IEC 60601-1 explained: why medical computers have their own standard

Why can’t just any computer stand next to a patient? The answer is called IEC 60601-1. This international standard determines what medical electrical equipment must comply with. In this article we explain what the standard entails, how it differs from a regular office computer and what to look for when purchasing medical IT.

What is IEC 60601-1?

IEC 60601-1 is the international base standard for the safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment. The standard sets requirements for electrical safety, leakage currents, insulation and mechanical safety, among others. Equipment used in the patient environment should be designed and tested according to this standard.

Why does a regular computer not suffice?

An office computer is designed for the desk, not for the space around a patient. The requirements for leakage currents and insulation are stricter for medical equipment, because patients are more vulnerable to electrical currents than healthy users. Moreover, a regular PC is not built for disinfection and continuous use in a clinical environment.

And what is IEC 60601-1-2?

The collateral standard IEC 60601-1-2 covers electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Medical devices must not interfere with each other: a computer must not cause interference with monitoring equipment, for example, and must itself be immune to interference from other devices. In an environment full of medical electronics, that is essential.

How do you recognize certified equipment?

Look for the mention of IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2 in the specifications. The Athena medical computers, such as the Phoenix all-in-one PC, the A524i and the A238J panel PC, are certified to both standards. Combined with a fully sealed IP65 housing and fanless design, they are built for patient-near use.

More than the computer alone

The accessories at the workstation count too. Think of the external medical power adapter with lock supplied with the Athena computers, and periodic inspection of mobile workstations according to NEN/EN/IEC 62353. That keeps the complete medical computer workstation demonstrably safe, from purchase to write-off.

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