EN IEC 80601-2-71:2025
(Main)Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-71: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment
Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-71: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 applies to the BASIC SAFETY and ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE of FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT, as defined in 201.3.205, intended to be used by itself, or as a part of an ME SYSTEM hereinafter referred to as ME EQUIPMENT. HAZARDS inherent in the intended physiological function of ME EQUIPMENT or ME SYSTEMS within the scope of this document are not covered by specific requirements in this document except in IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, 7.2.13 and 8.4.1. This document is not applicable to – equipment for the measurement of oxygen saturation of the haemoglobin in the micro vessels (capillaries, arterioles and venules), i.e. tissue oximeters; – frequency-domain and time-domain equipment for functional near-infrared spectroscopy; – equipment for the measurement of changes in the concentration of chromophores other than oxy- and deoxy-haemoglobin; – equipment for the measurement of changes in the concentration of oxy- and deoxy-haemoglobin in tissues other than the brain. This document does not specify the requirements for: – cerebral tissue oximeter equipment, which are given in ISO 80601-2-85; and – pulse oximeter equipment, which are given in ISO 80601-2-61. IEC 80601-2-71:2025 cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2015. This edition constitutes a technical revision. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: a) alignment with IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, IEC 60601-1-8:2006, IEC 60601-1-8:2006/AMD1:2012, IEC 60601-1-8:2006/AMD2:2020, IEC 60601-1-2:2014, IEC 60601-1-2:2014/AMD1:2020, IEC 60601-1-6:2010, IEC 60601-1-6:2010/AMD1:2013 and IEC 60601-1-6:2010/AMD2:2020; b) added requirements for ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE; c) added requirements for PRIMARY OPERATING FUNCTIONS; d) added requirements for protection against excessive temperatures; e) added requirements for the display legibility for OPERATORS wearing personal protective equipment; f) harmonization with ISO 20417, where appropriate.
Medizinische elektrische Geräte - Teil 2-71: Besondere Festlegungen für die Sicherheit einschließlich der wesentlichen Leistungsmerkmale von Geräten für die funktionelle Nahinfrarotspektroskopie (NIRS)
Appareils électromédicaux - Partie 2-71: Exigences particulières pour la sécurité de base et les performances essentielles des appareils de spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge (NIRS) fonctionnelle
L'IEC 60601-2-71:2025 s'applique à la SECURITE DE BASE et aux PERFORMANCES ESSENTIELLES des ELECTROMYOGRAPHES et des APPAREILS A POTENTIEL EVOQUE, désignés ci-après sous le terme APPAREILS EM. Si un article ou un paragraphe est spécifiquement destiné à être applicable uniquement aux APPAREILS EM, ou uniquement aux SYSTEMES EM, le titre et le contenu de cet article ou de ce paragraphe l’indiquent. Si cela n’est pas le cas, l’article ou le paragraphe s’applique à la fois aux APPAREILS EM et aux SYSTEMES EM, selon le cas. Les APPAREILS EM suivants sont exclus de la liste: • APPAREILS EM destinés à une application thérapeutique; • APPAREILS EM destinés à être utilisés avec les neurostimulateurs électriques transcutanés et les stimulateurs musculaires électriques (APPAREILS EM couverts par l'IEC 60601-2-10). L'IEC 60601-2-71:2025 annule et remplace la deuxième édition parue en 2016. