Hello Michael Smith, Mark Littlejohn, and Robert Barnett,
I was asked similar questions several years ago when I was training CSSD staff on using a HiPOT tester for insulation testing of electrosurgical instruments. As you have identified, the concern was for the unborn foetus, not the pregnant woman. At the time, due to the extremely low current output of the HiPOT tester, I did not believe that there was a risk. However a lingering doubt has continued to plague me. Thanks for your responses. I have forwarded them to the bmelist because I think the additional information is useful. Thanks also to the others who responded. Please excuse me for being selective about the responses I have forwarded. I greatly appreciate your responses as well. Thanks. Owen. Owen Byrnes Mob: 0411353889 From: Owen Byrnes [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, 16 July 2012 9:50 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [bmelist] Re: Laproscopic instrument testing with an HiPOT insulation tester Question 1: What are the risks for a pregnant woman doing testing with a HiPOT insulation tester? Question 2: Should a pregnant woman be performing this type of testing?
