Mediplus adopts REO medical isolation transformer

Electronic/electric medical equipment used in close proximity to patients must comply with the European Medical Devices Directive EN 60601 Parts 1-1-2 and 1-1/A2, which cover electromagnetic compatibility and general safety, respectively.

This is to ensure the integrity of both connected and adjacent equipment in order to safeguard the patient.

Accordingly, trolley-based diagnostic systems used in hospitals and medical centres must conform.

The CT3000 non-invasive urodynamics diagnostics machine, from Mediplus of High Wycombe, is designed for diagnosing bladder outlet obstruction and prostate-related problems.

Mediplus recently redesigned the CT3000 to incorporate the latest technology and reduce its overall size.

Enhancements include a higher-specification loadcell, to ensure better precision and consistent performance, a medical PC and an on-board printer.

An integral part of the upgrading of the CT3000 is the inclusion of a Reomed medical isolation transformer from REO, which is engineered specifically to help medical equipment manufacturers comply with EN 60601.

At the heart of the Reomed, manufactured from UL-listed materials, is a special isolation transformer, made using a core of high-quality electrical-grade strip steel.

The actual transformer windings use multi-layer isolation barriers and an earthed screened winding to ensure the required dielectric strength of 4kV and 'general earth leakage current' of less than 500uA is achieved.

The transformer is then encapsulated to ensure robustness and to avoid moisture ingress.

The whole transformer - fuses, input/output sockets and mains switch - is housed within a metal enclosure.

Output power ratings range from 300 to 2,200VA.

An important feature of the Reomed for Mediplus was the unit's four output sockets, sufficient for all the CT3000 onboard components.