BIS monitoring: module, monitor and BIS sensor
BIS monitoring in anesthesiology: what the bispectral index is, how the BIS module, the BIS monitor and the BIS sensor relate to each other, and how to select the right item by number (PN).
BIS monitoring: the BIS module, monitor and BIS sensor — how they connect
Depth-of-anesthesia monitoring (BIS monitoring) gives the anesthesiologist not only a clinical but also an objective numerical picture of the patient's state during surgery. In this article we break down the BIS hardware chain — from the sensor on the patient to the slot in the monitor — and show how to select the right part by item number.
The material is based on data from the MediAccessori catalog and on the generally accepted description of the BIS method. We are not the equipment manufacturer and not an authorized service partner of the manufacturer.
1. What BIS monitoring is
BIS (bispectral index) is a dimensionless value from 0 to 100 that is calculated from an electroencephalogram:
- •100 — patient conscious;
- •80–100 — light sedation;
- •40–60 — optimal depth of surgical anesthesia;
- •<40 — deep anesthesia.
The target range for most operations is 40–60. BIS monitoring is especially useful in total intravenous anesthesia, when depth cannot be assessed from the concentration of the inhaled anesthetic.
2. The hardware chain: BIS monitor → BIS module → head box → BIS sensor
A typical chain consists of four links:
- BIS sensor — an electrode on the patient's scalp that picks up the EEG signal.
- Head box — an intermediate block to which the BIS sensor is connected; it passes the signal on.
- BIS module — a computing module that is inserted into the slot of a monitor or anesthesia machine, processes the signal and calculates the index.
- BIS monitor — the screen on which the BIS number, trend and alarms are displayed.
Key point: the BIS sensor, the head box and the BIS module are different items, and they are ordered separately. The "BIS monitor" in this chain is not a separate box but a function of a specific patient monitor or anesthesia machine: it appears when the machine has a slot for the module.
3. Catalog items in the BIS line
| Item number (PN) | Catalog designation | Equipment type in the catalog |
|---|---|---|
| 6800-30-50851 | BIS module | anesthesia monitoring |
| M1127542 | Depth-of-anesthesia monitoring module E-BIS-01 (dual-frequency index) with head box | patient monitor |
- •6800-30-50851 — BIS module; in the catalog the item is assigned to the "anesthesia monitoring" type.
- •M1127542 (E-BIS-01) — depth-of-anesthesia monitoring module together with the head box. This is a different item number, not a variant of the previous one.
4. Compatibility: what is known for certain
There are no confirmed records of compatibility with specific equipment models for either item in our database yet, so no list of machines is given here — we do not put assumptions in its place.
What this means in practice: whether a particular BIS module works depends on the machine platform and the software version. Before ordering, send us the model of the monitor or anesthesia machine and a photo of the slot — we will check the item against the database and the manufacturer's documentation.
5. How to select an item by number
- Identify the platform. The brand and model of the patient monitor or anesthesia machine where BIS monitoring is to run.
- Check the slot. Whether the machine has a free slot for the module and which connector is required.
- Separate the item numbers. 6800-30-50851 is the BIS module; M1127542 is the module with a head box. These are not interchangeable items.
- Match the BIS sensor. The patient sensor is a consumable item; the connector type of the head box must match the selected sensor.
- Check against the catalog. Enter the number in the search box in the site header — the item page will open with the item number and confirmed models.
6. Maintenance and replacement
- •After installation, most platforms recognize the module and run self-diagnostics automatically.
- •Check the condition of the head box connectors and the integrity of the cable — these are the most vulnerable points of the chain.
- •The BIS sensor is a consumable material and is changed according to the protocol of the specific method; the module and the head box are reusable.
- •If the module is not detected, first check that it is seated correctly in the slot and check the machine's software version.
7. Typical mistakes
- •Ordering BIS monitoring as "one item". The sensor, the head box and the module are ordered separately.
- •Confusing the BIS module with the module that includes a head box. 6800-30-50851 and M1127542 are different item numbers.
- •Ordering without the machine model. A module cannot be selected without the model and the slot type.
- •Expecting universality. The BIS module is tied to the platform and the software version.
8. Where to look next
- •The "BIS module" item — 6800-30-50851.
- •The "E-BIS-01 with head box" item — M1127542.
- •A detailed comparison of the two modules — in the article Depth-of-anesthesia monitoring (BIS): the E-BIS-01 module and the BIS module.
- •Spare parts and accessories for monitors and anesthesia machines — in the catalog and on the brand pages: GE Healthcare, Mindray.
- •A summary of confirmed "model — item" links — on the pages GE compatibility and Mindray compatibility.
9. How to get in touch
- •Telegram: @GEpartsV_bot
- •Email: [email protected]
Sources: MediAccessori catalog (PN 6800-30-50851, M1127542); generally accepted description of the bispectral index method.
Frequently asked questions
Need the part number?
Send us the equipment model or the part number and we will check it against the catalogue. You can also search the parts catalogue directly.