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: a) des exigences relatives aux stimulateurs à tension constante ont été ajoutées; b) des exigences relatives aux STIMULATEURS VISUELS ont été clarifiées. L'IEC 80601-2-71:2025 concerne la SECURITE DE BASE et aux PERFORMANCES ESSENTIELLES des APPAREILS NIRS FONCTIONNELLE, définis au 201.3.205, destinés à être utilisés seuls ou en tant que partie d'un SYSTEME EM, ci-après appelés APPAREILS EM. Les DANGERS inhérents à la fonction physiologique prévue des APPAREILS EM ou des SYSTEMES EM compris dans le domaine d'application du présent document ne sont pas couverts par des exigences spécifiques dans le présent document, en dehors de l'IEC 60601-1:2005, l'IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 et l'IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, 7.2.13 et 8.4.1. Le présent document ne s'applique pas – Aux appareils qui mesurent la saturation en oxygène de l'hémoglobine dans les vaisseaux sanguins de très petite taille (capillaires, artérioles et veinules), c'est-à-dire aux oxymètres pour tissu. – Aux appareils dans le domaine temporel et de la fréquence pour la spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge fonctionnelle. – Aux appareils qui mesurent les modifications de concentration en chromophores autres que l'oxyhémoglobine et la désoxyhémoglobine. – Aux appareils qui mesurent les modifications de concentration en oxyhémoglobine et en désoxyhémoglobine dans les tissus autres que le cerveau. Le présent document ne spécifie pas les exigences concernant: – les oxymètres pour tissu cérébral, qui sont données dans l'ISO 80601-2-85; et – les oxymètres de pouls, qui sont données dans l'ISO 80601-2-61. L'IEC 80601-2-71:2025 annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2015. Cette édition constitue une révision technique. Cette édition inclut les modifications techniques majeures suivantes par rapport à l'édition précédente: a) alignement sur l'IEC 60601-1:2005, l'IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012, l'IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, l'IEC 60601-1-8:2006, l'IEC 60601-1-8:2006/AMD1:2012, l'IEC 60601-1-8:2006/AMD2:2020, l'IEC 60601-1-2:2014, IEC 60601-1-2:2014/AMD1:2020, IEC 60601-1-6:2010, l'IEC 60601-1-6:2010/AMD1:2013 et l'IEC 60601-1-6:2010/AMD2:2020; b) ajout d'exigences concernant les PERFORMANCES ESSENTIELLES; c) ajout d'exigences concernant les FONCTIONS PRINCIPALES DE SERVICE; d) ajout d'ex
Medicinska električna oprema - 2-71. del: Posebne zahteve za osnovno varnost in bistvene lastnosti funkcionalne opreme spektrometra v bližnjem infrardečem spektru (IEC 80601-2-71:2025)
Ta del standarda IEC 80601 se uporablja za OSNOVNO VARNOST in BISTVENE LASTNOSTI FUNKCIONALNE OPREME SPEKTROMETRA V BLIŽNJEM INFRARDEČEM SPEKTRU (NIRS), kot je opredeljeno v 201.3.205, predvidene za samostojno uporabo ali kot del MEDICINSKEGA ELEKTRIČNEGA SISTEMA (v nadaljevanju: MEDICINSKA ELEKTRIČNA OPREMA).
Posebne zahteve tega dokumenta ne vključujejo inherentnih TVEGANJ pri predvideni fiziološki funkciji MEDICINSKE ELEKTRIČNE OPREME ali SISTEMOV, ki spadajo na področje uporabe tega dokumenta, razen v standardih IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 in IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, točki 7.2.13 in 8.4.1.
OPOMBA: Dodatne informacije so navedene v standardih IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 in IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, točka 4.2.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za: – opremo za merjenje nasičenosti hemoglobina s kisikom v mikro-žilah (kapilarah, arteriolah in venulah), tj. tkivne oksimetre; – frekvenčno in časovno opremo za funkcionalno spektroskopijo v bližnjem infrardečem spektru; – opremo za merjenje sprememb v koncentraciji drugih kromoforov, ki niso oksi- in deoksihemoglobin; – opremo za merjenje sprememb v koncentraciji oksi- in deoksihemoglobina v tkivih, ki niso možgani.
Ta dokument ne določa zahtev za:
– opremo za cerebralno oksimetrijo, ki so podane v standardu ISO 80601-2-85 [1]1; in – pulzni oksimeter, ki so podane v standardu ISO 80601-2-61 [2].
