AS/NZS 4374:1996

Specifies a series of tests, and the terminology for reporting these tests, to be carried out by manufacturers, enabling them to declare the characteristics of Doppler foetal heartbeat detectors on a common basis, thus allowing the purchaser to compare the performance of various models and chose that one which is best suited to their requirements. This Standard is identical with and has been reproduced from IEC 1266:1994.

This International Standard IEC 1266 establishes:- methods of measurement of performance of a complete ultrasonic hand-held Doppler foetal heartbeat detector (hereinafter referred to as "equipment");- requirements for the performance of equipment;- requirements for the reporting of the performance of existing equipment;- requirements for the declaration by manufacturers in accompanying literature of aspects of the performance of equipment.This International Standard is applicable to ultrasonic Doppler foetal heartbeat detectors which generate a single ultrasound beam and consist of a hand-held probe which is applied to the maternal abdomen to obtain information on foetal heart activity by means of the Doppler method using continuous wave (c.w.) or quasi-continuous wave ultrasound. This standard, however, currently does not cover the continuous monitoring devices which generate more than one ultrasound beam and are usually of the type utilising a similar principle of operation but using a flat probe strapped to the patient.This International Standard is not an equipment design standard.

First published as AS/NZS 4374:1996.