BC Group News
BC Group's
Updates and Information in Regards to COVID-19
At BC Group International, Inc., there is no higher priority than
the health and safety of our employees and community. There is no
time more important than now in delivering lifesaving, quality
products and services to those in need. Click the link below to
stay up to date on the latest from BC Group in regards to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
https://bccalibrationservice.com/bc-group-covid-19-notification/
BC
Biomedical’s IPA-3400 Infusion Pump Analyzer Now Patented
The IPA-3400 Infusion Pump Analyzer is now patented under US Patent
No. 10,100,828. Its cutting-edge, patented design uses a dual
syringe stepper motor driven system that provides continuous
monitoring of the fluid flow without the need to stop and perform
intermittent drains like older technologies do. This provides a more
realistic flow path for the Infusion Device under test and therefore
more accurate readings. Also, independent stepper motor control of
the custom designed ceramic valving allows the system to run not
only more quietly and more smoothly, but it also allows for a
bidirectional powered fluid flow for use in the built-in cleaning
cycle.
GE Healthcare’s Global Ultrasound Division
Establishes New
Procedures for Testing the Safety of their TEE Ultrasound Probes
Sophia Antipolis, FRANCE and St.
Charles, MO USA - GE Healthcare - a worldwide
leader in TEE Ultrasound Imaging systems and BC Group International,
Inc., a leading manufacturer of test equipment for the medical
industry, announced after months of testing by the GE Healthcare’s
Global Ultrasound Division, a new procedure for testing the safety
of their TEE Ultrasound probes has been established.
Ken O’Day, Vice President Sales and
Marketing for BC Group said, “testing TEE probes for electrical
leakage has always been a recommended procedure and effective
December 2015 the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC)
Standards and Guidelines for Adult Echocardiography Accreditation
went into effect.“
Section 2.2.3B of the standard
states:
“The manufacturer’s guidelines must be followed for the
appropriate care and cleansing of the TEE transducer and adhere to
the appropriate infectious disease standards to prevent the
transmission of disease. Effective December 31, 2015, the structural
and electrical integrity of the transducer must be checked between
each use, using an ultrasound transducer leakage tester. “Passed” or
“Failed” must be documented in the routine TEE probe cleaning /
maintenance log along with action taken if “failed.”
GE Healthcare’s Cardiac Segment
Leader, Global Ultrasound Probes, Daniel Vignet, headed up a team of
Engineers who performed the testing and established the leakage
limits as well as the additional procedure for testing the GE TEE
probes.
“Historically the Electrical leakage
testing for Ultrasound probes was performed by the Biomedical or
Clinical Engineering Department on a scheduled bases,” stated O’Day.
“With the IAC regulations, the responsibility for testing the probes
has shifted to the Ultrasound or Cardiology Departments, since the
test now needs to be performed after every usage. Although the
testing requirement is designed for patient safety, a side benefit
is the detection of small problems with the TEE probes before major
damage occurs,” O’Day went on to say.
The new recommended guideline just
established by the GE Engineering group will now take the testing
one step further to include the deflection controls as well as
testing for leakage caused by bite holes, damage or other breaks in
the sheath of the TEE probes. All TEE Probes need to be tested for
electrical leakage, however the GE Ultrasound Probe Models 6VT-D,
6Tc and the 6Tc-RS will require the new additional testing. For more
information on what is needed and how to perform this new test
procedure, go to our BC Group Store and download the
Quick Start Guide. If you're using
CS Medical's TD 100®, you can download the
TD 100 Quick Start Guide.
The ULT-2020 Ultrasound Leakage
system is designed, manufactured and serviced by BC Group
International, Inc. under the BC Biomedical product label, at their
corporate headquarters in St. Charles, MO. BC Group is ISO-9001:2015
Certified, ISO-13485:2016 Certified, ISO-17025:2005 Accredited, FDA
Registered & Inspected, and FDA CGMP Compliant.
The ULT-AC-10 and ULT-SP-20 are available in the GE ULT Testing Kit
(BC20-42350) or you can purchase the items separately below.
View the ULT-2020 Ultrasound
Leakage Tester.
View the
BC20-42350 GE ULT Testing Kit.
View the
ULT-AC-10 Adapter.
View the
ULT-SP-20 Splitter.
For further information visit the BC
Group online store to learn more about their product
portfolio, how to purchase, for valuable information and tips on
testing TEE probes.
Preorder the NEW AA-8000 Anesthetic
Agent Analyzer
The
AA-8000 is the latest in
portable anesthetic agent analyzers. It was designed to meet the
demand for a small, easy to use unit with high reliability and
accuracy. Utilizing proprietary state-of-the-art digital NDIR
(Non-Dispersive Infrared) Technology, the AA-8000 provides a low
cost, high function, microprocessor-based analyzer that is simple to
operate while maintaining high performance and accuracy.
The unit’s flexible
design and portable size makes it the ideal service tool for
anesthesia service applications in hospitals and surgical centers.
It has a slanted display and adjustable handle/stand to allow for
ease of viewing. The internal rechargeable Lithium battery provides
for hours of continuous operation.
One button selection
of the agent to be analyzed coupled with one button control over the
built-in sampling pump make the unit simple and quick to use. No
complex menus and key combinations are required. The internal data
logger combined with the internal clock allows for the storage of up
to 250 time and date stamped readings, that can be downloaded to a
computer using the USB interface.
Flash Memory and the
USB interface allow for field upgrades with downloads from our
website. Some other features of the AA-8000 include:
•
Measures four Anesthetic Agent Gases: Sevoflurane, Isoflurane,
Desflurane and Halothane
•
Large Graphical Display with Backlight
•
Auto compensation for Temperature and Barometric Pressure
•
Gas Flow Sampling at 200 ml/min
•
Manual and Automatic operation
•
Fast warmup time
•
Comes with NIST Traceable Calibration Certificate with Data
•
Service Tool for anesthesia service application (NOT FOR CLINICAL
USE)
• Made in USA
The AA-8000 is expected to be shipped by third quarter 2018. If you
would like more information about the AA-8000, please contact us at
314-636-3800 or by email at sales@bcgroupintl.com. You can also view
our complete line of biomedical test equipment, including over 75
different product lines at
BCGroupStore.com.