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2025
Medicinska električna oprema - 2-71. del: Posebne zahteve za osnovno varnost in
bistvene lastnosti funkcionalne opreme spektrometra v bližnjem infrardečem
spektru (IEC 80601-2-71:2025)
Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-71: Particular requirements for the basic safety and
essential performance of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment (IEC
80601-2-71:2025)
Medizinische elektrische Geräte - Teil 2-71: Besondere Festlegungen für die Sicherheit
einschließlich der wesentlichen Leistungsmerkmale von funktionalen Oximetriegeräten
(IEC 80601-2-71:2025)
Appareils électromédicaux - Partie 2-71: Exigences particulières pour la sécurité de base
et les performances essentielles des appareils de spectroscopie dans le proche
infrarouge (NIRS) fonctionnelle (IEC 80601-2-71:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 80601-2-71:2025
ICS:
11.040.55 Diagnostična oprema Diagnostic equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 80601-2-71
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM February 2025
ICS 11.040.55 Supersedes EN IEC 80601-2-71:2018
English Version
Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-71: Particular requirements
for the basic safety and essential performance of functional near-
infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment
(IEC 80601-2-71:2025)
Appareils électromédicaux - Partie 2-71: Exigences Medizinische elektrische Geräte - Teil 2-71: Besondere
particulières pour la sécurité de base et les performances Festlegungen für die Sicherheit einschließlich der
essentielles des appareils de spectroscopie dans le proche wesentlichen Leistungsmerkmale von funktionalen
infrarouge (NIRS) fonctionnelle Oximetriegeräten
(IEC 80601-2-71:2025) (IEC 80601-2-71:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2025-02-18. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC
Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 20252025 All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
CENELEC
Ref. No. EN IEC 80601-2-71:2025 E
European foreword
The text of document 62D/2169/FDIS, future edition 2 of IEC 80601-2-71, prepared by SC 62D
"Particular medical equipment, software, and systems" of IEC/TC 62 "Medical equipment, software,
and systems" was submitted to the IEC-CENELEC parallel vote and approved by CENELEC as
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which the document has to be implemented at national (dop) 2026-02-28
level by publication of an identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with the (dow) 2028-02-29
document have to be withdrawn
This document supersedes EN IEC 80601-2-71:2018 and all of its amendments and corrigenda (if
any).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CENELEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 80601-2-71:2025 was approved by CENELEC as a
European Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standard indicated:
ISO 80601-2-85:2021 NOTE Approved as EN ISO 80601-2-85:2021 (not modified)
ISO 80601-2-61:2017 NOTE Approved as EN ISO 80601-2-61:2019 (not modified)
IEC 60601-1-10 NOTE Approved as EN 60601-1-10
IEC 60601-2-57:2023 NOTE Approved as EN IEC 60601-2-57:— (not modified)
ISO 14159:2002 NOTE Approved as EN ISO 14159:2008 (not modified)
Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication: FprEN IEC 60601-2-57:2023.
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
NOTE 1 Where an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod),
the relevant EN/HD applies.
NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available
here: www.cencenelec.eu.
Annex ZA of EN 60601-1:2006 , applies, except as follows:
Add:
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60601-1 2005 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: EN 60601-1 2006
General requirements for basic safety and
essential performance
- - + AC 2010
+ A1 2012 + A1 2013
- - + AC 2014
- - + A12 2014
+ A2 2020 + A2 2021
- - + AC 2022
- - + A13 2024
IEC 60825-1 2014 Safety of laser products - Part 1: EN 60825-1 2014
Equipment classification and requirements
- - + A11 2021
- - + AC 2017-06
IEC 62471 (mod) 2006 Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp EN 62471 2008
systems
IEC 62570 2014 Standard practice for marking medical EN 62570 2015
devices and other items for safety in the
magnetic resonance environment
As impacted by EN 60601-1:2006/AC:2010, EN 60601-1:2006/A1:2013, EN 60601-1:2006/A1:2013/AC:2014,
EN 60601-1:2006/A12:2014, EN 60601-1:2006/A2:2021, EN 60601-1:2006/AC:2022-12 and
EN 60601-1:2006/A13:2024.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
ISO 17664-1 2021 Processing of health care products - EN ISO 17664-1 2021
Information to be provided by the medical
device manufacturer for the processing of
medical devices - Part 1: Critical and semi-
critical medical devices
ISO 17664-2 2021 Processing of health care products - EN ISO 17664-2 2023
Information to be provided by the medical
device manufacturer for the processing of
medical devices - Part 2: Non-critical
medical devices
ISO 20417 2021 Medical devices - Information to be EN ISO 20417 2021
supplied by the manufacturer
IEC 80601-2-71
Edition 2.0 2025-01
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Medical electrical equipment –
Part 2-71: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance
of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment
Appareils électromédicaux –
Partie 2-71: Exigences particulières pour la sécurité de base et les performances
essentielles des appareils de spectroscopie dans le proche infrarouge (NIRS)
fonctionnelle
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 11.040.55 ISBN 978-2-8327-0096-9
– 2 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 7
