Standards update on perfusion equipment and practice.

Standards applying to the manufacture, testing and labeling of perfusion components and equipment, as well as those dealing with clinical use of extracorporeal circulation, have been promulgated by both standards-setting organizations and professional organizations. The rationale and purpose for device standards are discussed, and many organizations and the processes involved in developing standards are described. Perfusion checklists used during equipment set-up, use and at termination have a long track record of acceptance by clinicians. Evolving techniques have prompted revisions to the basic perfusion checklist, which should be considered a guide for development of institution-specific checklists. Current and future work by international standards-setting organizations is described.