Celebrating 30 Years with BC Group!
This year BC Group
is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! BC Group has been
your One-Stop Biomed Shop for three decades and will continue to
strive toward exceeding customers expectations.
BC Group was
founded in 1988 in St. Louis, Missouri. Upon start up, BC Group was
formed as a sales and service organization to handle the test
equipment needs of the biomedical engineering community. Over the
past 30 years, BC Group has grown to include over 75 different
product lines with thousands of products. This includes BC Group’s
own unique product line of BC Biomedical labeled products.
While BC Group may
have initially started as a sales and service organization, in 2000
BC Group began manufacturing and private labeling their own product
line under the now familiar BC Biomedical label. They now have
product families in almost all modalities.
Another milestone
for BC Group was in January of 2005, when Lloyd Industries, the
company that engineered and manufactured most of the BC Biomedical
brand products, purchased BC Group. This acquisition provided BC
Group with the engineering and manufacturing resources to expand. BC
Group, under the BC Biomedical brand, is now one of the largest
manufacturers of biomedical test and measurement equipment in the
world.
One of BC
Biomedical’s most memorable moments was the introduction of the
ESU-2400 Electrosurgical Unit Analyzer at the 2009 AAMI Expo. The
ESU-2400 was a groundbreaking new piece of equipment, shattering all
previous limitations for high-end electrosurgery analyzers.
(BC Group at AAMI 2018)
BC Group was
recently issued a patent for the DFA2 Technology in the ESU-2400H
Electrosurgical Unit Analyzer. Under US Patent No. 9,883,903, the
ESU-2400H aggressively digitizes the complex RF waveforms produced
by electrosurgical generators. Each data point is analyzed to
provide highly accurate measurement results. This is the only ESU
Analyzer on the market capable of testing the latest generation of
ESU Generators.
BC Group has a
major commitment to Quality at all levels of their operation. The
company is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. Their
Service Center is accredited to both ANSI Z540-1 and ISO/IEC
17025:2005 with full traceability to NIST. They are Registered with
and Inspected by the FDA and follow the Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMP) as well as comply with the QSR (Quality Systems Regulation)
21CFR820.
Throughout the past
30 years, BC Group has maintained their promise as a “One-Stop
Biomed Shop.” BC Group aims to provide all the equipment, tools,
supplies and service that the biomedical community might need. BC
Group not only offers an extensive list of test equipment
manufactured by themselves and their partners, but they also provide
labels, cables and everything in between. Depot and Onsite
calibration service is available for just about all test equipment
on the market.
For more
information about BC Biomedical test equipment, please contact BC
Group by phone at 1 (314) 638-3800 or through email at sales@bcgroupintl.com.
You can also view their complete line of BC Biomedical products,
including pricing, datasheets, manuals and more, online at
www.BCGroupStore.com.
This year BC Group
is celebrating its 30th Anniversary! BC Group was founded in 1988 in
St. Louis, Missouri. Upon start up, BC Group was formed as a sales
and service organization to handle the test equipment needs of the
biomedical engineering community.
Kristi Boyce, Lisa
Clotfelter and Mike Clotfelter (third, second and first from the
right), joined other Georgia Biomedical Instrumentation Society
members as they witnessed Governor Nathan Deal sign the Proclamation
Healthcare Technology Management Professional Appreciation Week at
the State Capitol. HTM Professional Appreciation Week celebrates
biomedical technicians, clinical engineers, biomedical engineers,
medical equipment technicians and anyone that is involve with the
sales, service and maintenance of medical instrumentation.
BC Group
Now Has International Calibration Options
BC
Group International is located in St. Charles, MO, which is located
in the USA. We offer factory calibration and repair services at this
location for the test equipment that we manufacture under our BC
Biomedical brand. Due to high shipping costs and down-time, we’ve
been looking into global options for calibration services for our
test equipment. Some of our products must be returned to our
facility in St. Charles in order to have a full calibration
performed on automated test rigs, but manual calibrations can often
be performed in well-equipped calibration labs. Below is a list of
our partners or firms who have obtained factory service training at
our facility in the last few years. BC Group International does not
accept any liability for the work or service provided by these
alternate calibration laboratories.
BC Group
International - St. Charles, MO USA (Worldwide Headquarters)
• www.bcgroupintl.com
• service@bcgroupintl.com
Biosancta – Columbia
• www.biosancta.com
• direccioncomercial@biosancta.com
• direccionlaboratorio@biosancta.com
Calibration Experts Co. Bahrain
• md@cec.bh
Energy Distributor – Saudi Arabia
• http://www.ed.com.sa/
• info@ed.com.sa
Folath Medical Technology - Saudi Arabia
• Folath@folath-med.sa
GMC-I in Nuremburg Germany
• http://www.gmci-service.com/en/general.html
Smart Instruments (M) Sdn Bhd Malaysia
• contact@smartinstruments.com.my
• www.smartinstruments.com.my
BC
Group to Host a Series of Electrosurgery Courses
BC Group is pleased to announce quarterly ESU courses
at our facility, located in St. Charles, MO. The first of this
on-going series will be held July 16-20, 2018. During the five-day
curriculum, students will have the chance to obtain invaluable
information on one or more Valleylab generators. The instructor,
Dale Munson, is the former, principal instructor at Medtronic, but
now owner of Biomed Support Services.
The following course schedule will allow students to
select the exact course(s) they need.
• One-day course
(FT10)...................................................................................................................................................................................Friday
• Two-day course (Force FX™ -C OR ForceTriad™)...................................................................................................................Mon-Tues
or Wed-Thurs
• Three-day course (ForceTriad™ &
FT10™)....................................................................................................................................................Wed-Fri
• Four-day course (Force FX™ -C & ForceTriad™.........................................................................................................................................Mon-Thurs
• Five days (all three generators w/ additional lab
time and fault isolation tips and
tricks).......................................................................................Mon-Fri
For questions about registration, pricing, travel
planning and specific topics, contact Dale Munson at 303-525-3393
or mail@biomedsupportservices.com.
