Background and Identification

The BCI 1818E is a pulse oximeter made by BCI, Inc., a healthcare product company. Pulse oximeters are non-invasive devices used to monitor a patient’s oxygen saturation. This model is designed to be used in hospital or clinical environments and during patient transport. The 1818E pulse oximeter is compatible with all BCI, Inc. oximetry sensors. BCI advertises that this model can be used with all patients from neonates to adults.

The BCI 1818E pulse oximeter weighs only 9 ounces without batteries and is designed to fit in the palm of your hand. This model uses three standard alkaline batteries (LR 14) or three rechargeable NiCad “C” cell batteries. The batteries should last about twenty-four hours in the continuous mode or eighty hours in the spot check mode. When less than two hours of battery life remain, the low battery indicator lights will turn on.

The BCI 1818E pulse oximeter includes an LED display that shows pulse rate measurements. Pulse strength is indicated by an eight-segment LED bargraph. The device is designed to automatically turn off when the patient’s finger is removed from the sensor. Users can connect the pulse oximeter to an external computer or printer, which can be used to keep a data log and print out pulse rate readings and saturated oxygen levels.

Technical Specifications

Equipment Classification:

  • Type of Protection Against Electric shock: Internally Powered
  • Mode of operation: Continuous
  • Degree of Protection Against ingress of Liquids: IPX1, drip proof
  • Degree of Mobility: Portable
  • Degree of Protection Against Electric Shock: Type B
  • Safety Requirements: EN60601-1; 1990

Displays, Indicators, & Keys:

  • SpO2: LED numeric display, 0.43 inches (10.9 mm) high
  • Pulse Rate: LED numeric display, 0.375 inches (9.5 mm) high
  • Pulse Strength: Logarithmically scaled 8-segment LED bargraph
  • Keys: I & O keys

SpO2:

  • Range: 0-99%
  • Accuracy:
    • ±2% at 70-99%
    • ±3% at 50-69%
  • Averaging: 8 pulse beat average
  • Display Response: The display is to functional saturation. The pulse strength bar graph is not proportional to pulse volume.
  • Display Update Rate: 1 Hz (SpO2); 60 Hz (pulse strength)
  • Calibration: Factory calibrated over range 50% to 100% SpO2 using human blood samples to functional saturation. Test methods available upon request. No in-service calibration required.
  • Sensors
    • Red: 660nm, 2mW (typical)
    • Infrared: 905nm, 2-2.4mW (typical)

Pulse Rate:

  • Range: 30-254 BPM
  • Accuracy: ±2% at 30-254 BPM
  • Averaging: 8 second average
  • Display Update Rate: 1 Hz

Auxiliary Printer Output:

SpO2 and pulse rate values can be output every five (5) seconds (data log).

Data saved every thirty (30) seconds can be printed (spot-check).

Power Requirements:

Uses three standard alkaline (type LR 14) or nickel-cadmium “C” cell batteries (type KR27/50).

Battery Life:

Approximately 24 hours in continuous mode or 80 hours in spot check mode.

Dimensions:

  • Width: 3.25 inches (82.6 mm)
  • Height: 6.3 inches (160 mm)
  • Depth: 1.25 inches (31.75 mm)
  • Weight: 9 ounces (255 grams) without the batteries

Environmental Specifications:

  • Operating Temp.: 0-55° C (32-131° F)
  • Storage Temp.: -34-70° C (-29-158° F)
  • Relative Humidity:
    • 10-95% (storage), non-condensing
    • 15-95% (operating), non-condensing

Additional Information

Wikipedia: Pulse Oximeter

BCI 1818E Operation Service Manual

Smiths Medical: BCI Patient Monitoring Products