PAMIA Newsletter
Issue #4 Winter 1992
President ............................................................................................................
Hank Hamarman
Vice-President ........................................................................................................
Gail Robinson
Secretary .....................................................................................................................
Ken Wilde
Treasurer .......................................................................................................
Shrikant Chaudhary
Officer At-Large .......................................................................................................
Alan Barbell
Officer At-Large ......................................................................................................
Randy Libros
Officer At-Large .....................................................................................................
Lou Schonder
Past President ................................................................................................
Shrikant Chaudhary
SPRING CALENDAR
March PAMIA Meeting
SEE LAST PAGE FOR MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
International Standards Conference on Medical Devices
AAMI Seminars Biomedical Support & Service of Surgical Laser Systems
Support of Anesthesia Delivery Systems
ICC CBET Certification
1992 AAMI Annual Meeting & Exposition
Medical Design & Manufacturing East '92 Conference & Exposition
PAMIA PHEEDBACK!!!
In each issue of the PAMIA Newsletter, objective topics are presented, with the intention (hope) that the PAMIA Membership reply with opinions. Feedback ranging from simple votes to editorials are encouraged. Anonymous replies are acceptable. Ideas for future "PAMIA PHEEDBACK" topics are greatly appreciated.
Issue #3 topic:
Traditionally, most equipment has been on a semi-annual inspection cycle, following JCAHO guidelines prior to the 1989 change to a minimum annual inspection. Is an annual inspection sufficient for most devices as a "default" inspection frequency, with exceptions checked more or less frequently?
(Topic submitted by Patrick Philbin, Graduate Health Systems)
Replys: A grand total of four.
No, I don't feel that a default annual inspection is enough. Annual inspection frequency should be earned by no problems found on semi-annuals. Most equipment is too mobile; the power cord suffers too much abuse to warrant only annual inspection.
Dave Russell, CE Director Roxborough Memorial
No.
(Anonymous reply)
For MOST equipment, no.
(Anonymous reply)
No. We'll lose our jobs.
(Anonymous reply)
The success of "PAMIA PHEEDBACK!!!" depends upon YOU!!! It's VERY easy to place as little as a simple vote to reply!!! Do it today! Put it off, and you'll forget! Anonymous replies CAN be accepted. Do YOUR part! Keep PAMIA Pheedback alive!!! Our forum to poll opinion in our area can be a very valuable tool, IF WE USE IT!
This issue's topic:
Should battery operated devices that are routinely checked by the users (O2 Analyzers, AccuCheks, Electronic Thermometers) be deleted from all routine inspection by the Clinical Engineering Department?
(Topic submitted by Patrick Philbin, Graduate Health Systems)
To respond to PAMIA PHEEDBACK, follow instructions under "How to make PAMIA Newsletter contributions".
PAMIA ONLINE, TAKE A BYTE!!!
Through the generosity of ECRI, "The PAMIA Lounge" is available for PAMIA Members use on ECRI's electronic bulletin board system, ECRINet.
It's been roughly a year since the PAMIA Lounge was created, and to be frank, activity has been slow. That shouldn't be too surprising, since members that have visited the Lounge haven't found much more than a few messages from other members and a couple files to download. Also, although 26 of the 45 PAMIA Survey respondants have modems, it's reasonable to believe that most PAMIA Members don't presently have modems, or use them infrequently.
The real question is: Does PAMIA need a BBS, and for what reasons?
In my opinion, the answer is yes. The fundumental reason is communication. Although not now in heavy use, the PAMIA Bulletin Board can be used for many things: Inquiries/announcements about upcoming PAMIA Meetings/Events, newsletter contributions, suggestions for PAMIA meetings, technical questions, general announcements, news, etc.
The PAMIA Lounge file area has potential that's skyhigh, although it's growing slowly for the time being. Presently, back issues of the PAMIA Newsletter are available, and the "Black Bag BBS Listing" is posted as it's released quarterly. Medically related BBS's worldwide are listed by state & country, and are catagorized by speciality. Future text files may include: The PAMIA Member's Directory, additional surveys, technical support, RS-232 interface programs, reference text, newsletters from other medical device groups, etc.