BIOMED SUPPORT SERVICES
2631 Crooked Vine Court | Colorado Springs, CO 80921
dale@biomedsupportservices.com |
www.biomedsupportservices.com | 1-303-525-3393
BC
Biomedical’s DFA2 Technology in the ESU-2400H Now Patented
BC
Biomedical’s ESU-2400H Electrosurgical Unit Analyzer’s DFA2
Technology is now patented under US Patent No. 9,883,903. The newly
patented technology allows the ESU-2400H to aggressively digitize
the complex RF waveforms produced by electrosurgical generators.
Each data point is analyzed to provide highly accurate measurement
results.
The
ESU-2400H is able to digitize complex RF waveforms due to its low
impedance internal load bank, which has a wide range of 0 to 6400
ohms, in as little as one ohm increments. It is a microprocessor
based analyzer that utilizes a combination of unique hardware and
software to provide accurate and reliable test results, even from
“noisy” electrosurgical generator waveforms such as “Spray”.
The
ESU-2400H, unlike most conventional ESU analyzers, has internal high
voltage setup relays to control the measurement path. This allows
the user to switch between power measurements, leakage measurements,
REM/ARM/CQM testing, or even run an autosequence that could include
any or all of these tests – without even moving wires around.
The
current transformer internal to the ESU-2400H senses the RF current
flowing through the internal test load and produces a ratiometric
voltage, which is digitized and analyzed by the microprocessor.
Combining the standard and low ranges of the ESU-2400H with the use
of the current transformer, the user has full control over the
ability to get high accuracy and high-resolution readings from all
types of electrosurgical generators.
If you would like more information about the ESU-2400H, please
contact us by phone at 1 (800) 242-8428 or through email at sales@bcgroupintl.com.
You can also view our complete line of BC Biomedical products,
including pricing, datasheets, manuals and more, online at www.BCGroupStore.com.
BC
Group Attends Arab Health 2018
BC Group International traveled to Dubai in January
to exhibit at Arab Health 2018. BC Group partnered with the state of
Missouri and several other Missouri companies in a large state
pavilion to welcome attendees from all around the world. Arab Health
is a four-day medical trade show that is held each year at the Dubai
International Convention and Exhibition Center with over 4000
exhibitors and more than 100,000 attendees. In addition to meeting
and talking with attendees from diverse medical backgrounds, BC
Group also had the privilege to welcome two of our international
dealers from Pakistan and Lebanon. BC Group International will
continue to exhibit at Arab Health and other international
tradeshows in our efforts to be “Your One Stop Biomed Shop”.
BC Group Hosts
Three Day Training for International Dealers
On
March 13-15th, 2018, BC Group International hosted six of our
international dealers from five different countries for Technical
Service Training. Malaysia, South Africa, Guatemala, Columbia and
Saudi Arabia were all represented in the three-day training.
The
training began with a tour of the BC Group offices and manufacturing
facility. After the tour, the attendees spent eight hours each day
learning the specifics and features for our BC Biomedical product
lines. Instructed by our engineering manager, Lucio Simoni, the
attendees learned about the ESU-2400 Series, NIBP-1000 Series, the
new IPA-3400 and more. After a condensed introduction on each
product, attendees also learned how to calibrate each of the BC
Biomedical product lines.
For
many of the dealers this was their first trip to St. Louis, and
unexpectedly their first snow. They enjoyed a trip to the famous
Gateway Arch and tried several different local restaurants,
including the famous St. Louis style pizza and frozen custard. The
training was both informative and enjoyable for the dealers and BC
Group employees as we learned from each other about the biomedical
field in each country.
To
find a BC Group dealer near you, visit our Dealer
Page.
Visit our online
store for
more information about our products, including pricing, manuals,
videos and more.
BC Group
Obtains New ISO Certifications
BC
Group has been certified by Orion Registrar, Inc. to be in
compliance with the new ISO 13485:2016 Quality Standard. The new
certification applies to BC Group’s design, manufacturing, sales and
calibration of electronic and mechanical inspection, measuring and
test equipment. BC Group has also been certified to be in compliance
with the new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard.
The
new ISO 13485:2016 Standard has a few updates to the ISO 13485:2003
Standard. According to the International
Standard for Organization, one of the biggest changes that the new
ISO 13485:2016 has is a greater emphasis on risk management and
risk-based decision making. There are also changes related to the
increased regulatory requirements for organizations in the supply
chain.
The
International Standard for Organization describes the changes to the
new ISO 9001:2015 Standard as an upgrade to a new High-Level
structure, making it easier for anyone using multiple management
systems. It also places more emphasis on risk-based thinking.
What
does this mean for consumers? It means BC Group is committed to
enhancing customer satisfaction through the continual improvement of
not only their products and services, but also their Quality
Management System. To help us meet these updated standards, we have
rolled out a new risk assessment program in 2018. We are using it
across all areas of the company to identify issues before they
happen and implement appropriate preventive actions. BC Group is
dedicated to exceeding customer expectations, which is why BC Group
has been ISO Certified for over a decade.
BC
Group’s Quality Programs include:
ISO
9001:2015 Certified
ISO
13485:2016 Certified
ISO/IEC
17025:2005 Accredited
ANSI
Z540-1 Accredited
FDA
Registered & Inspected
NIST
Traceability
View
BC Group’s new ISO
13485:2016 Certification.
View
BC Group’s new ISO
9001:2015 Certification.
BC Group Receives Award for Excellent Sales Performance
BC Group was recently selected to receive the Imtmedical (IMT
Medical) Award for Excellent Sales Performance for the year ending
2017. IMT Medical is located in Buchs, Switzerland and manufactures
ventilators, ventilator analyzers and test lungs that are used by
biomeds worldwide.
