Medical Equipment Glossary

Application Entity Title: the configured name of a DICOM application endpoint. It works with, but is different from, an IP address and TCP port.

A sensor used in supported infusion systems to detect air in the fluid path. Its method, sensitivity, disposable-set relationship, and alarm behavior are device-specific.

A common name for a steam sterilizer: equipment that uses controlled steam conditions to process compatible loads under a validated cycle.

A technical professional who supports the safety, performance, maintenance, integration, and lifecycle of medical equipment. The role is often abbreviated BMET.

A beam-limiting assembly that shapes an X-ray field. Depending on the system, it may include shutters, motors, sensors, filtration, optics, and controls.

A measurement of a solution’s ability to conduct electrical current. Dialysis machines use conductivity as important feedback for dialysate proportioning and safety monitoring.

Data-acquisition system. In CT, the DAS conditions and digitizes electrical signals from detector channels before reconstruction.

A device that converts incident radiation or another physical signal into information the system can measure. Detector design depends on the modality.

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine: the international standard for medical images and related information, including data objects and network services.

A generator that supplies controlled high-frequency electrical energy for supported surgical cutting or coagulation modes. Commonly abbreviated ESU.

A technical professional who installs, maintains, diagnoses, or repairs equipment at customer locations. Training and scope vary by employer and equipment type.

A digital X-ray receptor that uses a pixel matrix and readout electronics to convert an exposure into image data.

Field-replaceable unit: an assembly defined to be replaced in the field by appropriately trained service personnel rather than repaired to individual-component level on site.

A supporting structure that holds and positions major imaging components. In CT, the gantry contains the rotating tube-detector measurement system and associated hardware.

The subsystem that creates and controls the high electrical potential needed by an X-ray tube. It is not a general-purpose low-voltage power supply.

A fluoroscopic image receptor that converts an X-ray pattern into light and then into an electronic image through an optical and camera chain.

A medical device that delivers fluid in controlled amounts through a supported administration set, cassette, or syringe.

A DICOM service through which an imaging modality queries scheduled procedure information, reducing manual re-entry of identifiers.

Noninvasive blood pressure. Patient monitors commonly use an inflatable cuff, pneumatic system, pressure transducer, and oscillometric algorithm to estimate blood-pressure values.

A sensing function used by infusion pumps to identify pressure conditions associated with a restricted fluid path. Thresholds and detection timing depend on the pump and setup.

Original equipment manufacturer. In parts sourcing, OEM may describe origin or supply channel; it does not by itself specify whether an item is new, exchange, or remanufactured.

Picture Archiving and Communication System: infrastructure used to receive, store, manage, retrieve, and display medical imaging information.

Preventive maintenance: planned work intended to maintain condition, verify performance, identify deterioration, and reduce avoidable risk or failure.

Planned inspection, service, measurement, and documentation based on the device, manufacturer guidance, evidence, risk, and facility policy.

The mathematical process that converts acquired measurement data into an image. In CT and MRI, reconstruction uses modality-specific signal and geometry models.

Radiofrequency. In MRI, RF energy is transmitted to excite spins and the resulting RF signal is received for image formation.

Peripheral oxygen saturation estimated by a pulse oximeter from optical measurements of pulsatile blood flow. It is an estimate with technical and clinical limitations.

A used part removed from equipment and represented as tested. The term does not define a universal test method, coverage level, or warranty.

The volume of gas moved during a breath. In ventilator systems it may be controlled, targeted, or monitored depending on the mode and device.