Also, ECRINet has just recently upgraded to six lines. That means up to six people can conduct an online conference! Regular PAMIA Meetings online is a strong possiblity, offering question and answer sessions, topic discussions, simple "Lounging" around, etc. Also keep in mind that if you are a ECRI Health Devices Member, MANY more time-saving and useful features are available, including Health Device Alerts weekly updates, ECRI's SourceNet, Health Devices Journal Index, HECS Support and more. A resource as valuable as this cannot be taken for granted! If you are a PAMIA Member with a modem, at the very least visit ECRINet and the PAMIA Lounge and make others aware that you stop in on occasion. (26 modems? Where are you?)
ECRINet's phone number is (215) 825-9284. Up to 9600 bps is supported. The parameters are 8N1. Further questions can be directed to Josh Nobel (ECRINet SYSOP) or John Buck at ECRI, (215) 825-6000.
IF YOU MUST USE YOUR COMPUTER FOR EVERYTHING...
NTE Electronics "QUICK Cross" Software brings semiconductor cross-referencing to your PC! For more information, call NTE at 1-800-631-1250.
ADVANCED BIOMED COURSE SURVEY
Recently there has been a great deal of discussion about establishing an advanced biomed course so that BMETs can continue their education and improve their skills. If strong interest for such a course can be demonstrated, there is a high likelyhood that it could be organized through Community College of Philadelphia.
The purpose of this survey is two-fold: First, to establish that there is indeed sufficent interest; and second, to find out what topics should be included.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED MAKE SURE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY AND RETURN IT. IF THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH RESPONSES, THE COURSE WILL NOT HAPPEN!!!
1. Would you seriously consider enrolling in an advanced biomed course?
Unlikely 1 2 3 4 5 Definitety
2. Should the course be for college credit?
Definitely not 1 2 3 4 5 Definitely yes
3. Should the course have a lab component?
Definitely not 1 2 3 4 5 Definitely yes
4. Best meeting times:
Day: Evening:
What days are best you you?
What are the worst days for you?
5. Check off the topics you would most like to see covered.
Anesthesia BP Measurement Cardiac Monitoring/Central Stations Cardiac Output Cath Lab Clinical Lab Codes and Standards Defibrillators Dialysis EEG Electrical Safety ESU's Labor and Delivery Lasers Neonatal Care Devices Nuclear Medicine Pacemakers PC Repair Physical Therapy Pulmonary Measurements Radiology Respiratory Therapy Ultrasound
Other Topics:
Return surveys to:
Randy Libros Electronics Department Community College of Philadelphia 1700 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19130-3991
Any questions? Please call me at (215) 751-8318.
OVER THE COUNTER
Textbooks and trade magazines, which are indispensable for keeping up to date in our field, aren't the only sources of information in Clinical Engineering. In each issue of the PAMIA Newsletter, "Over The Counter" briefly lists articles, in commercial magazines, pertaining (or closely pertaining) to Biomedical Instrumentation. The following magazines are presently being covered: Popular Science, Radio Electronics, In Health, Discover, and Reader's Digest. Several major magazines are NOT being covered. If you are subscribed to a magazine that is NOT listed here, please consider taking responsiblity of informing OVER THE COUNTER of articles suitable for listing.
DISCOVER - February 1992
"Breaking the Quantum Barrier" Pg. 72 Microcircuitry Advances
POPULAR SCIENCE - March 1992
"The Teraflops Race" Computers of the future
RADIO-ELECTRONICS - March/April 1992
Electronic Temperature Measurement
Working with LED Display Drivers
THE NEW YORK TIMES - Every Tuesday
Science Update
Have you seen articles recently that may be suitable for "Over the Counter"? Please share your finding with other PAMIA Members!!! Instructions for submitting to the PAMIA Newsletter can be found elsewhere in this issue!!!
