Shirt Uses Bluetooth for Data Transmission
VivoMetrics, Incorporated created a lycra shirt containing sensors to monitor vital signs in animals being used for clinical research purposes. The product has been modified to now include Bluetooth Technology for transmission of the data collected, as reported by Health Data Management.
The LifeShirt Preclinical System is a noninvasive tool that eliminates the need to minimize animal activities while capturing information to monitor cardiopulmonary activities. The animals wear the special shirts along with a jacket to protect the shirt. In particular, the system uses plethysmography to monitor respiratory activity, which provides the most valid and reliable data.
Data describing physiologic activity of an animal wearing the shirt can be monitored in real time or continuously collected for future analysis. Data can be monitored for an extended period, up to 26 hours at a time with each shirt. This information is captured by the embedded sensors that track the requested data. Information that can be collected by the system includes blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ECG activity, temperate, end tidal CO2, and cough. Other parameters can be monitored as well.
The tool minimizes discomfort for patients in the studies associated with implantation of monitoring devices. It can also reduce stress to the animals, translating to more accurate data collection.
The organization has a similar product designed for use in humans. As data is collected, it is transmitted to a command center via wireless transmission. That product includes different modules which can be included, to expand monitoring of other activities.
VivoMetrics previously acquired approval from the FDA, as well as CE approval for European use.
August 24, 2007 Related topics: Wireless, New Technology & Innovation, Monitoring