In the intensive care unit (ICU), every second counts. Intensivists rely on a complex ecosystem of life-saving electrical equipment—ventilators, infusion pumps, patient monitors, and portable diagnostic tools. A single electrical fault could compromise patient safety or disrupt critical interventions.
That’s why PAT testing (Portable Appliance Testing) is so important in intensive care medicine. By ensuring equipment is safe, reliable, and compliant, PAT testing supports the mission of intensivists: saving lives.
What Is PAT Testing?
PAT testing is the process of checking electrical appliances to confirm they are safe. It usually involves:
- Visual inspection – checking for cracked plugs, frayed wires, or external wear.
- Electrical testing – using specialist equipment to detect hidden faults that could lead to shocks, fires, or device failures.
Every tested item is labelled with a pass/fail sticker, and results are logged in hospital compliance records.
Why PAT Testing Matters for Intensivists
In critical care, reliability is everything. PAT testing helps intensivists by:
- Protecting patients and staff – ensuring that life-support machines and monitors do not pose electrical hazards.
- Preventing equipment failure during emergencies – minimising the risk of ventilators, syringe drivers, or infusion pumps failing mid-treatment.
- Supporting regulatory compliance – meeting standards set by hospital boards, insurers, and healthcare regulators.
- Extending equipment lifespan – detecting small issues early to avoid costly replacements or downtime.
- Providing peace of mind – allowing intensivists to focus on patient care, knowing equipment has been certified safe.
What Equipment Should Be PAT Tested in the ICU?
Critical care depends on a wide range of electrical devices, all of which benefit from regular PAT testing, including:
- Ventilators and CPAP/BiPAP machines
- Infusion and syringe pumps
- Patient monitoring systems (ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation)
- Dialysis and hemofiltration machines (in critical care settings)
- Portable ultrasound and diagnostic devices
- Suction units and defibrillators
- Computers, tablets, and documentation systems
- Chargers, extension leads, and backup power units
Even non-clinical devices—like heaters or fridges in medication storage areas—should be included in PAT testing schedules.
How Often Should PAT Testing Be Carried Out?
Frequency depends on equipment type and risk:
- Every 6 months – 1 year for high-use, high-risk ICU devices (ventilators, infusion pumps, monitors).
- Annually for support and office equipment.
- Immediately after repairs or if visible damage is noticed.
Hospitals usually incorporate PAT testing into their biomedical engineering and preventative maintenance schedules.
Is PAT Testing a Legal Requirement?
While PAT testing itself isn’t explicitly mandated by law, healthcare regulations—such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and medical device standards—require that all medical equipment is safe to use. PAT testing is the industry-standard way to prove compliance and protect both staff and patients.
Final Thoughts
For intensivists, patient care depends on the seamless operation of critical devices. PAT testing ensures that electrical faults never stand in the way of life-saving interventions.
It may happen quietly in the background, but PAT testing is a crucial safeguard that supports the trust, safety, and precision on which intensive care medicine depends. ⚡🩺