201.1 Scope, object and related standards . 8
201.2 Normative references . 10
201.3 Terms and definitions . 10
201.4 General requirements . 14
201.5 General requirements for testing ME EQUIPMENT . 14
201.6 Classification of ME EQUIPMENT and ME SYSTEMS . 14
201.7 ME EQUIPMENT identification, MARKING and documents . 14
201.8 Protection against electrical HAZARDS from ME EQUIPMENT . 16
201.9 Protection against MECHANICAL HAZARDS of ME EQUIPMENT and ME SYSTEMS. 16
201.10 Protection against unwanted and excessive radiation HAZARDS . 16
201.11 Protection against excessive temperatures and other HAZARDS . 16
201.12 Accuracy of controls and instruments and protection against hazardous
outputs . 18
201.13 HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS and fault conditions for ME EQUIPMENT. 29
201.14 PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRICAL MEDICAL SYSTEMS (PEMS) . 29
201.15 Construction of ME EQUIPMENT . 29
201.16 ME SYSTEMS . 30
201.17 Electromagnetic compatibility of ME EQUIPMENT and ME SYSTEMS . 30
201.101 Requirements for the FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT ACCESSORIES . 30
202 Electromagnetic disturbances – Requirements and tests . 30
206 Usability . 31
Annexes . 32
Annex C (informative) Guide to MARKING and labelling requirements for ME EQUIPMENT
and ME SYSTEMS . 33
Annex AA (informative) Particular guidance and rationale . 35
ANNEX BB (normative) Evaluating ME EQUIPMENT performance using the FUNCTIONAL
NIRS PHANTOM . 39
ANNEX CC (informative) Skin temperature at the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PROBE . 48
Annex DD (informative) Reference to the IMDRF essential principles and labelling
guidance . 49
Bibliography . 51
Index of defined terms . 55
Figure 201.101 – FULL WIDTH AT HALF MAXIMUM OF SPECTRAL POWER DISTRIBUTION . 11
Figure 201.102 – Measurement of the AVERAGE OPTICAL POWER. 19
Figure 201.103 – Measurement of PEAK WAVELENGTH and FWHM . 20
Figure 201.104 – Measurement of the signal stability . 22
Figure 201.105 – Measurement of the RESPONSE TIME . 23
Figure 201.106 – Rise time and fall time in the RESPONSE TIME . 24
Figure 201.107 – Measurement of the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected light
intensity . 25
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 3 –
Figure 201.108 – Measurement of signal-to-noise ratio of the PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT
HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE . 27
Figure 201.109 – Measurement of SIGNAL CROSS-TALK . 28
Figure BB.1 – The FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM in two states with different detected light
intensities . 42
Figure BB.2 – FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM measurement using the reference system . 43
Figure BB.3 – FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM measurement using the ME EQUIPMENT to be
evaluated . 43
Figure BB.4 – Schematic for measurement of OPTICAL LOSS . 47
Table 201.101 ─ Distributed ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE requirements . 14
Table 201.102 – Performance tests employing the FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT or
attenuator and the required OPTICAL LOSS . 19
Table 201.C.101 – MARKING on the outside of FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT or their parts . 33
Table 201.C.102 – ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS general . 33
Table 201.C.103 – INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE . 34
Table 201.C.104 – TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION . 34
Table DD.1 – Correspondence between this document and the IMDRF essential
principles . 49
Table DD.2 – Correspondence between this document and the IMDRF labelling
principles . 50
– 4 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
MEDICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT –
Part 2-71: Particular requirements for
the basic safety and essential performance of
functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international
co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) IEC and ISO draw attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). IEC and ISO take no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, IEC and ISO had not received notice of
(a) patent(s), which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this
may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
https://patents.iec.ch and www.iso.org/patents. IEC and ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or
all such patent rights.
IEC 80601-2-71 has been prepared by a Joint Working Group of IEC subcommittee 62D:
Particular medical equipment, software, and systems, of IEC technical committee 62: Medical
equipment, software, and systems, and ISO subcommittee SC3: Respiratory devices and
related equipment used for patient care, of ISO technical committee 121: Anaesthetic and
respiratory equipment. It is an International Standard.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2015. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 5 –
This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous
edition:
a) alignment with IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, IEC 60601-1-8:2006, IEC 60601-1-8:2006/AMD1:2012,
IEC 60601-1-8:2006/AMD2:2020, IEC 60601-1-2:2014, IEC 60601-1-2:2014/AMD1:2020,
IEC 60601-1-6:2010, IEC 60601-1-6:2010/AMD1:2013 and
IEC 60601-1-6:2010/AMD2:2020;
b) added requirements for ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE;
c) added requirements for PRIMARY OPERATING FUNCTIONS;
d) added requirements for protection against excessive temperatures;
e) added requirements for the display legibility for OPERATORS wearing personal protective
equipment;
f) harmonization with ISO 20417, where appropriate.