1990 PAMIA SURVEY
In December 1990, a survey was mailed to PAMIA Members, with topics such as PAMIA objectives, future meeting topics, meeting times, etc.
Here are the survey results you've been waiting for!!!
Number of responses: 45 (Much better than "PAMIA Pheedback!") Ideas for future PAMIA meetings/functions will be published in the Spring PAMIA Newsletter #5.
PAMIA Objectives
Meeting Format
PAMIA MEETING MINUTES
by Ken Wilde, PAMIA Secretary
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/PAMIA BUSINESS MEETING
February 10, 1992
President Hamarman handed out the Journal of Clinical Engineering's 1992 Salary Survey forms. These are important so everyone can have an idea where they stand salarywise (and many to what they want to stand for).
The AAMI Mid-Year Meeting will be held Mid-November (wouldn't that make it a late-year meeting?) in Pittsburgh. There is a request for presenters of programs and courses. Contact President Hamarman or Ken Wilde, and they can put you in contact with the appropriate people.
Mike Soltys (HUP) reminded PAMIA members that CESP/HAP (The Clinical Engineering Society of Pennsylvania) has a videotape library available on various topics. For more information, contact Myron Hartman at (412) 469-5258.
Nellcor would like to have a service course locally. If enough people are interested, PAMIA will contact Nellcor to make arrangements. Call Ken Wilde at Mediq PRN, (800) 222-4776
Jonathan Gaev (HUP) announced that he had been contacted about an insurance offering for members.
Tom Gilroy (Lankenau) inquired about the possibly of a CBET Certification Review Course to assist in preparation for testing this spring. (See "ARE YOU TAKING THE UPCOMING CBET EXAMINATION?", in this issue.)
MAIN PRESENTATION
February 10, 1992
Mike Argentieri of ECRI made a presentation on the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-629), which went into effect in late November 1991. Although the law is in effect, the regulations are not. A lot of definitions and specifics still have to be worked out, readjusted, or "fine-tuned".
As it stands now, deaths "related" to devices have to be reported to both the device manufacturer and the FDA. Injuries "related" to devices have to be reported only to the manufacturer. "Devices" is defined as equipment used for diagnosis or treatment, and does not include drugs or radioactives.
Examples were discussed to show that what at first may be the obvious cause of an incident may not be. Other devices, operator error or even technique could be the cause. Careful investigation is advised.
The patient's name should not be on the report to protect them, and also you, in case litigation ensues. A lot of information is available through the Freedom of Information Act. If the FDA shows up at your facility, you don't have to let them talk to your employees.
A summary of all reported incidents must be sent to the FDA in January and July.
Thank you ECRI, and Mr. Argentieri, for use of your facilities, dinner, and the presentation, which will help many PAMIA Members adjust to and implement this new regulatory requirement.
For more information, contact HAP Communications Services Department, which can provide a copy of the text, via voice mailbox (800) 255-7293.
SERVICE TIPS
Are your nuts driving you screwy? Everybody has a screwholder in their toolbox for remote, exotic screwing. How about when a nut must be put deep into a seemingly inaccessable narrow crevice? Try this: Lay your nut down, and place a small piece of paper over it. Push the nut into your nutdriver. The paper (if you did it right!) should hold the nut in the driver until it's screwed on. Of course, now you have a itty-bitty piece of paper to retrive. That's up to you to figure out!!!
(Contributor's name withheld)
Have you found a strange way to tackle a task? If you're embarrassed to share it with your co-workers, then send your Service Tip to the PAMIA Newsletter! See "How to Contribute to the PAMIA Newsletter", elsewhere in this issue.
ARE YOU TAKING THE UPCOMING CBET EXAMINATION?
Interest is now being accessed on how many technicians would be attend a Local BMET Review course if one was held. Several people have already expressed serious interest. If you too are interested, call Mike Soltys at (215) 662-6316. Keep in mind that, as of now, no date has been set!
