Biomedical Instrumentation 1

Course Description

ETS2436C – Biomedical Instrumentation I is a combined lecture and laboratory course (3 credit hours) within the Engineering Technologies taxonomy under Specialty Engineering Technology. The course builds on foundational biomedical technology and electronics knowledge to introduce students to the principles, operation, inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic instrumentation used in healthcare settings. Students examine the acquisition and measurement of physiological signals, the function of biomedical sensors and transducers, electrical safety standards for medical equipment, and the role of the Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) in ensuring safe and effective device operation. This course is a prerequisite for ETS 2436C's capstone sequence, including ETS 1943 Biomedical Internship I and ETS 2438C Biomedical Instrumentation II.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the classification, characteristics, and specifications of common biomedical instruments used in clinical environments.
• Explain the principles of physiological signal acquisition, including measurement of biopotentials, pressure, temperature, flow, and motion from the human body.
• Describe the function and types of biomedical sensors and transducers (biopotential electrodes, pressure sensors, temperature sensors, flow sensors, and optical sensors).
• Apply electrical safety standards for medical equipment, including leakage current testing, grounding requirements, and AAMI/NFPA standards relevant to healthcare facilities.
• Perform preventive maintenance (PM) inspections and functional checks on basic biomedical diagnostic equipment following manufacturer procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Use standard test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, electrical safety analyzers) to test, calibrate, and troubleshoot biomedical devices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role, responsibilities, and professional conduct of a BMET within a healthcare technology management (HTM) framework.
• Interpret technical documentation, service manuals, and regulatory literature pertaining to biomedical equipment maintenance and repair.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, courses may also address:

• Analyze operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit configurations for signal conditioning, amplification, and spectral filtering as applied to biomedical devices.
• Explain the fundamentals of digital systems and Boolean logic as applied to clinical instrumentation and device interfacing.
• Discuss the principles of photoplethysmography (PPG), electrocardiography (ECG/EKG), and electromyography (EMG) from a technical standpoint.
• Evaluate cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities associated with networked medical devices.
• Describe emerging trends such as wearable medical devices and integration of information technology within healthcare equipment management.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Introduction to Biomedical Instrumentation and the BMET Role
   • History and evolution of biomedical equipment technology
   • Classification of biomedical instruments (diagnostic, therapeutic, analytical, monitoring)
   • Role of the BMET within the hospital organizational structure; healthcare technology management (HTM)
   • Professional standards: AAMI, The Joint Commission (TJC), FDA regulatory overview
2. Electrical Safety in Healthcare Environments
   • Physiological effects of electrical current; macroshock and microshock hazards
   • Leakage current testing; chassis, patient lead, and enclosure leakage
   • NFPA 99 and AAMI ES1 electrical safety standards
   • Grounding systems, isolated power systems, and line isolation monitors (LIM)
   • Use of electrical safety analyzers
3. Biomedical Sensors and Transducers
   • Biopotential electrodes: surface, needle, and implantable types
   • Pressure transducers: invasive and non-invasive blood pressure monitoring
   • Temperature sensors: thermistors, thermocouples, RTDs
   • Flow sensors: respiratory and vascular flow measurement
   • Optical sensors: pulse oximetry and photoplethysmography (PPG)
4. Physiological Monitoring Equipment
   • Patient monitors: multi-parameter bedside monitors
   • Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): waveform interpretation for BMET purposes, lead placement, 12-lead systems
   • Pulse oximetry principles and device operation
   • Non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) monitoring systems
   • Capnography and respiratory monitoring
5. Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Inspection Procedures
   • Scheduled preventive maintenance concepts and PM documentation
   • AAMI-recommended PM procedures for diagnostic equipment
   • Visual inspection, functional testing, and performance verification
   • Work order management and equipment history records
6. Test and Measurement Equipment
   • Digital multimeters: voltage, current, resistance, continuity
   • Oscilloscopes: waveform capture and signal analysis
   • Electrical safety analyzers: operation and interpretation of results
   • Patient simulator use for device verification
7. Troubleshooting Methodology and Technical Documentation
   • Systematic fault-isolation techniques for electromechanical systems
   • Reading and interpreting block diagrams, schematics, and service manuals
   • BMET documentation: service reports, calibration records, incident reports

Optional Topics

• Signal Conditioning Circuits: Operational amplifier configurations; instrumentation amplifiers; filtering circuits in biomedical applications
• Digital Systems Overview: Boolean logic, logic gates, microcontroller basics as applied to medical device control
• Therapeutic Equipment Introduction: Defibrillators, infusion pumps, TENS units — operational principles and PM overview
• Medical Device Networking and Cybersecurity: HL7 and DICOM fundamentals; network-connected device security considerations
• Emerging Technologies: Wearable health monitoring devices; telehealth instrumentation; remote patient monitoring platforms
• Introduction to Medical Imaging Instrumentation: Radiographic systems, ultrasound basics — overview level only

Resources & Tools

• Primary Textbook: Medical Instrumentation: Application and Design (Webster, ed.) or Introduction to Biomedical Equipment Technology (Carr & Brown) — standard reference texts used in Florida BMET programs
• Test Equipment: Digital multimeter, oscilloscope, electrical safety analyzer (e.g., Fluke ESA620), patient simulator (e.g., Fluke ProSim)
• Standards and References: AAMI/ANSI ES1 (electrical safety), NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities Code), The Joint Commission Equipment Management standards
• Professional Organizations: Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), Florida Biomedical Society (FBS), Bay Area Association for Advanced Medical Instrumentation (BAAMI)
• Online Platforms: AAMI University continuing education resources; manufacturer training portals (GE, Philips, Mindray)
• Laboratory: Hands-on lab using clinical-grade biomedical equipment including patient monitors, ECG machines, pulse oximeters, and infusion pumps

Career Pathways

This course is a core requirement in the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Biomedical Equipment Technology degree, which aligns with the AAMI national certification pathway for the Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) credential. Typical employment settings for program graduates include:

• Hospitals and health systems (in-house biomedical/clinical engineering departments)
• Medical device manufacturers and OEM field service organizations
• Independent service organizations (ISOs) and integrated service companies
• Equipment leasing, sales, and technical support firms
• Public health agencies and military healthcare facilities
• International organizations supporting healthcare in developing nations

Entry-level job titles include: Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET), Medical Equipment Technician, Biomedical Service Engineer, and Clinical Equipment Specialist. With experience, graduates may advance to Clinical Engineer, HTM Manager, or Field Applications Specialist roles.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course contributes toward preparation for the AAMI Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) examination, administered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The CBET credential validates knowledge of modern biomedical techniques and proper procedures for the care, handling, and maintenance of biomedical equipment, and covers electromechanical devices, computers, networks, and clinical software. Candidates must also satisfy an experience requirement (associate degree plus 2 years of full-time BMET experience, or 4 years of experience). Students are also encouraged to explore the AAMI Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology (CABT) certification, which is attainable earlier in a student's academic career.

Program Sequence Note

ETS2436C is offered in the Spring term at FSCJ. It serves as a prerequisite for ETS 2438C – Biomedical Instrumentation II and for ETS 1943 – Biomedical Internship I. The "C" suffix in the course number indicates a combined lecture and laboratory format, in which lecture and lab meet together in the same session. Students should be prepared to work with live clinical equipment in a simulated healthcare lab environment.