This publication is published as a double logo standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents of IEC:
Draft Report on voting
62D/2169/FDIS 62D/2196/RVD
Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this International Standard is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement, available
at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by IEC are
described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.
In this document, the following print types are used:
– requirements and definitions: roman type.
– test specifications: italic type.
– informative material appearing outside of tables, such as notes, examples and references: in smaller type.
Normative text of tables is also in a smaller type.
– TERMS defined in Clause 3 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 AND
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, IN THIS DOCUMENT OR AS NOTED: SMALL CAPITALS.
In referring to the structure of this document, the term
– "clause" means one of the seventeen numbered divisions within the table of contents,
inclusive of all subdivisions (e.g. Clause 7 includes subclauses 7.1, 7.2, etc.);
– "subclause" means a numbered subdivision of a clause (e.g. 7.1, 7.2 and 7.2.1 are all
subclauses of Clause 7).
References to clauses within this document are preceded by the term "Clause" followed by the
clause number. References to subclauses within this particular standard are by number only.
In this document, the conjunctive "or" is used as an "inclusive or" so a statement is true if any
combination of the conditions is true.
– 6 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
The verbal forms used in this document conform to usage described in Clause 7 of the ISO/IEC
Directives, Part 2. For the purposes of this document, the auxiliary verb:
– "shall" means that compliance with a requirement or a test is mandatory for compliance with
this document;
– "should" means that compliance with a requirement or a test is recommended but is not
mandatory for compliance with this document;
– "may" is used to describe a permissible way to achieve compliance with a requirement or
test.
An asterisk (*) as the first character of a title or at the beginning of a paragraph or table title
indicates that there is guidance or rationale related to that item in Annex AA.
A list of all parts of the IEC 80601 series, published under the general title Medical electrical
equipment, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn, or
• revised.
NOTE The attention of the users of this document is drawn to the fact that equipment manufacturers and testing
organizations may need a transitional period following publication of a new, amended or revised IEC or
ISO publication in which to make products in accordance with the new requirements and to equip themselves for
conducting new or revised tests. It is the recommendation of the committees that the content of this publication be
adopted for implementation nationally not earlier than 3 years from the date of publication.
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 7 –
INTRODUCTION
The minimum safety requirements specified in this document are considered to provide for a
practical degree of safety in the operation of FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT.
The requirements are followed by specifications for the relevant tests.
A "Particular guidance and rationale" text giving some explanatory notes, where appropriate,
about the more important requirements is included in Annex AA. It is considered that knowledge
of the reasons for these requirements will not only facilitate the proper application of the
standard but will, in due course, expedite any revision necessitated by changes in clinical
practice or as a result of developments in technology. However, this annex does not form part
of the requirements of this document.
– 8 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
MEDICAL ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT –
Part 2-71: Particular requirements for
the basic safety and essential performance of
functional near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment
201.1 Scope, object and related standards
Clause 1 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 applies, except as follows:
201.1.1 Scope
Replacement:
This part of IEC 80601 applies to the BASIC SAFETY and ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE of FUNCTIONAL
NIRS EQUIPMENT, as defined in 201.3.205, intended to be used by itself, or as a part of an ME
SYSTEM hereinafter referred to as ME EQUIPMENT.
HAZARDS inherent in the intended physiological function of ME EQUIPMENT or ME SYSTEMS within
the scope of this document are not covered by specific requirements in this document except
in IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020,
7.2.13 and 8.4.1.
NOTE Additional information can be found in IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, 4.2.
This document is not applicable to
– equipment for the measurement of oxygen saturation of the haemoglobin in the micro
vessels (capillaries, arterioles and venules), i.e. tissue oximeters;
– frequency-domain and time-domain equipment for functional near-infrared spectroscopy;
– equipment for the measurement of changes in the concentration of chromophores other than
oxy- and deoxy-haemoglobin;
– equipment for the measurement of changes in the concentration of oxy- and deoxy-
haemoglobin in tissues other than the brain.