BC Group distributes the IMT product line under our BC Biomedical
label and has North America as our exclusive territory. Our PFC-3000
series of ventilator testers measures flow, pressure, temperature,
humidity and O2 concentrations bi-directionally. The one-of-a-kind
adult, pediatric and high frequency ventilation measuring modes make
the PFC-3000 the ideal calibration tool for all ventilators,
anesthesia machines and spirometers. The PFC-3000 distinguishes
itself from other calibration tools by combining a simple, intuitive
multilingual user interface with the highest precision tester. With
the push of a button, all measured values can be stored directly on
the PFC-3000 and later retrieved for documentation purposes.
Learn more about the PFC-3000.
BC Group also distributes the IMT Mobile Gas Flow Analyzer - Citrex
H5 and Citrex H4 under the IMT product label.
Learn more about the Citrex H5 Mobile Gas Flow Analyzer.
In addition, BC Group distributes the complete Lung Simulator
products with the BC Biomedical product label.
Learn more about lung simulators.
BC Group is proud to be the authorized service center for the IMT
products in North America, providing service on our PFC-3000, as
well as the PF300 products from IMT.
Popular Biomedical
Training Instructor Launches New Business
Quality training is
essential for the Biomedical profession, but it’s often hard to
find. BC Group is proud to endorse and recommend this new and
innovative option for our industry.
Dale
Munson, a popular training instructor in the biomedical community,
has launched his own business; Biomed Support Services. Biomed
Support Services strives to build technical competence in biomedical
technicians and clinical engineers. Biomed Support Services include
creating simple-as-possible training materials, presenting
customized courses, recommending process improvements and performing
a variety of technical support functions (calibrations, output
verifications, PMs, etc.).
Biomed
Support Services has more than 40 years of designing and developing
technical training materials. The primary objective at Biomed
Support Services is to improve job performance so hospitals can keep
their medical equipment reliable, safe and available for use. By
maximizing equipment up time, hospitals can extend the useful life
of their equipment and reduce the total cost of equipment ownership.
Biomed Support Services Training Curriculum Includes:
•
Principles of Electrosurgery
• LigaSure™ Vessel Sealing Generator
• Force FX™ –C Electrosurgical Generator C
• Force EZ™ Electrosurgical Generator
• ForceTriad™ Energy Platform
• Valleylab™ FT10 FT Series Energy Platform
• Getting the Most From Your BC Group ESU-2400
Learn more about Biomed Support Services at www.biomedsupportservices.com.
You can also reach Biomed Support Services at 303-525-3393, or by
email at dale@biomedsupportservices.com.
Meet Madeline Roche, the New Quality
Manager at BC Group
With four months into her new position as BC Group’s new Quality
Manager, Madeline Roche is already bringing fresh perspectives to BC
Group’s quality system while learning the basis on which they were
formed. Madeline graduated from Northwestern University with a
degree in Biomedical Engineering. She’s been in Quality roles for 14
years, with her first job working as a Validation Engineer for a
small company that made dialysis machines in the Chicagoland area.
She switched to the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry for 11
years at facilities producing radiological imaging agents and
biopharmaceuticals. Both sites were part of large companies with
multiple operations around the world. Madeline held roles in
Validation, Quality Assurance and Quality Control. During this time,
she also earned an MBA from Webster University and became a
six-sigma green belt.
As
the new Quality Manager, Madeline oversees BC Group’s quality system
which maintains the company’s ISO and FDA standards. Madeline's
immediate plans for the organization include improvements to the
internal auditing program and a new, more robust training program to
facilitate continued growth. Madeline has already started working
with multiple departments on improving their documentation and she
hopes to continue to foster an environment of quality focus and a
continual improvement mindset.
We
asked Madeline about the importance of quality for a company, “We
have all experienced a time when we were frustrated by a product
that did not work correctly or did not meet our expectations.
Quality is important because making a high-quality product leads to
satisfied customers.” Madeline also pointed out that an excellent
quality program is especially important for OEMs because in the
medical industry, quality is even more important as products help
ensure the correct operation of hospital equipment, potentially
improving a patient’s treatment.
When a biomed is purchasing test equipment, Madeline recommends
ensuring that a firm is ISO certified and FDA registered when
applicable, as certain systems must be in place and an accreditation
body will confirm them in an audit. Madeline stated, “This takes the
burden off the customer as they can trust in the review already
performed by the independent party.”
When
not at work, Madeline enjoys spending time with her family. She has
two young children who keep her and her husband busy and
entertained. As a family, they enjoy traveling together and seeing
new places. In 2016, they took an Alaskan cruise and toured the
White House. Madeline and her family will spend this holiday season
in New Zealand and Australia.
RTI Cobia Series
Now Available From BC Group
RTI
Electronics’ Cobia series of advanced x-ray quality control
equipment is now available from BC Group. There are four versions of
the Cobia, including the Cobia Smart, Cobia Flex, Cobia Sense and
Cobia Dental.
COBIA SMART
Cobia Smart is
a simple-to-use instrument for checking that the output from an
X-ray tube is correct. Place it beneath the X-ray tube, take an
X-ray exposure and instantly get an accurate reading. The measured
values can be read directly from Cobia Smart’s large and clear
display, even from a distance.
Cobia
Smart has a very clear and rotatable color display, so you can read
off measurement results fast and easily – even from a distance. The
innovative and smart display even shows the results right way up in
measurement situations where the instrument needs to be positioned
upside down.
COBIA
FLEX
The Cobia
Flex offers
you the convenience to make your X-ray Quality Control as quick and
accurate as possible. The Cobia Flex has an internal detector,
offers ability to connect different probes and ion chambers and has
built-in mAs. The measured values can be read directly from the
large and clear display and stored in the Cobia Flex to read later.
Cobia
Flex users also has the possibility to use a tablet or a PC, saving
data to computer, printing reports, using analyses and much more.
The X-ray QA software, Ocean, exhibits the Cobia’s capabilities and
adds benefits that make the work flow more practical and simple.
