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Exploring Types of Batteries for Medical Devices

Medical devices depend on reliable and high-performance batteries to operate safely and consistently. Whether it's powering a defibrillator in an emergency or running a portable monitor during patient transport, medical batteries play a crucial role in supporting clinical care. 

Choosing the right battery technology ensures that medical devices perform at their best, maintain safety standards to prevent harm and medical malpractice, and minimize downtime for doctors and providers. From rechargeable lithium packs to emergency standby power, there are various battery types designed to meet the specific demands of healthcare environments.

This post breaks down the different types of batteries used in medical equipment and what biomedical teams should consider when choosing the right medical solution for their facility.

What Is a Medical Battery?

What defines a battery for medical use? A medical battery is a power source engineered specifically for use in medical devices. Unlike consumer-grade batteries, medical batteries are designed to meet strict safety, reliability, and performance standards, often in high-stakes, life-critical applications.

These batteries are used in a wide range of devices, including infusion pumps, ventilators, portable diagnostic monitors, surgical tools, and emergency defibrillators. They are built to function reliably under heavy use and variable conditions often found in healthcare settings.

What Are the Different Types of Medical Batteries?

 

Removable Batteries

Removable batteries can be detached from the device and charged independently. They are commonly found in portable equipment like blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and handheld diagnostic tools. These batteries are ideal for devices used on rotation or by mobile care teams.

Built-in Batteries

Built-in or embedded batteries are integrated into the medical device itself and are typically recharged via direct power connection. They are often used in stationary equipment such as vital sign monitors, anesthesia machines, or defibrillators. While they reduce the need to swap power sources, replacement may require servicing.

Standby Batteries

These batteries are kept on hand for emergency use or act as a secondary power source. They are fully charged and ready for deployment during outages, making them essential in ambulances, emergency crash carts, and field care environments to prevent patient harm.

External Battery Packs

External packs connect via cables and often power multiple devices from one source. They are commonly mounted on medical carts or used with home care equipment, offering flexibility and portability. This setup reduces the weight of individual devices and makes maintenance easier.

​​Batteries for Portable and Outpatient Medical Devices

Used in home health and ambulatory care, these batteries power portable devices like CPAP machines, infusion pumps, pulse oximeters, and diagnostic monitors. They are often lightweight, rechargeable lithium-ion or nickel-based batteries designed for reliability, safety, and long-lasting performance in non-hospital environments.

Modular Battery Units

Some modern healthcare devices feature modular battery bays that allow continuous operation through hot-swappable batteries. These systems are useful in settings like surgical centers or imaging departments, where shutting down a device for charging is not feasible. Swappable power units help extend runtime without the need for backup devices, improving workflow for healthcare providers and uptime.

What Types of Battery Chemistry Are Used in the Healthcare Industry?

 

Lithium Chemistry

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in medical equipment due to their high energy density, long life, and lightweight profile. They offer the best power-to-weight ratio and are ideal for devices that require portability or extended runtime, such as infusion pumps, AEDs, and patient monitors.

Lithium batteries are also known for consistent discharge rates and fast recharge cycles, making them a reliable choice for fast-paced healthcare environments.

Nickel-Based Chemistry (NiCd and NiMH)

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are recognized for their deep discharge tolerance and overall durability. They are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and are still used in applications that require long-lasting performance under varying environmental conditions.

However, NiCd batteries contain toxic materials and are being gradually replaced with newer, more eco-friendly options.

Lead-Acid Chemistry

Sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries remain common in stationary and high-power applications such as emergency lighting, diagnostic imaging, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). While they are heavier and have shorter lifespans than lithium-based alternatives, SLA batteries are cost-effective and easy for healthcare providers to maintain.

PartsSource offers a broad selection of SLA batteries for hospital infrastructure and diagnostic systems.

What Is the Lifespan of Medical Batteries?

Medical battery lifespan varies by chemistry, usage patterns, and environmental factors. In general:

  • Lithium-ion batteries last 2 to 5 years, with hundreds of charge cycles.
     

  • Nickel-based batteries can last 3 to 7 years, depending on use and discharge patterns.
     

  • Lead-acid batteries have a typical life of 3 to 5 years in ideal conditions.
     

Rechargeable batteries tend to offer longer lifespans and reduced long-term costs compared to disposable alternatives.

How to Extend the Life of Batteries in Medical Devices

 

Proper Charging Practices

Overcharging and deep discharging are two of the most common causes of early battery failure. To prevent these issues, always use the charger recommended by the device manufacturer, which is designed to match the battery’s voltage and chemistry. Generic chargers can damage sensitive components or shorten battery life, especially in lithium-ion systems.

Many modern medical devices include a built-in Battery Management System (BMS), which monitors charge cycles and battery health. This technology helps prevent overuse and signals when replacement is needed. Incorporating BMS data into your maintenance schedule can reduce unplanned downtime and extend overall battery performance.

Temperature Control

Battery performance is closely tied to temperature. High heat can degrade battery chemistry, while cold conditions can reduce capacity and efficiency. For best results, keep batteries within the operating temperature range specified by the battery manufacturer—typically around 50°F to 86°F.

If your devices are used outdoors, in ambulatory settings, or near heat sources, consider battery types designed for extreme conditions. Lithium batteries with thermal management features and sealed lead-acid units with proper ventilation are better suited for environments with temperature variability.

Regular Maintenance and Testing

Battery maintenance ranks among the top 10 challenges faced by Health Technology Professionals, according to a recent AAMI survey. Routine diagnostics may include voltage testing, load simulations, and internal resistance checks. Tools like battery analyzers or multimeters are commonly used by clinical engineering teams to confirm battery health before a device is deployed in critical areas.

 Sticking to a regular schedule for testing, calibration, and replacement reduces the risk of unexpected failure. For instance, CPAP units and emergency ventilators should be checked frequently to ensure their backup power is fully operational. PartsSource supports this process with a wide selection of CPAP-compatible batteries. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Medical Device Batteries

Power Requirements of the Device

Not all batteries fit every device. Understanding the wattage and runtime needs is essential. For example, defibrillators require batteries with high current output and short burst discharge, while thermometers may need only low-voltage, steady-state power.

Battery Life and Durability

Longer battery life reduces operational interruptions and replacement frequency. Devices that are used constantly — such as portable patient monitors — benefit from high-capacity, high-cycle batteries that can withstand intensive usage without performance drop-off.

Rechargeability and Maintenance

Rechargeable batteries reduce waste and lower long-term costs. Devices with built-in batteries should also allow for convenient charging schedules and user-friendly maintenance protocols.

Compliance and Regulatory Standards

Medical batteries must adhere to healthcare-specific standards such as:

  • FDA guidelines
     

  • IEC 62133 (for rechargeable battery safety)
     

  • UL certifications
     

Selecting batteries that meet these standards ensures safety, liability protection for doctors and providers, and long-term performance.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Battery for Your Medical Device Needs

Medical batteries are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The type, chemistry, and configuration of a battery can affect everything from equipment uptime to patient safety. Whether you need a compact lithium battery for a portable monitor or a reliable SLA unit for diagnostic equipment, choosing the right battery is key to safe, efficient care.

Partnering with trusted suppliers like PartsSource ensures your medical devices are powered by batteries that meet strict quality, safety, and performance standards. Explore our full catalog of medical batteries — from SLA models to CPAP units — and get expert support to keep your healthcare facility running at full power.