This document does not specify the requirements for:
– cerebral tissue oximeter equipment, which are given in ISO 80601-2-85 [1] ; and
– pulse oximeter equipment, which are given in ISO 80601-2-61 [2].
201.1.2 Object
Replacement:
The object of this document is to establish particular BASIC SAFETY and ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE
requirements for FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT as defined in 201.3.205.
NOTE This document has been prepared to address the relevant essential principles [3] and labelling principles [4]
of the International Medical Devices Regulators Forum (IMDRF) as indicated in Annex DD.
___________
Numbers in square brackets refer to the Bibliography.
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 9 –
201.1.3 Collateral standards
Addition:
This document refers to those applicable collateral standards that are listed in Clause 2 of
IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 and
Clause 201.2 of this document.
IEC 60601-1-3 and IEC 60601-1-10 [5] do not apply. All other published collateral standards in
the IEC 60601-1 series apply as published.
201.1.4 Particular standards
Addition:
In the IEC 60601 series, particular standards may modify, replace or delete requirements
contained in IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, including the collateral standards, as appropriate for the
particular ME EQUIPMENT under consideration, and may add other BASIC SAFETY or ESSENTIAL
PERFORMANCE requirements.
A requirement of a particular standard takes priority over IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 and applicable collateral
standards.
The numbering of clauses and subclauses of this particular standard corresponds to that of
IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 with the
prefix "201" (e.g. 201.1 in this document addresses the content of Clause 1 of
IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020) or
applicable collateral standard with the prefix "20x" where x is the final digit(s) of the collateral
standard document number (e.g. 202.4 in this document addresses the content of Clause 4 of
the IEC 60601-1-2 collateral standard, 203.6 in this document addresses the content of
Clause 6 of the IEC 60601-1-3 collateral standard, etc.). The changes to the text of
IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 are
specified by the use of the following words:
"Replacement" means that the clause or subclause of IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 or applicable collateral
standard is replaced completely by the text of this document.
"Addition" means that the text of this document additional to the requirements of
IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 or
applicable collateral standard.
"Amendment" means that the clause or subclause of IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 or applicable collateral
standard is amended as indicated by the text of this document.
Subclauses, figures or tables which are additional to those of IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 are numbered starting from
201.101. However due to the fact that definitions in IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 are numbered 3.1 through
3.154, additional definitions in this document are numbered beginning from 201.3.201.
Additional annexes are lettered AA, BB, etc., and additional items aa), bb), etc.
Subclauses, figures or tables which are additional to those of a collateral standard are
numbered starting from 20x, where "x" is the number of the collateral standard, e.g. 202 for
IEC 60601-1-2, 203 for IEC 60601-1-3, etc.
– 10 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
Where there is no corresponding clause or subclause in this document, the clause or subclause
of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 or
applicable collateral standard, although possibly not relevant, applies without modification;
where it is intended that any part of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 or applicable collateral standard, although possibly relevant, is
not to be applied, a statement to that effect is given in this document.
201.2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies.
For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
Clause 2 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 applies, except as follows:
Addition:
IEC 60601-1:2005, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1: General requirements for basic safety
and essential performance
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020
IEC 60825-1:2014, Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
IEC 62471:2006, Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems
IEC 62570:2014, Standard practice for marking medical devices and other items for safety in
the magnetic resonance environment
ISO 17664-1:2021, Processing of health care products – Information to be provided by the
medical device manufacturer for the processing of medical devices – Part 1: Critical and semi-
critical medical devices
ISO 17664-2:2021, Processing of health care products – Information to be provided by the
medical device manufacturer for the processing of medical devices – Part 2: Non-critical
medical devices
ISO 20417:2021, Medical devices – Information to be supplied by the manufacturer
201.3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020, ISO 17664-2:2021,
ISO 20417:2021 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 11 –
201.3.201
AVERAGE OPTICAL POWER
temporal average power of continuous light or repeated light pulses from each discrete
wavelength, from the EMITTER OPTODE connected to the FUNCTIONAL NIRS MONITOR
201.3.202
DETECTOR OPTODE
part of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PROBE which detects light from the living tissue that forms part of
the APPLIED PART
201.3.203
EMITTER OPTODE
part of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PROBE which emits light to the living tissue that forms part of the
APPLIED PART
Note 1 to entry: An EMITTER OPTODE can contain two or more light sources (e.g. laser diodes or light-emitting
diodes) operating at different NOMINAL wavelengths.