Ocean makes it possible to perform remote X-ray QA measurements with
your Cobia Flex. You simply connect to your Cobia Flex via Bluetooth
or with a USB cable to your PC or Tablet – then measure.
With
the addition of Ocean Professional, the Cobia Flex truly becomes an
indispensable X-ray QA tool. Perform your QA work without any
worries – sensitivity, kV-ranges or waveform types. It is automatic!
COBIA SENSE
Cobia Sense is
dedicated for use with an external detector such as RTI Dose Probe,
Light Probe, CT ion chamber or external mAs probes. The wide
selection of external probes enables a big flexibility in the
performance of regular constancy checks for most modalities. The
measured values can be read directly from the large and clear
display, and are stored in the Cobia Sense for later viewing.
As the
newest member of the Cobia family, Cobia Sense has the same form
factor and large display which features the Cobia’s familiar and
easy-to-navigate menu structure. The Cobia Sense is targeted for
routine constancy checks, with the ambition to make those tasks
quick and easy.
Thanks
to the Plug-and-Play functionality the Cobia Sense will
automatically recognize the different detectors you connect and
instantly be ready for your measurements. This together with the
easy-to-read display, Cobia Sense is the perfect tool also for
untrained users.
With
Cobia Sense there is no need to reset between your measurements, so
you can remain in the control room until all your measurements are
made. The practical data log allows you to store measurements for
later viewing.
COBIA DENTAL
Cobia Dental is
a simple-to-use instrument for checking that the output from Dental
Intraoral X-ray tube is correct. Since the Cobia is so easy
to
position and doesn’t require any complicated settings, anyone who
works in the dental clinic can quickly and easily perform the
routine inspection of the intraoral X-ray equipment.
The Cobia Dental is especially suitable for
acceptance test, constancy test, and routine quality control of
Intraoral X-rays. The basic need for a dental clinics calibration
check of kV and exposure time is covered with the standard kV model
of Cobia Dental. With a small addition to price, dose, total
filtration and HVL measuring will also be included.
Order the NEW Oxygen Monitor
The
new OXG-1900-A and OXG-1900-M are oxygen monitors with auto
diagnostics. The OGX-1900 Series offers a large, backlit display
with an integral tripod stand and dove tail bracket. A proprietary
advanced galvanic sensor is capable oxygen analysis from 0-100%,
with 60 months of expected life in air. The OGX-1900 Series operates
1,500 hours on 2 AA alkaline batteries.
The
OGX-19000-M upgrades with a low limit alarm.
View the
OGX-1900-A or
OGX-1900-M.
New Release for Ocean, Piranha and Cobia
A new release is
now available for R16-2.2, a software release for Ocean 2014, Black
Piranha and Cobia. This release has been mainly dedicated to
maintenance, but some new features have been added. Listed below are
the main improvements.
OCEAN
• Average Glandular Dose – Support for
the 2016 implemented ACR Digital Mammography protocols. A new AGD
Analysis have been implemented that follows the 2016 release of ACR
Digital Mammography Manual.
• Extended AGD (EUREF) factors up to HVL
of 0.8 mm Al. The AGD applications have got extended conversion
factors to support HVL values in the range 0.6 to 0.8 mm Al.
• Improved Frame Rate calculation
• Dose Per Frame in Mammography Quick
Check. A new application for dose per pulse is implemented for
Mammography Quick Check. It is found under Applications from
Mammography Quick Check.
• Extended energy correction data for
External Dose Probe in mammography
COBIA
• Display Hanging when disconnecting
from Ocean. The Cobia display could hang when disconnecting from
Ocean 2014. This has been identified and resolved with this release.
• Using detector cable longer than 5 m
caused under estimation of dose. Underestimation of dose have been
reported using detectors with long cables. The error was identified
and resolved with this release.
Learn More
Mike Clotfelter and Kristi Boyce (2nd and
1st from the right) from BC Group International joined other members
of the Georgia Biomedical Instrumentation Society as they witnessed
Governor Nathan Deal sign the Proclamation Healthcare Technology
Management Professional Appreciation Week at the State Capitol on
5-23-2017.
BC Group and RTI Forge Distribution Relationship
BC Group
International, Inc. and RTI Electronics, Inc. Towaco, NJ have
announced a partnership between the two organizations for the
distribution of the RTI Imaging product line. BC Group is a leader
in manufacturing, servicing and selling biomedical testing equipment
and RTI is a leader in manufacturing, servicing and selling imaging
testing equipment.
“BC Group
is excited to add the RTI product line to our BC Market Place
offering. BC Marketplace provides over 75 product lines of test
equipment and tools in addition to our extensive offering of BC
Biomedical products,” said Mel Roche, President of BC Group. “We
have been looking to expand our Marketplace offering to include
Imaging Test Equipment for some time now. With RTI’s great
reputation and outstanding product offering, it is the perfect
product line to fill out our ONE STOP BIOMED SHOP concept,” said
Roche.
“This is a
perfect match and we look forward to expanding our coverage with
this new partnership with BC Group,” said Fran Hackett, CEO of RTI.
“BC Group will be marketing all of the RTI products, including the
Black Piranha and all its options,” said Hackett. “The Black Piranha
with its industry leading two year calibration cycle and up to
10-year warranty makes X-ray QA easy, fast and foremost, the most
cost effective solution,” added Hackett.
You can view all the RTI and BC Biomedical products on the BC
Group’s extensive online store at: www.bcgroupstore.com or
you can contact a sales representative at 1-800-242-8428 or
1-314-638-3800 for a quote.
Preorder the New IPA-3400 Infusion Pump Analyzer
Click here to see this product’s page on our webstore.
The IPA-3400 is the
newest addition to the line of BC Biomedical test equipment. With
its large 7” touch screen display, dual syringe stepper motor driven
system and built-in autosequences, the IPA-3400 is the most compact
and fully featured four channel analyzer on the market. The IPA-3400
has full touch screen control of all processes, leaving no need for
buttons and knobs.
