Lux is probably the most significant measurement in lighting technology for clinical lighting, identifying the intensity of light at a specific distance to a surface. For reference, the illuminance of daylight during a clear, sunny day is 100,000 lux. Typically, medical examination lights offer 30,000 – 60,000 lux at 0.5 meter and minor procedure lights attain 60,000 -100,000 lux at 1 meter. Although brightness is the central consideration when selecting an exam or minor procedure light, additional functions such as dimming, LED quality and other features should also be considered. (More to come in Part 4)

So, taking this a step further, why aren’t lumen measurements best to consider when buying clinical lighting? Good question! Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source, regardless of the area it illuminates. Clinical exam lighting is 99.9% focusing light at a surface area rather than illuminating a clinical space like an entire exam room. When creating lighting for a room, then lumen measurements are important because now the tables can include up light and downlight and the purpose of the lighting is different.

Below is spec sheet information for a patient room light and you see the different tables and data measurements.

Product spec sheet: AMADEA 2.0 BED AMA330000-00