201.3.204
FWHM
FULL WIDTH AT HALF MAXIMUM OF SPECTRAL POWER DISTRIBUTION
difference of the wavelength between the two points whose corresponding power values are
equal and 3 dB lower than the values at each PEAK WAVELENGTH
Note 1 to entry: FWHM is a measure of the width of the spectral power distribution emitted by the EMITTER OPTODE
connected to the FUNCTIONAL NIRS MONITOR. Figure 201.101 provides a visual representation. If there are more than
two wavelengths where power value is 3 dB lower than the values at each PEAK WAVELENGTH, FWHM shall be
calculated from the difference between minimum and maximum wavelengths.
Figure 201.101 – FULL WIDTH AT HALF MAXIMUM OF SPECTRAL POWER DISTRIBUTION
201.3.205
FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT
FUNCTIONAL NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY EQUIPMENT
ME EQUIPMENT that estimates PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGES in living tissue by
illuminating tissue with continuous light and detecting changes in the infrared and visible light
intensity diffusively reflected from the tissue
– 12 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
201.3.206
FUNCTIONAL NIRS MONITOR
FUNCTIONAL NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY MONITOR
MONITOR
part of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT that encompasses the electronics, display and operator-
EMITTER OPTODES and DETECTOR OPTODES
equipment interface excluding the
Note 1 to entry: The FUNCTIONAL NIRS MONITOR typically encompasses the electronics, display and OPERATOR-
EQUIPMENT INTERFACE. It can consist of a separate control unit, a computer and a display. Electronics or a control
unit integrated in the APPLIED PART are not part of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS MONITOR.
201.3.207
FUNCTIONAL NIRS PROBE
FUNCTIONAL NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY PROBE
PROBE
part of the functional NIRS EQUIPMENT that includes the APPLIED PART
Note 1 to entry: This definition of PROBE is consistent with the definition of PROBE for cerebral tissue oximeters as
given in ISO 80601-2-85.
Note 2 to entry: The PROBE contains single or multiple EMITTER OPTODES and DETECTOR OPTODES. A reflectance
PROBE design is the typical configuration.
201.3.208
FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM
apparatus that simulates a PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE by giving the ME
EQUIPMENT a specified known change in attenuation to evaluate the difference between the
measured value of the pseudo PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE obtained from the
measurement on the phantom and the reference value calculated from the attenuation change
Note 1 to entry: The FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM plays a role in determining the performance of FUNCTIONAL NIRS
EQUIPMENT, especially PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE measurement. A description of the function
and specifications regarding the manufacturing of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM is found in Annex BB.
Note 2 to entry: A FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM is developed during design and is used at the time of inspection in
manufacturing or after being placed into service.
Note 3 to entry: The change in attenuation corresponds to a change in OPTICAL LOSS of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS
PHANTOM of the same magnitude.
201.3.209
MEASUREMENT CHANNEL
CHANNEL
combination of an EMITTER OPTODE and a DETECTOR OPTODE that provide an output
201.3.210
OPTICAL LOSS
ratio of the total optical power exiting the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM or attenuator through a
specified aperture, to the optical power emitted by the EMITTER OPTODE connected to the
FUNCTIONAL NIRS MONITOR and placed on the entrance side of the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM or
attenuator
–X/10
Note 1 to entry: The OPTICAL LOSS is denoted in dB. X dB OPTICAL LOSS is equivalent to 10 .
Note 2 to entry: The optical power exiting the EMITTER OPTODE and the FUNCTIONAL NIRS PHANTOM can be measured
with an optical power meter.
Note 3 to entry: For details of the measurement of the OPTICAL LOSS, refer to BB.3.3.
201.3.211
PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT DEOXYHAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE
value calculated from the changes in detected light intensities, equal to the product of the
apparent change in the concentration of deoxyhaemoglobin and the mean optical pathlength
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 13 –
201.3.212
PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE
∆c∙L
collective term which signifies the product of apparent haemoglobin concentration change and
the mean optical pathlength inclusive of two chromophores (oxyhaemoglobin and
deoxyhaemoglobin), as well as total haemoglobin
Note 1 to entry: The calculation of the PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE from measured changes in
attenuation based on the multivariate modified Beer-Lambert law is described in BB.2.
