Biotelemetry Monitoring Instruments for Telemedicine

The rapid technological development has made it possible to realize wireless medical instruments i.e. wireless sensors with networking capabilities to facilitate the joint processing of spatially and temporary collected physiological information from the different parts of the body and the external communication for mobile health care.

In this article, I look at some of the biomedical wireless devices, used in biotelemetry for patient monitoring purposes.

ECG meters

Electrocardiography gives a transthoracic-overtime collected interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart. The medical data is captured by detecting and amplifying the tiny electrical changes that are caused when the heart muscle depolarizes during each heartbeat. The ECG is measured on the skin surface. ECG is done, in most cases in-hospital setting but we have some mobile ECG meters that may be used for patient monitoring.

Blood Glucose meters

To achieve the goal of tight glycemic targets requires frequent glucose measurements and ways to prevent hypoglycemic condition. Patients with blood glucose meters can measure the glucose levels and share the information with their relevant health facilities.

Blood Pressure Sensors

A blood pressure meter measures blood pressure. Wireless blood pressure and pulse rate monitors are available that can be used by patients.

Oximeter Pulse meters

Oximeters measure oxygen saturation levels. We have wearable oximeter pulse meters that are wireless. This device reads oxygen saturation data from a sensor on the finger or earlobe and then, transmits the data via Bluetooth to a mobile phone, laptop PC, or any other Bluetooth-enabled device that can act as an application host device (AHD). This type of instrument has other capabilities like being able to be used for remote respiratory monitoring e.g. for remote monitoring of patients receiving home oxygen therapy.

Related: Telemedicine

Weighing Scales

Digital weighing scales are designed to measure, store, and transmit data via communication protocol, for example Bluetooth, to an application hosting device or an electronic patient record system, where weight data of the patient is kept.