I've come across a patient monitor with apparently identical sockets for Spo2 and CO2 patient connections. ie yellow Lemo plastic sockets with a slightly different key. This doesn't seem right to me as there's a cross connection risk. I don't have access to IEC 60601-2-49:2001, could someone have a look or link me to an online resource?

Manufacturer? Model?

If the key is different ... is it actually possible to fit the wrong plug to either socket?

And then ... can it even be done using "brute force and ignorance"?

Strange that the colours are the same, though. Are the plugs like that as well?

Hi All,
sounds like the Contec CMS 7000 range (or similar derivative). They do indeed use yellow lemo style connectors but keyed differently (from memory they use respironics EtCo2 in an external module). From experience they would be quite difficult to cross connect as the internal layout is different. In fact if you come to think of the older style monitors,Datascope Passports for example, they used standard 6 pin style connectors for both ECG and IBP (both black) but with the locating key in a different place so I wouldn't think there would be an issue with standards etc. Doesn't make good sense from a user perspective but sometimes thats nothing new!
Regards
Ed Bennett
Southwest Medical Ltd

Such things are not unknown. I seem to recall H.M.E. and Kontron patient monitors both using green Lemo connectors for ECG. Same to look at, same keying ... interchangeable in fact.

A good idea you might say ... standardisation! Yes. Except that the "wrong" ECG lead(s) would not work in the "wrong" monitor due (if I remember rightly) to them being wired up differently. Not very handy if your hospital held both types of monitor.

If the key is different then the socket is different. Unfortunately you cannot take in to account common sense (such as making it a different colour) or (Russian shot putter) nurses making it fit.
Quite often you have the gut feeling "this is wrong" but by the letter of the rules it is not. This is where pre-purchase assessment by knowledgeable, technical staff cames to the fore.
Which it sounds like you are doing.
As for the copy of 60601. There are plenty of links to places where you can purchase it such as the BSI Shop , but I suspect you were hoping for a free copy.
Robert

This is a Daray L505 monitor. Thanks RoJo, I was hoping someone could have a glance at the standard...if it states that the key is all that matters then so be it. However it is possible insert it in to the wrong socket despite the key (without force), although it doesn't fully mate - not ideal.
Yes, Geoff and Ed, common sense is in short supply...except on this site!

Yet another Made in China clone then.

Geoff you are right, but good thing from MADE IN CHINA CLONES that if you do complain to them, they will upgrade & remove the faults.
Hope if they will complain to the manufacturer, they will rectify that problem. I am having good experience from chineese manufacturers. They listen & modify fast. Best of luck. :-)

Fair enough. But I would much prefer that the kit was properly designed in the first place.

Yeah ... great at copying, but not so hot when it comes to innovation!

After all, getting the colour of connectors right (standardised, whatever) is hardly Rocket Science, is it?

Actually, when you think about it, what you're saying is not so fantastic ... as what you end up with is "similar" kit scattered across the world in various states of "revision".

If they did their research at the onset, then designed and manufactured accordingly, it would spare customers (and patients) from being perpetual "Guinea Pigs"!

But, to be honest, many manufacturers are like that these days (across all sectors) ... in their rush to get to market, they end up dropping the ball!