Note 2 to entry: The concentration changes are termed "apparent" values since they are obtained from a
homogeneous model while the structure of the human head as well as the spatial distribution of haemoglobin
concentration changes are substantially heterogeneous.
Note 3 to entry: The total haemoglobin concentration is the sum of oxy- and deoxyhaemoglobin concentrations.
201.3.213
PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT OXYHAEMOGLOBIN CHANGE
value calculated from the changes in detected light intensities, equal to the product of the
apparent change in the concentration of oxyhaemoglobin and the mean optical pathlength
Note 1 to entry: Oxyhaemoglobin is the haemoglobin bonded with oxygen molecules.
201.3.214
PEAK WAVELENGTH
wavelength where the power is the largest in the spectral power distribution for each of the
distinct NOMINAL wavelengths in the light radiated from the EMITTER OPTODE
201.3.215
PRIMARY OPERATING FUNCTION
function that involves user interaction that is related to the safety of the medical device
Note 1 to entry: Often a PRIMARY OPERATING FUNCTION is interacted with by a series of tasks that can be broken
down into a series of user interactions.
Note 2 to entry: The concept of safety includes loss or degradation of performance resulting in an unacceptable
RISK to the PATIENT, including use error that prevents the user from effectively using the medical device to achieve
its intended medical purpose. In IEC 60601-1, this is referred to as ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE.
[SOURCE: IEC 62366-1:2015, 3.11]
201.3.216
RESPONSE TIME
time required for the step response of the ME EQUIPMENT to move from its specified percentage
of the final steady-state value to the other specified percentage
Note 1 to entry: The RESPONSE TIME is conventionally denoted by the rise time or fall time that represents the interval
between the times corresponding to 10 % and 90 % of the step response amplitude during the transition. See also
201.12.1.101.7 and Figure 201.106.
201.3.217
SIGNAL CROSS-TALK
signal contamination or interference from other light sources of the same or other EMITTER
OPTODES to the relevant CHANNEL
– 14 – IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025
201.4 General requirements
Clause 4 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 applies, except as follows:
Additional subclause:
201.4.3.101 * Additional requirements for ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE
Table 201.101 indicates the ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE of FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT, unless the
MANUFACTURER identifies through their RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS that the FUNCTIONAL NIRS
EQUIPMENT has no ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE.
Table 201.101 ─ Distributed ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE requirements
Requirement Subclause
a
Adequate reproduction of the temporal profiles of the PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT
HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGES
or generation of an ALARM CONDITION
low signal of detected light intensity 201.12.1.101.11
high signal of detected light intensity 201.12.1.101.11
a
Subclause 202.8.1.101 indicates methods of evaluating the adequate reproduction of the temporal profiles of
the PATHLENGTH-DEPENDENT HAEMOGLOBIN CHANGES as acceptance criteria following specific tests required by
this document.
201.5 General requirements for testing ME EQUIPMENT
Clause 5 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 applies.
201.6 Classification of ME EQUIPMENT and ME SYSTEMS
Clause 6 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 applies.
201.7 ME EQUIPMENT identification, MARKING and documents
Clause 7 of IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 applies, except as follows:
Additional subclauses:
201.7.1.101 Information to be supplied by the MANUFACTURER
a) The INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER of FUNCTIONAL NIRS EQUIPMENT and its
accessories shall conform with ISO 20417:2021.
b) In applying ISO 20417:2021, the terms in this document and those in IEC 60601-1:2005,
IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD1:2012 and IEC 60601-1:2005/AMD2:2020 shall be used as follows.
1) The term "ACCOMPANYING INFORMATION" shall assume the same meaning as
ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS.
2) The term "MEDICAL DEVICE" shall assume the same meaning as ME EQUIPMENT.
3) The term "USER" shall assume the same meaning as OPERATOR.
4) The term "PATIENT" shall include animals.
IEC 80601-2-71:2025 © IEC 2025 – 15 –
Check conformance by application of ISO 20417:2021.
201.7.2.4.101 Additional requirements for ACCESSORIES
a) ACCESSORIES supplied separately shall:
1) fulfil the requirements of 201.101.1; and
2) be MARKED with an indication of any limitations or adverse effects of the ACCESSORY on
BASIC SAFETY or
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