4 Classifications of Biomedical Measurement Instruments

Instruments that are used in biomedical measurements can be grouped into four categories, based on the following:

• Quantity that is sensed
• Principle of transduction
• Organ system
• Clinical medicine specialities

Classification Based on Quantity that is sensed

The techniques employed in biomedical measurement can be grouped as per the quantity that is sensed, such as pressure, flow or temperature. This categorization makes it easier to compare the different methods for measuring any quantity.

Categorization Based on the Principle of Transduction

Classification can be done based on the principle of transduction such as inductive, resistive, capacitive, ultrasonic or electrochemical. You can delve deeper into the different applications of each principle, enhancing your understanding of each concept.

Related: Types of Transducers used in Biomedical Measurement Applications

Classification Depending on each Organ System

Biomedical measurement techniques can be studied separately for each organ system, for example, the cardiovascular, nervous, pulmonary, and endocrine systems. This methodology isolates all key measurements for specialists who need to know only about a specific area, but it results in considerable overlap of quantities sensed and principles of transduction.

Classification According to the Clinical Medicine Specialities

Biomedical instruments can be classified based on the clinical medicine specialities, such as cardiology, paediatrics, radiology or obstetrics. This approach is effective for medical personnel who are interested in specialized instruments.

Also read: Key Considerations for Biopotential Measurements