Medical equipment is designed to assist in the diagnosis, monitoring or treatment of medical conditions. These devices are frequently designed with rigorous safety standards.
There are several basic types:
- Diagnostic equipment includes medical imaging machines, used to assist in diagnosis. Examples are ultrasound and MRI machines, PET and CT scanners, and x-ray machines.
- Therapeutic equipment contains infusion pumps, medical lasers and LASIK surgical machines.
- Life support equipment is used maintain a patient's bodily function. These include medical ventilators, heart-lung machines, ECMO, and dialysis machines.
- Medical monitors allow medical staff to measure a patient's medical state. Monitors may measure patient vital signs and other parameters including ECG, EEG, blood pressure, and dissolved gases in the blood.
- Medical laboratory equipment automates or helps analyze blood, urine and genes.
A Biomedical equipment technician or BMET is a fundamental component of the healthcare delivery system. Employed principally by hospitals, BMETs are the people responsible for maintaining a facility's medical equipment.
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