The IPA-3400 Infusion
Pump Analyzer also features a new cutting edge, Patent-Pending
design that uses a dual syringe stepper motor driven system. This
provides continuous monitoring of the fluid flow whereas older
technology needs to stop and perform intermittent drains. The
IPA-3400 provides a more realistic flow path for the infusion device
being tested, as well as more accurate readings. The independent
stepper motor control of the custom designed, ceramic valving
allows the system to run quietly and smoothly, with a bidirectional
powered fluid flow for use in the built in cleaning cycle.
The IPA-3400 has built-in
autosequence capabilities that allows the user to perform automated
test procedures. Users can run specific test routines specified by
various manufacturers, saving time as well as reducing the risk of
human error. Advanced features in our autosequences even allows the
inclusion of pictures to aid with the setup and configuration of
each step. All test results are stored internally in the large, 32
GB memory. Results can also be downloaded to a USB flash drive or
directly to a PC.
There are specific
requirements in IEC 60601-2-24 for flow readings, back pressure
simulation, bolus (PCA) measurements and occlusion alarm monitoring.
All of these features are specifically built into the IPA-3400 with
simple to use on screen selections.
The IPA-3400 is designed
to hold up to 4 IPA-3900-FM flow modules. These modules are
individually serialized and calibrated so that they may be moved
from channel to channel and even unit to unit. Once installed they
are recognized by the IPA-3400 and their Serial Number and NIST
Traceable Calibration information are presented on the display and
utilized in all data reporting.
The interchangeable
modules provide the user with unprecedented flexibility in their IPA
Testing System. There is no need to be down when the unit is due for
calibration. Only the modules need to be calibrated. This also
allows the rotating of modules or the use of a spare module, thus
providing flexibility not available in other systems. The same is
true for service. If there is a problem on one channel, only the
module needs to be serviced, eliminating downtime.
The IPA-3400 display may
be raised to gain full access to the four user swappable flow
modules. No wiring or plumbing is required for module
installation. Simply lift the display, remove the cover plate,
loosen the retainer screw and slide the module out. All plumbing and
electronics are self-contained and all electrical connections are
made via a slide-in mating connector on the end of the module. Then
just reverse the process for installation.
The IPA-3400 allows for
easy field expansion. You can buy a 1 channel unit and later
purchase additional modules that can be added in the field. Just
plug them in and the system will automatically recognize the
additional module(s), reconfigure itself and you are ready to go.
To preorder or for more
information about the IPA-3400, expected to be available Q4 2016,
contact BC Group at 1(800)242-8428 or by email at
sales@bcgroupintl.com.
BC Group Releases the New CONMED System 2450
and 5000 Automatic Autosequence
Testing with your
ESU-2400 Analyzer has gotten even easier! Automatic autosequences
are now available for the CONMED System 2450 and System 5000
Generators using the ESU-2400 Series and CONMED
Automation Kit.
The CONMED Automation Kit
(part number BC20-00133) contains the CONMED Footswitch Cable and
CONMED Communications Cable for use with ESU-2400 Series. Using this
kit allows users to perform automated testing using the ESU-2400
Series Autosequence function. The CONMED Automation Kit allows the
ESU-2400 to remotely configure CONMED System 2450 and System 5000
Electrosurgical Generators and trigger the generator output without
user intervention.
The CONMED Automation Kit
is required for the ESU-2400 Series fully automated CONMED PM
Autosequence. There is also a manually triggered autosequence for
the ConMed System 2450 and 5000 using the ESU-2400 Series and
Monopolar Handpiece Simulator.
The CONMED Automation Kit requires an ESU-2400 running Software
v1.0.4.0 or later or an ESU-2400H running Software v1.1.6.0 or
later.
Download software updates HERE.
Also available to download is the new autosequence for the Valleylab
FT10™ Generator. The autosequence is user triggered and requires
the Footswitch
Port Adapter (BC20-03050).
Download your free autosequences HERE.
The ESU-2400 Electrosurgical Unit Analyzers also has
a new software update, which renews compatibility with the new
Covidien ForceTriad™ Software Update 3.8. The new ForceTriad™
Software 3.8 adds compatibility with more accessories. The
ForceTriad™ can now automatically detect a wider range of
accessories that are plugged into the generator.
When using the ESU-2400, the analyzer reads the software version of
the ForceTriad™ and automatically loads the correct autosequence.
All users are required to do is press “Start Triad PM” and the
analyzer determines the correct software version. Additionally,
users can select which autosequence to run. For example, if a user
selects the ForceTriad™ 3.5 autosequence but the ForceTriad™ is
actually 3.6, the ESU-2400 can detect that and tell the user that
they have the wrong autosequence. This includes the new software 3.8
as well.
Download software
updates HERE.
An update for the ESU-2400H will be available soon.
For more information about free autosequences, software updates or
BC Biomedical Test Equipment, visit our webstore at www.BCGroupStore.com.
Mike Clotfelter and Kristi Boyce (3rd row, 2nd and 3rd from the
left) from BC Group International joined other Georgia Biomedical
Instrumentation Society members to have a picture made with the
Georgia Governor at the Georgia State Capital. Governor Deal signed
a proclamation for Biomed Healthcare Technology week for May 22-28
2016.
Philips Ultrasound Validates BC Group’s Ultrasound Leakage Tester
and Probe Adapter
After
many months of conducting an exhaustive evaluation of the BC Group’s
Ultrasound Leakage Tester and Probe Adapter, Philips Ultrasound has
issued the following statement:
“The BC Biomedical
ULT-2020 Current Leakage Tester with the ULT-PA-19 Adapter have been
validated by Philips Ultrasound for use with the X7-2t, S7-3t, and
S8-3t compact connector TEE transducers.”
The testing included the proper fit of the
Compact connector TEE transducers into the ULT-PA-19 adapter, the
testing function and limits used in the ULT-2020 Leakage Tester.
