PATIENT MONITOR
Patient monitors, a medical device which is used to track continuously and display a patient’s vital sign and health data. This date can be in numbers or in wave forms that medical staff can read easily. These machines have alarm also if measurements go beyond safe range, then alarm beeps. It helps doctor and nurse to watch patient’s condition closely without having manually checking vital all the time.
Below are the points that patient monitor measures
- Heart rate and rhythm (Using ECG/ EKG)
- Blood pressure
- Breathing Rate
- Oxygen levels in the blood by a pulse oximeter.
- Body temperature
HOW PATIENT MONITOR WORKS:
Patient monitor have several sensors or cables attached to the patient’s body, and this sensor detects different vital signs. Example
Small Sticky Pads
Also known as electrodes placed on patient’s chest. These electrodes receive electric signals from the patient’s heart and send this information to the monitor. The monitor displays patient’s heart rate and rhythm.
Pulse oximeter
This oximeter clips on the patient’s fingertip, it uses a small light to measure oxygen level in the blood.
Blood pressure cuff wraps
This is used to wrap around the patient’s arm, and it squeezes tight to measure the blood pressure.
Stretchy Bands
These bands are placed around the chest or belly. It senses breathing movements and track the breathing rate.
NOTE-All these sensors are connected to patient monitor through cables or wireless signals. Monitor takes the information from the different sensor and display it on the screen. Numbers show the heart rate, oxygen level, breathing rate and blood pressure readings. Waveform lines on the screen indicates the heart’s rhythm and breathing pattern. These sensors provide a real time health data of patient and if vital signs go beyond the normal, the machine will start beeping to alert the hospital staff.
TYPES OF PATIENT MONITOR:
Fetal Monitors
These monitors are used during pregnancy to check the fetal heart rate and mother’s contractions. This monitor helps us to ensure that the baby is getting enough oxygen and blood flow during labor and delivery.
Multiparameter Monitors
This is an advanced unit which can track many different vital signs on one monitor, i.e. ECG, blood pressure, carbon dioxide levels, cardiac output and more. It also provides comprehensive monitoring for critically ill patients.
Pulse oximeter monitor
These are a small, portable monitor used in hospital, clinic, ambulance and homes for oxygen monitoring. This monitor provides below measurement
Bedside Monitor
These are found at patient’s bedside. These monitors are large and display multiple vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and breathing rate.
- Oxygen Levels in blood (SPO2 LEVEL)
- Heart Rate
- Pulse Rate
PATIENT MONITOR SETUP AND OPERATION:
SET UP
- Gather all the necessary sensors and cables you need to monitor, Like ECG, electrodes, blood pressure cuff, Sp02 sensor.
- Make sure monitor plug is on.
- Attach the sensor to the patient by following instructions given in the manual. Like electrodes attached to the chest and SpO2 clip on finger Etc.
- Connect sensor cables to the proper ports on the monitor.
OPERATION
- Monitor will automatically start detecting and displaying patient’s vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels and breathing.
- Customize the settings as needed
- Make sure the alarm is enabled so it beeps once machine go beyond the safety zone.
- Watch monitors continuously for any changes in number and waveforms.
- Respond quickly to any alarms.
COST OF PATIENT MONITOR:
Cost of a patient monitor can vary depending on the type and features.
Basic monitors to display only few vital signs cost from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. Rs. 50,000. These are suitable for general wards.
Advanced multi parameters monitor can track 5-6 different vital signs or waveforms cost around Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 These monitors are used in critical care units.
Portable bedside monitors or telemetry monitors can be moved with patients and its cost is around Rs. 50,000 to 1,50,000.
Specialized Fetal or neonatal monitors for monitoring babies can cost between Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 3,00,000
Multi parameter monitor with advanced cardiac monitoring capabilities can cost Rs. 5,00,000 or more.
BRANDS:
Philips
It’s a leading healthcare technology company makes a wide range of patient monitoring systems. Their monitors IntelliVue and Sure Signs series are used in hospitals globally.
GE Health care
It is another top brand for patient monitor. These brands of monitors are CARESCAPE, Dash and apex lines.
Mindray
it is Chinese popular brand which provides high quality affordable patient monitor. Their compact bedside monitors are widely used in India.
BPL Medical Technologies
It's an Indian manufacturing company that provides a variety of patient monitors.
Schiller
It’s a Swiss manufacturer known for precise diagnostic cardiac monitoring equipment’s like ECG machine and patient monitors.
Contec medical Systems
It’s a Chinese brand to offer cost-effective options like portable bedside monitors and pulse oximeter.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. What vital signs do patient monitors measure?
Ans. Patient monitor measures heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen level, breathing rate and body temperature. Advanced monitor can also measure ECG, CO2 and other parameters.
Q. How often does patient monitor take readings?
Ans. It continuously tracks vital sign and provide real time data. It refreshes rate and update reading from every few seconds to every 60 seconds, depends on the parameters.
Q. How do I set alarms limit on a patient monitor?
Ans. Most monitors allow customizing high and low alarm limits for each parameter depend on the patient age, condition and treatment.
Q. What are the cleaning protocols for patient monitors?
Ans. Follow manufacturer’s instructions, and use approved wipes or solution. Make sure to unplug the monitor before cleaning.
Q. How do I select the right patient monitor?
Ans. Consider factors like Accuracy level, portability needs, parameters required and budget before selecting a patient monitor.
