EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Medtronic Lifepak CR Plus

Does anyone test Lifepak CR Plus defibrillators? This model is not like the 500 or 1000 whereby standard output tests can be performed because as soon as you discharge one of these, the battery replacement symbol appears. This will remain until the battery is replaced and it doesn't matter how recent the battery was changed.

This is mentioned in the manuals as it states that these batteries last 2-years as long as they are not used for discharge. The only way round this is to keep a used battery for the sake of the PIP checks. Otherwise, perhaps a user type check for the OK symbol and battery/electrode expiry date check? These defibs are apparently used in commercial situations eg airports, hotels etc.,but rarely in hospitals. Any ideas?

That's an interesting one, Gav. Any idea what the manufacturer suggests? Meanwhile, are there any clues in this .pdf?

Thanks for the manual - but no. I have the service manual with a complete PIP including usual impedance (resistance box) checks, computer assisted tests, leakage current, advisory output tests and more, but because of the battery problem mentioned should all this be attempted even with a spare 'test battery'?

Not sure yet.

I included the link more for the benefit of "others", Gav. But (as I say), the question you pose is a nice one. Can you not get away with simply following what the Service Manual says (I don't have it, so I can't really comment further)? Are you not happy with that? But as you've just said ("not sure"), you're obviously still mulling it over (and hoping, perhaps, for input from others). So let's hope we hear from those others with this bit of kit soon!

Hi all

For what is is worth....these machines have two "batteries" one inside and one replaceable. The replacable one esssentially charges the internal one over an extended period, so if you fire the machine and then immediately replace the external battery the energy used for the firing is taken out of the new one not the one in place when the firing actually happened.