Section 2.2.3B of the IAC Adult Echocardiography Standards for TEE
Testing that went into effect on December 31, 2015 states:
“The manufacturer’s guidelines must be followed for the appropriate
care and cleansing of the TEE transducer and adhere to the
appropriate infectious disease standards to prevent the transmission
of disease. Effective December 31, 2015, the structural and
electrical integrity of the transducer must be checked between each
use, using an ultrasound transducer leakage tester. “Passed” or
“Failed” must be documented in the routine TEE probe cleaning /
maintenance log along with action taken if “failed.”
BC Group’s ULT product line offers everything
you need to comply with the new IAC Standard, including tester,
adapters, conductivity probes, soak trays and a printer to document
the routine testing.
If you would like more information about the
ULT-2020 and ULT-PA-19, please contact us at 1 (800) 242-8428 or by
email at
sales@bcgroupintl.com. If
you would like more information about our line of BC Biomedical
products, visit our website at
www.BCGroupStore.com.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems Awards BC Group for
Outstanding Sales
BC Group is
proud to announce that we have received Rice Lake Weighing Systems’
Award for Outstanding Sales Performance in 2015. BC Group and Rice
Lake Weighing Systems have been partners for years, with BC Group as
a distributor of Rice Lake’s weights and weight sets.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems is a manufacturer of
multiple products, including grip handle and weight sets. Cast iron
grip-handle weights are primarily used to test patient scales by
service technicians. They come in Class F, 7 and M1 weights
BC Group offers
26 different weights and weight sets from Rice Lake. We also have
access to the entire Rice Lake line so if you do not see it on our
webstore, you can call or email us. Each of these have an optional
NIST Traceable Calibration and etched serial number.
If you would
like more information about the Rice Lake weights, please contact us
at 1 (800) 242-8428 or by email at
sales@bcgroupintl.com.
If you would like more information about our line of BC Biomedical
products, visit our website at
www.BCGroupStore.com
The DA-2006-VL Variable Load Bank Has Received FDA
510(k) Clearance
The
DA-2006-VL Variable Load Box
is the newest accessory for the BC Biomedical line of defibrillator
analyzers and has just received FDA 510(k) Clearance. It works in
conjunction with the DA-2006 and DA-2006P Defibrillator Analyzer as
an external load bank. If you already own a DA-2006 or DA-2006P you
can update your software for free to be compatible with the
DA-2006-VL. The DA-2006-VL is used when testing defibrillators to
ensure the proper electrical current is delivered to the heart, per
AAMI DF80 and IEC 60601-2-4 standards. Both AAMI and IEC require
defibrillator analyzers to test a variety of impedances, to simulate
a wide range of patients. With the DA-2006-VL, the DA-2006/P has
test loads from 25-200 ohms and can be measured in 25 ohm
increments.
With the
DA-2006-VL’s advanced technology, it is automatically recognized by
the DA-2006 Series, leaving no settings to change or configure. No
other defibrillator analyzer load bank offers this feature.
The DA-2006-VL
is only compatible with the BC Biomedical line of defibrillator
analyzers. The DA-2006P combined with the DA-2006-VL offers a high
quality analyzer at an unbeatable cost.
If you would
like more information about the DA-2006-VL, please contact us at 1
(800) 242-8428 or by email at
sales@bcgroupintl.com.
If you would like more information about our line of BC Biomedical
products, visit our website at
www.BCGroupStore.com.
CONMED PM Kit Provides the Tools for Automated
Testing of CONMED System 2450 and 5000
The newest addition
to the line of BC Biomedical products is the CONMED PM Kit, a
complete set of accessories needed to safely perform preventative
maintenance procedures. The CONMED PM Kit works with the ESU-2400
Series of electrosurgical unit analyzers to test the CONMED System
2450 and System 5000 electrosurgical unit generators. There are
three pieces to the kit, including a port adapter, 3” jumper cable
and the Monopolar Handpiece Simulator.
The port adapter
that is included allows test leads with standard safety jacks to
connect to the CONMED Systems 2450 and 5000 model generator’s
combination monopolar output.
The Monopolar
Handpiece Simulator is a new accessory for the ESU-2400 Series that
allows technicians to safely and automatically perform leakage
measurements. This works by triggering and measuring handpiece
activated leakage measurements, without manually shorting the
monopolar output terminals. One of the major benefits of automated
testing with the Monopolar Handpiece Simulator is that the
ESU-2400’s autosequences record measurements and produce a report
once the sequence is complete. A technician doesn’t need to manually
record each measurement and doesn’t have to worry about accidentally
skipping a step.
BC Group designed the CONMED PM Kit
specifically for use with the ESU-2400 Series. It is required if a
user wants to properly perform PM autosequences on the CONMED System
2450 and 5000 using an ESU-2400 or ESU-2400H. The ESU-2400 Series PM
autosequences are important for biomedical technicians because it
provides faster and automated testing.
Learn more about the CONMED PM Kit at
www.BCGroupStore.com.
Create Autosequences From a PC or Laptop Using BC Group’s New Safety
Analyzer
BC Group
International has released its newest model of safety analyzer, the
SA-2500. The SA-2500 was created to fill the need for a more capable
and user friendly safety analyzer with AC + DC measurement. The new
analyzer is a portable, durable instrument and has advanced testing
abilities.
The SA-2500
includes all the usual features of a standard safety analyzer,
including line voltage measurement, earth/ground lead
resistance/leakage current, point-to-point testing,
enclosure/chassis leakage current, external resistance and external
leakage current. The SA-2500 has a universal power supply compatible
with line voltages from 90-240 VAC with load currents up to 16
amps. All measurements are true RMS readings. The SA-2500 includes
a variety of other features that separate it from traditional safety
analyzers, including...
Separate
Measurements for AC + DC
With
microprocessor-based technology, the SA-2500 is able to separate and
measure the AC and DC signals. But why would you need to measure AC
and DC? Analyzers that can measure AC and DC separately have an
advantage because some test limits are different for AC or DC
currents. Without separating the measurements and getting specific
results, the worst case scenario must be assumed.