CLEAR THAT CLOSET
The Community College of Philadelphia is in need of equipment for student's "hands on" laboratory work. Devices of recent vintage are preferred. The top priority is the device's usefulness in preparing students for "what's out there", not "the way it was"! Devices requiring minor repairs are OK. Service and Operating Manuals to accompany equipment are HIGHLY desired. Please contact Randy Libros at CCP, 751-8318. Note: Before donating equipment, be sure you have notified and/or received authorization of the proper reporting channels in your facility!!!
POSITIONS AVAILABLE (from the ECRINet BBS)
Msg#: 1673 *JOBS*
01-10-92 18:49:11
From: KEVIN MORRISON
To: ALL
Subj: RADIOLOGICAL POSITIONS AVAILABLE
The Department of Technology Management and Department of Biomedical Engineering at Lancaster General Hospital are accepting curriculum vitae for the positions of: 1) Radiological Engineer - Cardiac Catheterization Labs. 2) Radiological Engineer - Angiography Suites. These positions will add to the present compliment of the Radiological Division of the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Interested applicants should submit their CV, in confidence, to Kevin M. Morrison, PhD, Director of Technology Management, Lancaster General Hospital, 555 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17604, or phone 717-295-8466 or phone our BBS at 717-393-1865.
Msg#: 1786 *JOBS*
01-22-92 12:04:02
From: ALEXANDR IWANOW
To: ALL
Subj: JOBS OPEN
#1 position #455 Instrument Specialist/Biomedical #2 position #456 Instrument Specialist/Electronics Both above positions provide in-house preventive and corrective services for sophisticated analytical equipment and specialty research equipment. Additional responsibilities include collaborating with research staff to develop and implement support services for existing research instruments. Collaborate with staff to design, develop and fabricate novel, specialty instruments and accessories; and conducting other duties as assigned. Both above positions require "hands on" experience in a lab. environment with an AS, BS, MS degree in Electronics/Biomedical and 3-10 yrs. experience. AAMI certification desirable. #3 position #454 Asso. Instrument Technician Provide repair and other support services for scientific equipment. HS/TECH or AS electronics/biomedical with 1-2 yrs. relevant experience. Please forward resume with salary requirements to: Wyeth Ayerst Res. CN8000, Princeton, NJ 08543-8000
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE ARTICLES, ETC. TO THE PAMIA NEWSLETTER
Success of our newsletter depends on YOU, the PAMIA membership!!! Article contributions are STRONGLY encouraged. Suggested material includes: Repair/PM Tips and/or findings, Editorials, Humor/Cartoons, General News, Department Profiles, Equipment Evaluations, and a Classified section including: Positions Wanted/Available and Used Equipment/Parts Wanted/Available. Any other ideas? The suggestion box is always open...
The preferred method is to upload ASCII text files (no control codes), PCX or TIF graphics to the "PAMIA Lounge" on ECRINet, (215) 825-9284. Commodore PETSCII files can also be uploaded and converted on our end to ASCII. Indicate file type when uploading PETSCII!!!
...or US Snail contributions to:
PAMIA NEWSLETTER c/o Lou Schonder 26 West Greenwood Avenue Lansdowne, PA 19050-1913 (215) 259-0328
Anyone interested in providing a regular feature for the newsletter, or helping with their PC (and time!), please feel free to call or write!!! Get in on the ground floor!!!
PAMIA
Philadelphia Area Medical Instrumentation Association
MARCH MEETING
TOPIC: Ventilator Primer and Emerging Technology
DATE: March 16, 1992
PLACE: The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (215) 590-1782
SPEAKER: PURITAN BENNETT
AGENDA
COST FOR DINNER:
$79.95 Cold Cuts
$99.95 Capon with mushy broccli
RSVP: Call Hank Hamarman at home!
INSTITUTIONAL/CORPORATE PRIMARY MEMBERS: Please duplicate and distribute this notice to all members in your department/institution and post it on a bulletin board as well. Thank You!!!
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