Standards and Performance Indicators for Surgical Luminaires Arjan J. Knulst 1 , Laurents P. S. Stassen 1,2 , Cornelis A. Grimbergen 2,3 , and Jenny Dankelman 1 Abstract—The illumination performance of surgical luminaires is quantified by performance indicators defined in an international standard (IEC 2000). The remaining maximum illuminance in relevant situations, the light-field size, and the spectral characteristics are performance indicators used by hospitals as input for luminaire opting processes. Industry however focuses on illuminance when communicating with health care professionals. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether these standards are sufficient to describe luminaire performance, especially for modern LED lighting technology. Illuminance distribution and spectrum measurements were performed on 5 different state-of-the-art (LED) surgical luminaires. The results showed that changing situations not only changed the maximum illuminance but also changed the light-field sizes and shapes, introducing substantial differences between luminaires. Moreover, colored cast shadows and light color variations across the light-field were observed for 3 luminaires using differently colored light emitting diodes (LEDs). Both the changing light-field sizes and shapes, and the cast shadows and light color variations for LED luminaires are not covered by the current standard. The standard should therefore be extended to incorporate these aspects, especially for such a high-end application as surgical lighting. Keywords—standards, performance, surgical luminaires, LED, shadow. 1. Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands; 2. Reinier de Graaf Hospital Delft, Reinier de Graafweg 3 - 11, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands; 3. Academical Medical Center, Biomedical Engineering & Physics, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands Correspondence: Arjan J. Knulst, MSc., Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands, A.J.Knulst@TUDelft.nl, 0031 15 2785625 Grant support: This research is supported by the Dutch Technology Foundation STW, applied science division of NWO and the Technology Program of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. LEUKOS VOL 6 NO 1 JULY 2009 PAGES 37–49 © 2009 The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America doi: 10.1582/LEUKOS.2009.06.01002 37