injury to the patient or the operator.
2. Educate: The manufacturer should provide information on the proper use of the equipment.
Operators should then be properly trained in using or operating the equipment
correctly.
3. Record: It is not enough to check or inspect equipment, or a make a check mark.
A record should be kept of all the work. From the legal point of view also,
documentation comes in handy during investigations or trail proceedings.
