What type of test equipment is used to assess the performance of a defibrillator?

A defibrillator analyzer is the primary type of test equipment used to assess the performance of a defibrillator. A defibrillator analyzer is a specialized electronic instrument designed to measure and verify the output energy, timing, and other critical parameters of a defibrillator pulse. It simulates the impedance of a human chest to provide a realistic load for the defibrillator to discharge into. The analyzer measures the delivered energy in joules, the pulse duration in milliseconds, and the peak current in amperes. It also verifies that the defibrillator's synchronization and pacing functions are working correctly. Defibrillator analyzers typically have a built-in ECG simulator that can generate various ECG rhythms, allowing the user to test the defibrillator's ability to detect and analyze different arrhythmias. The analyzer also measures the charge time of the defibrillator to ensure that it is charging within the specified time limits. Some defibrillator analyzers have the capability to record and store the test results, allowing for documentation and tracking of the defibrillator's performance over time. These results can be downloaded to a computer for analysis and reporting. In addition to a defibrillator analyzer, a calibrated oscilloscope may be used to visualize the defibrillator pulse waveform and to verify its timing characteristics. However, the defibrillator analyzer provides a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of the defibrillator's performance.