GE SpO₂ monitoring: TruSignal, Nellcor and ventilator filters — a complete accessories guide
The GE SpO₂ ecosystem: TruSignal TS-SA-D sensor, encrypted Nellcor cable 2021406-001, R860 ventilator filter 5830446. Compatibility and application.
Pulse oximetry (SpO₂) is one of the basic measurements in hospital care, and ventilators are equipment where every component is critical to patient safety. In this guide we look at three key GE accessories for pulse oximetry and ventilation: the TruSignal sensor, the encrypted Nellcor cable and the R860 bacterial filter.
TruSignal TS-SA-D SpO₂ sensor
TruSignal is the SpO₂ sensor line from GE Healthcare, launched in 2014 as a replacement for the previous OxyTip generation. The technology uses an improved signal-processing algorithm with protection against motion artefacts.
Main characteristics of the TS-SA-D:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | TS-SA-D |
| Type | Fingertip, reusable |
| Patients | Adults (weight > 40 kg) |
| Finger circumference | 10–19 mm |
| Cable length | 1 m |
| Connector | GE M-series (9 pin) |
| SpO₂ accuracy | ±2% (at 70–100%) |
| Compatibility | CARESCAPE B450/B650/B850 |
When to choose the TS-SA-D:
- •Long-term monitoring in the ICU
- •Mobile patients (1 m cable + compatibility with extension cables)
- •High accuracy at low perfusion
Alternatives in the TruSignal line:
- •TS-SA-P — paediatric (10–50 kg)
- •TS-SA-N — neonatal
- •TS-EA-D — ear (for patients with poor peripheral perfusion)
- •TS-F-D — forehead (for shock states)
Encrypted Nellcor cable 2021406-001
Many GE CARESCAPE monitors support Nellcor OxiMax technology through a dedicated cable. That is convenient for clinics that already use Nellcor sensors, or for cases where Nellcor technology is more accurate for a particular patient group.
Characteristics of the 2021406-001 cable:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | 2021406-001 |
| Type | Connecting cable, encrypted |
| Length | 1.5 m (standard) |
| Monitor connector | GE M-series |
| Sensor connector | Nellcor DB-9 |
| Feature | Data encryption between cable and sensor |
| Compatibility | CARESCAPE B650/B850, Dash |
Why encryption is needed:
GE CARESCAPE with software version 2.0+ supports detection of non-certified Nellcor sensors. The encrypted 2021406-001 cable provides:
- •✅ Sensor authenticity confirmation (anti-counterfeit)
- •✅ OxiMax reading accuracy (Nellcor's proprietary algorithm)
- •✅ Compatibility with SatSeconds alarms and other Nellcor functions
- •✅ Compliance with the medical institution's audit requirements
R860 bacterial filter (5830446)
The R860 filter is a critical component of the breathing circuit of GE ventilators. It prevents cross-contamination between patients and protects the internal components of the machine from moisture and biological contamination.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part number | 5830446 |
| Type | Bacterial + viral filter |
| Filtration efficiency | > 99.99% (bacteria), > 99.9% (viruses) |
| Compatibility | GE R860, Engström, Carestation |
| Replacement | Every 24 h during continuous ventilation, or between patients |
When to replace earlier:
- •A noticeable rise in inspiratory resistance (the filter is clogged)
- •Visible condensation or contamination
- •Patients with a confirmed infection (every 12 h)
- •Patients with copious secretions
Cost of consumables:
For a clinic with 10 ventilators at an average of 6 patients per day:
- •Base consumption: 10 filters × 6 patients = 60 units/day
- •Budget: approximately 200 ₽ × 60 = 12,000 ₽/day for filters
- •Monthly budget: around 360,000 ₽ — a significant cost line that requires a reliable supplier
Typical mistakes when choosing SpO₂ accessories
Mistake 1: using one sensor type for all patients. In critically ill patients (low perfusion) a fingertip sensor can give falsely low values; a forehead or ear sensor is needed.
Mistake 2: buying a standard (non-encrypted) Nellcor cable. Monitors with the non-certified sensor detection function enabled will show an error or run in emergency mode.
Mistake 3: skipping ventilator filter replacement. A clogged filter increases the work of breathing and reduces the accuracy of delivered tidal volume.
Service recommendations
- •TruSignal sensors: clean with 70% isopropyl alcohol after every patient; check the cable for kinks and cracks weekly
- •Nellcor cables: store without coiling; check the connector contacts before every use
- •R860 filters: mark the installation date on the filter housing; replace according to schedule or to the machine's indications
Where to buy original SpO₂ accessories
Medicaparts supplies:
- •✅ TruSignal sensors (all sizes: TS-SA-D, TS-SA-P, TS-SA-N, TS-EA-D)
- •✅ Encrypted Nellcor cables 2021406-001
- •✅ Bacterial filters R860 5830446
- •✅ Help choosing a sensor for a clinical scenario
- •✅ Supply to Russia and the CIS — lead time confirmed with the order
- •✅ Full documentation and batch traceability
Telegram for orders: @GEpartsV_bot
Conclusion
The GE SpO₂ ecosystem is a chain of "monitor + sensor + cable + ventilator filter" in which every component matters. Using original TruSignal, Nellcor and R860 filters ensures pulse oximetry accuracy and protects patients in critical conditions.
Sources: GE Healthcare TruSignal Technical Manual, Nellcor OxiMax Integration Guide, R860 Service Manual.
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.