Defibrillator Monthly Function and Battery Test [FREE PDF]

Monthly defibrillator function and battery testing is required by Joint Commission EC.02.04.01 and supported by FDA 21 CFR 820 quality system regulations to ensure devices deliver accurate life-saving energy during cardiac arrest events. The American Heart Association estimates that defibrillator malfunction during a cardiac arrest dramatically reduces survival rates, making documented monthly testing a critical patient safety imperative. This checklist guides BMET Technicians through a comprehe

  • Industry: Hospitals
  • Frequency: Monthly
  • Estimated Time: 25-40 minutes
  • Role: BMET Technician
  • Total Items: 37
  • Compliance: FDA 21 CFR 820.72 - Inspection, Measuring, and Test Equipment Calibration, Joint Commission EC.02.04.01 - Medical Equipment Maintenance Program, IEC 62353:2014 - Recurrent Test and Test After Repair of Medical Electrical Equipment, AAMI TIR18:2010 - Guidance on Electromagnetic Compatibility of Medical Devices, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control

Physical Condition and Visual Inspection

Assess the overall physical state of the defibrillator, paddles, electrodes, and accessories.

  • Is the defibrillator housing free from cracks, dents, or physical damage?
  • Are all cables, lead wires, and paddle/electrode connectors free from damage and corrosion?
  • Are external paddles or hands-free pads present, undamaged, and within expiry date?
  • Is the display screen functional, clear, and free from dead pixels or distortion?
  • Is the printer paper (if applicable) loaded and sufficient for operation?
  • Is a photo of the device front panel captured to document current state?

Battery and Power Supply Assessment

Verify battery charge level, age, and power supply function to ensure the defibrillator is ready for immediate use.

  • Does the battery charge indicator show full charge or above the minimum acceptable threshold?
  • Is the battery within its manufacturer-specified service life (not past replacement date)?
  • Has the battery been load-tested per manufacturer specifications this month?
  • Is the battery installation secure with no signs of swelling, leakage, or corrosion?
  • What is the battery charge percentage displayed on the device?

Energy Delivery and Charge/Discharge Test

Verify the defibrillator charges and delivers accurate energy levels across key joule settings using an approved defibrillator analyzer.

  • Is a calibrated defibrillator analyzer being used for energy delivery testing?
  • Does the device charge to 200J within the manufacturer-specified charge time?
  • Is the delivered energy at 200J within ±15% of the set energy (170-230J)?
  • Is the delivered energy at maximum output (360J or 200J biphasic) within ±15% tolerance?
  • What is the measured delivered energy at 200J setting (in Joules)?
  • Does the device discharge completely and reset to ready state without error codes?

ECG Monitoring and Pacing Function

Verify ECG acquisition, waveform display, and pacing function where applicable.

  • Does the ECG monitor display a clear, artifact-free waveform when connected to a patient simulator?
  • Does the SpO2 function display accurate values when tested with a simulator or probe?
  • Does the NIBP module cycle and display results within manufacturer-specified accuracy?
  • Is the external pacing function (if present) delivering pulses at the set rate and output?
  • Does the rhythm analysis algorithm correctly identify a shockable VF rhythm during AED self-test or manual test?

AED Mode and Self-Test Verification

Confirm AED mode readiness indicators, self-test logs, and voice prompt function for devices with AED capability.

  • Does the AED self-test indicator show a passing status (green light or equivalent)?
  • Are AED voice prompts clear, audible, and functioning during test mode?
  • Is the AED self-test log free from any error or fault codes from the past 30 days?
  • Are replacement electrode pads and a backup battery available in the storage location?
  • Is the device location registered in the facility's AED registry and national registry (if applicable)?

Electrical Safety Testing

Perform electrical safety measurements to ensure the device meets leakage current and grounding requirements.

  • Is the chassis/enclosure ground resistance less than 0.2 ohms?
  • Is the device enclosure leakage current within acceptable limits (≤500 µA)?
  • Is the patient applied part leakage current within limits (≤100 µA for CF parts)?
  • Has the electrical safety test been performed with a calibrated electrical safety analyzer?
  • What is the measured patient leakage current value (in µA)?

Documentation and Return to Service

Complete all required maintenance documentation and confirm the device is ready to return to clinical service.

  • Has all test data been entered into the CMMS with results and technician signature?
  • Has the maintenance inspection sticker been updated with the current date and next due date?
  • Have all identified deficiencies been corrected or escalated with a documented work order?
  • Is the defibrillator cleared and approved for return to clinical service?
  • Additional findings, corrective actions, or observations from this inspection?

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Why Use This Defibrillator Monthly Function and Battery Test [FREE PDF]?

This defibrillator monthly function and battery test [free pdf] helps hospitals teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for bmet technician professionals, this checklist covers 37 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR 820.72 - Inspection, Measuring, and Test Equipment Calibration, Joint Commission EC.02.04.01 - Medical Equipment Maintenance Program, IEC 62353:2014 - Recurrent Test and Test After Repair of Medical Electrical Equipment, AAMI TIR18:2010 - Guidance on Electromagnetic Compatibility of Medical Devices, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 - Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Defibrillator Monthly Function and Battery Test [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 37 inspection items across 7 sections: Physical Condition and Visual Inspection, Battery and Power Supply Assessment, Energy Delivery and Charge/Discharge Test, ECG Monitoring and Pacing Function, AED Mode and Self-Test Verification, Electrical Safety Testing, Documentation and Return to Service. It is designed for hospitals operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 25-40 minutes.

Who should use this Defibrillator Monthly Function and Battery Test [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for BMET Technician professionals in the hospitals industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

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