The contact sensor was tested throughout the design process, so that its behavior and features would be well understood before a final design was implemented. In the majority of cases, the signal output was high frequency and resembled a step function, but the signal had clear voltage output variable as a function of contact force if manipulated by an op amp circuit. When placed into the PVAD for the final product, the sensor was tested for steady state function qualitatively by drawing a vacuum inside the device using a 60 cc syringe on the end of the drive line. The test was successful and a clear signal appeared on the oscilloscope as a function of force. An output signal was only seen when the diaphragm was in contact with the sensor, which suggests reliability against false positive signals.

After testing for behavior, the PVAD was then connected in a flow loop in the Artificial Heart Lab and powered by a pneumatic driver. The signal was viewed using an oscilloscope and recorded using an analog-to-digital converter; it was clearly periodic with consistent waveforms. This test was run at 50 beats per minute with extended diastolic phase for the purpose of testing sensor function as a result of contact.

Waveforms of the data output were generated in excel using information collected on a laboratory PC. The peaks were consistent and occurred at the time of diaphragm contact with the FSR. The decaying plateau shape was also consistent among the test and corresponds in duration to the extended diastole set during the tests. The plateau behavior demonstrates that the FSR can monitor not only when the diaphragm is at end-diastole, but also how long the diaphragm is in the full position

The optical sensor was tested within a much different realm. Initially, this optical sensor was placed on one side of a 65 milliliter blood filled with heparinized cow blood and a light source was placed on the opposite side. With this set-up, light passed through the blood and caused an increase in voltage when the light was turned on. The ability of the optical sensor to register varying levels of brightness was then tested, as well as the change in this voltage output due to a change in the blood volume in the sac. This initial test provided valuable information on the capability of the optical sensor to register a range of intensities.

To test the light intensity sensor required analysis under normal working conditions. Since it was unfeasible to test while the device was implanted, the team devised an alternative method. The plan was to build a flow loop that was large enough to connect the input and output valves of the PVAD and fill it with heparinized cow blood. The sensor was then attached to the PVAD, and a syringe connected to the driveline. This syringe acted as the pump driver and allowed control of the blood volume in the PVAD. Injecting varying volumes of blood allowed the team to determine if a different light intensity could be detected at different volumes, thereby concluding whether the full dynamic range could be detected or not. The output monitored on an oscilloscope was the difference between a baseline voltage and the voltage produced due to a change in brightness. This parameter increased due to a reduction of blood volume in the PVAD.