Vital Signs
Friday, February 17, 2006
Not long ago I had my grandmother move in with my family so I can care for her here at the home. She has a number of medical conditions and I’m doing everything I can to give here the best care possible. However, I am constantly monitoring her vital signs. I have blood pressure monitor and other diagnostic equipment, but isn’t there a machine that can measure all of these? Or is such equipment only in hospitals? Maybe electronic vital signs monitors aren’t available to the public, I don’t know. Any information would be helpful.
On the contrary, there have recently been new advancements in medical technology in the arena of vital signs monitors. No longer do you have to bring out your sphymomanometers, stethoscopes, thermometers, and pulse oximeters just to measure vital signs. There are new computerized vital signs monitors available that incorporate all of these critical measurements into one piece of equipment. Though they are used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments, they are highly portable and can therefore be used at home. Take a look at a few of the items currently available to the public:
Atlas Vital Signs Monitor
This vital signs monitor will measure NIBP (blood pressure), ECG (electrocardiograph), Nonin SpO2 (oxygen saturation), and temperature. It features an integral printer, respiration battery, and RS232 computer interface.
Spot Vital Signs Monitor
This lightweight monitor features automated measurements of blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and SpO2, all within 30 seconds. It includes Sure Temp thermometry for oral temperature readings in just 4 seconds, and Nellcor pulse oximetry.
Welch Allyn Vital Signs Monitor 300 Series
This easy to use, portable vital signs monitor comes complete with NIBP, Nellcor SpO2, SureTemp thermometry and printer. The simple, push-button menu operation and bright display will allow you to quickly obtain the information you need, so you can spend less time with your equipment and more time with your grandmother.
Hope that helps you.