Isolated Stimulator Safety Instructions - ADInstruments POWERLAB TEACHING SERIES Owner's Manual

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Isolated Stimulator Safety Instructions

The Isolated Stimulator outputs from the PowerLab with a built-in isolated stimulator
are electrically isolated and safe for human connection. However, they can produce
pulses of up to 100 V at up to 20 mA. Injury can still occur from careless use of these
devices. Several points must be observed for safe operation of the Isolated Stimulator:
Always check the status indicator on the front panel. It will always flash green each time
the stimulator delivers a current pulse. A yellow flash indicates an 'out-of-compliance'
(OOC) condition that may be due to poor electrode contact or electrode cream drying
up. Always ensure that there is good electrode contact at all times. Electrodes that
are left on a subject for some time need to be checked for dry contacts. An electrode
impedance meter can be used for this task.
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• All PowerLab units with a built-in Bio Amp are supplied with a 3-lead or 5-lead
Bio Amp subject cable and lead wire system. Bio Amps are only safe for human
connection if used with the supplied subject cable and lead wires.
• All PowerLab units with a built-in Bio Amp are not defibrillator-protected. Using
the Bio Amp to record signals during defibrillator discharges may damage the
input stages of the amplifiers. This may result in a safety hazard.
• Never use damaged Bio Amp cables or leads. Damaged cables and leads must
always be replaced before any connection to humans is made.
• The Stimulus Isolator must only be used with the supplied bar stimulus electrode.
• The Isolated Stimulator output must not be used with individual (physically
separate) stimulating electrodes.
• Stimulation must not be applied across the chest or head.
• Do not hold one electrode in each hand.
• Always use a suitable electrode cream or gel and proper skin preparation to
ensure a low-impedance electrode contact. Using electrodes without electrode
cream can result in burns to the skin or discomfort for the subject.
• Subjects with implantable or external cardiac pacemakers, a cardiac condition,
or a history of epileptic episodes must not be subject to electrical stimulation.
• Always commence stimulation at the lowest current setting and slowly increase
the current.
• Stop stimulation if the subject experiences pain or discomfort.
• Do not use faulty cables, or those that have exhibited intermittent faults.
• Do not attempt to measure or record the Isolated Stimulator output while
connected to a subject using a PowerLab input or any other piece of equipment
that does not carry the appropriate regulatory symbol (see Regulatory Symbols
above).
• The Isolated Stimulator should not be used as a therapeutic device. The
PowerLabs are not intended as diagnostic, therapeutic or patient care
equipment. Doing so may result in severe risk to the safety of the subject
• Always be alert for any adverse physiological eff ects in the subject. At the first
sign of a problem, stimulation must be stopped, either from the soft ware or
by flicking down the safety switch on the front panel of any built-in Isolated
Stimulator.
PowerLab Teaching Series - Owner's Guide