Measures Quality of
Insulation
The
SA-2500 also has the ability to measure the quality of insulation of
a product’s power wiring. This feature ensures that the insulation
of internal wiring is intact and ensures a safe resistance between
the power wiring and any exposed metal parts.
Remote Operation
with Printable Reports
The SA-2500 can
be controlled remotely from a PC or laptop, which allows users to
control measurements and test sequences. Through the Remote
Operation, users are also able to produce reports and print
results from a computer. The Remote Control Software allows the
user to generate automated test sequences, providing for repeatable
and consistent test procedures that can be shared or sent to
technicians as needed.
The SA-2500 is
the newest model of safety analyzer with progressive technology at a
competitive price. For more information about the SA-2500 or for
purchasing information visit the online store at
www.BCGroupStore.com
or speak to a sales representative at (314) 638-3800.
Meet
the Newest Device Designed to Safely Activate Cut and Coag
The Monopolar Handpiece Simulator (part number
BC20-03005) is the newest accessory released for the ESU-2400 and
ESU-2400H Electrosurgical Analyzers. This simulator is the safest
way to test electrosurgical generators by replacing the
electrosurgical handpiece (pencil). The Monopolar Handpiece
Simulator is built to work just like the pencil, but uses internal
relays to activate cut and coagulation (coag). Since it is
controlled by the ESU-2400 or ESU-2400H, this simulator also allows
further automated testing of more electrosurgical generators than
ever before.
Using the same connector and wiring as a standard two-button
electrosurgical pencil, the Monopolar Handpiece Simulator can safely
activate the cut and coag output. Until now, biomedical technicians
have had to activate the handpiece cut and coag power by inserting
insulated jumpers into the monopolar output ports. This dangerous
method can severely burn biomedical technicians. This harmful
situation is easily avoided by using BC Biomedical’s new simulator.
The Monopolar Handpiece Simulator is a
versatile instrument, designed for use with any electrosurgical
generator that utilizes a standard three-pin monopolar port for
electrosurgical pencils. Compatible models include:
|
• Conmed System 5000
• Conmed System 2450
• Coviden ForceTriad™
• Covidien ForceFx
• Bovie Generators |
 |
Today Governor Nathan Deal signed a
declaration to mark May 17-23 as Healthcare Technology Management
week in Georgia. Kristi Boyce and Mike Clotfelter joined several
other Georgia Biomedical Instrumentation Society members to
celebrate this event.
About the company
BC Group was founded in 1988. The company was formed as a sales and
service organization to handle the test equipment needs of the
worldwide biomedical engineering community. Over the past 20 years
BC Group has grown to include over 75 Product Lines with thousands
of products.
Originally, BC Group sold only test equipment manufactured by other
companies. Then, in 2000, we began a program of both manufacturing
and private-labeling our own products under the now familiar Green
and Gold "BC Biomedical" label.
In January of 2005, Lloyd Industries, the company that engineered
and manufactured most of the BC Biomedical brand products, purchased
BC Group. This acquisition has provided BC Group with the
engineering and manufacturing resources to expand at an even faster
pace. BC Group, under the "BC Biomedical" brand, is now one of the
largest manufacturers of Biomedical Test and Measurement Equipment
in the world.
Our “One Stop Biomed Shop” theme sums up our business. Our model is
to provide, in one location, all of the equipment, tools and
supplies that the Biomed Community might need. We not only offer an
extensive listing of test equipment manufactured by us and our many
partners, but we also provide labels, cables and everything
in-between.
Meet Mike
Clotfelter: The Man Behind the Company
Mike Clotfelter is the VP of Business Development for BC Group
International. He started with the company in 1999 and has well over
25 years of experience in our industry. Mike’s history as both an
end user and product provider gives him an invaluable point of view
that he has used to help hundreds of members of the biomed
community. This perspective helped to form, develop and improve the
products manufactured and distributed by BC Group, helping to
develop their “one size does not fit all” concept, bringing a
broader selection of products to the field.
During his tenure at BC Group, Mike has focused on the development
of major account and new opportunities. He has cultivated many new
markets and product lines for BC over the years, identifying need
and opportunity and putting in the sweat needed to help a business
grow. His efforts account for a large part of the over 400% increase
in sales BC has experienced in the last 10 years.
For nearly 15 years, Mike worked at Datex-Ohmeda where he managed
the Vaporizer Calibration Lab, Metrology Lab, Mechanical Equipment
Service Center as well as the tools and test equipment for their
Field Service Engineers. His foundation in quality has been
instrumental in BC Group’s own quality efforts, combining simple
solutions with a drive for continual improvement. Mike has been a
key player in the implementation of the ISO 9000, ISO 17025, ANSI
Z540 and ISO 13485 quality systems at BC Group.
Mike possess a wealth of knowledge in both the Med Gas and
Anesthesia fields, resulting in a rare skill set which he uses on a
daily basis to counsel technicians faced with an ever expanding list
of responsibilities and modalities. His focus on finding the right
tool for the job has saved many departments from making some very
expensive mistakes when purchasing new equipment. Over the years,
many have found themselves pleasantly surprised by Mike as he talks
them out of buying unneeded and expensive features or remind them of
that small but critical item that would have cost them a week that
they didn’t have.
Mike has been very devoted to supporting local and state biomed
societies, trade shows and helping biomeds with any problems they
encounter. You can always count on Mike for answers.
GBIS is very proud to award BC Group the 2012 Vendor of the Year
Award.
-Horace
Hunter, Executive Director
Prior Events
BC Group formally introduced the new ESU-2400 full-featured
electrosurgery (ESU) analyzer at the 2009 AAMI Exposition in
Baltimore, MD. The new ESU-2400 will be shipping in the 3rd Quarter
of 2009. The ESU-2400 shatters all previous limitations for high-end
electrosurgery analyzers and provides a level of technology and
capability never before available. For more information, simply call
us or e-mail your questions to esu@bcgroupintl.com. You can also
download several informational documents on our new ESU-2400 in PDF
format at the following links:
ðESU-2400
Product Overview Document
ðMay
2009 Medical dealers Magazine Article on the ESU-2400
