Model note · Fetal Monitor
Philips Avalon FM30 fetal monitor
The Avalon FM30 is a bedside cardiotocograph for antepartum and intrapartum monitoring on labour wards, measuring fetal heart rate by ultrasound or scalp ECG, uterine activity by toco or intrauterine pressure, and maternal pulse, ECG and optionally SpO2 and blood pressure. Its defining feature is Smart Pulse and cross channel verification, which compare fetal and maternal rates to warn when the monitor may be counting the mother's pulse instead of the baby's, including in twins and triplets.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Philips Medizin Systeme Böblingen GmbH (Philips Healthcare)
- Model
- Avalon FM30 fetal monitor (catalogue 862199, earlier M2703A)
- Device type
- Fetal Monitor
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fetal parameters | External ultrasound FHR, fetal movement and toco; internal direct fetal ECG and intrauterine pressure | Source |
| Maternal parameters | Pulse rate and ECG standard; SpO2 and non invasive blood pressure optional | Source |
| Multiple pregnancy | Twins standard, triplets optional | Source |
| Display | 6.5 inch colour touchscreen | Source |
| Battery | Optional (E25), at least 4 hours of transport monitoring of all measurements | Source |
| Data buffer | Up to 1 hour | Source |
| Interfaces | Optional PS/2; optional system interface with serial and LAN | Source |
| Weight | 5.1 kg without battery, 5.3 kg with battery | Source |
| Regulatory | Product code HGM (perinatal monitoring system); labelled MR Unsafe; recalls cite 510(k) K071800 and K111083 | Source |
Recalls
Known FDA recalls.
- Z-1479-20092009-05-12
Interrupted boot could reset paper scale and recorder speed to defaults.
FDA record - Z-0105-20152014-10-03
In time synchronised automatic or sequence mode the NBP measurement series stopped (software J.30.58).
FDA record
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- MAUDE reports describe the monitor showing a valid looking fetal heart rate despite no fetal cardiac activity, and a stillbirth where loss of the fetal heart rate went unnoticed for about 90 minutes. Source
- A wrong recorder speed or scale can make a trace look reassuring or worrying when it is not. Source
- On screen maternal and fetal ECG waveforms are marked not for diagnostic use. Source
- The monitor is MR Unsafe. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- Philips Avalon FM30 product page
- Philips Avalon fetal and maternal monitoring family brochure
- AccessGUDID record, Avalon FM30
- openFDA recall records, FM30
- openFDA MAUDE problem counts, FM30
Not covered: The Avalon FM20/FM30 service guide and IFU were not openly accessible (one copy sits behind a login), so INOP messages, ultrasound transducer frequency, recorder specifications and test schedules are not included.
BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.
Fetal Monitor