Background and Identification
The Nellcor N-550 is a pulse oximeter made by Mallinckrodt’s Nellcor division. Pulse oximeters are non-invasive devices used to monitor a patient’s oxygen saturation. The Nellcor division focuses mainly on producing pulse oximeters and oxygen monitors.
The Nellcor N-550 pulse oximeter is designed for continuous monitoring of pulse rate and functional oxygen saturation arterial hemoglobin. This device is suitable for use with adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients during no-motion and motion conditions. The pulse oximeter can be used in hospitals, home environments, and intra-hospital transport. The N-550 can be used with a range of oxygen transducers.
The N-550 model includes displays for pulse rate and oxygen saturation. A 10-segment light-emitting diode (LED) bar shows pulse amplitude. This pulse oximeter includes the name “NELLCOR” printed in capital letters in the upper left-hand corner of the device’s front face. The model number, “N-550,” is printed in the upper right-hand corner of the monitor’s front face.
For troubleshooting and repair information, see the Nellcor N-550 Service Manual. Common problem areas include power, buttons, display/alarms, operational performance, and data ports. Problems related to the monitor’s power include failure to power up, failing the power-on self-test, and randomly powering down. These problems are typically easily fixed.
Technical Specifications
Measurement Range
- SpO2: 1% to 100%
- Pulse Rate: 0 and 20 beats per minute (bpm) to 250 bpm
- Perfusion Range: 0.03% to 20%
Accuracy and Motion Tolerance
- Saturation
- Without Motion - Adults: 70 to 100% ±2 digits
- Without Motion - Neonate: 70 to 100% ±3 digits
- With Motion - Adults and Neonates: 70 to 100% ±3 digits
- Low Perfusion: 70 to 100% ±2 digits
- Pulse Rate
- Without Motion: 20 to 250 bpm ±3 digits
- With Motion: normal physiologic range (55 -125 bpm) ±5 digits
- Low Perfusion: 20 to 250 bpm ±3 digits
Electrical
- Power Requirements: 100 to 240 volts AC, 18 to 26 volt/amps to be compliant with IEC 60601-1 sub-clause 10.2.2
- Fuses: qty 2, 2 A, 250 volts, slow-blow, IEC (5 x 20 mm)
Battery: The battery provides at least two hours of battery life when new and fully charged with no alarms, no serial data while using a pulse simulator set for 200 bpm, high light, and low modulation.
- Type: Lead-acid
- Voltage: 12 Volts DC, 1.2 AH
- Recharge:
- 11 hours with N-550 turned off
- 12 hours with N-550 operating
- Shelf Life:
- 2 months, new, fully charged battery
- After 2 months storage the N-550 will run for 50% of stated battery life
- Complies With 91/157/EEC
Physical Characteristics
- Weight: 3.07 lbs. (1.39 kg) without pole mount
- Dimensions: 2.87 in. x 7.87 in. x 5 in. (7.3 cm x 20 cm x 12.7cm)