Home Healthcare Medical Devices

Since the turn of the century, the proliferation of technology has led to an increase in the number of home healthcare medical devices. Advancement in electronics has made components smaller, significantly reducing the cost. Below are some home healthcare medical devices and how they are used.

1. Blood Pressure Device

A digital blood pressure device functions with a battery, an air pump, a pressure detector, and an inflatable medical cuff. The battery powers the tool, which allows all other components of the device to function. To measure blood pressure, a person needs to power the device and hoist the cuff on their upper arm, all while seated. A quick click of the start button starts the air pump, which fills the cuff with air. After it is done, the device displays the blood pressure and the heart rate. Equally, another type of electronic blood pressure device measures blood pressure just below the wrist. This type of device, however, is less accurate. These kinds of devices use the oscillometric technique for measurement.

2. Weight Scale

A digital scale is a device that measures the weight of a person. It is designed to measure the mass of a person while considering gravity. Weight scales have a flat surface with a display in front. Some scales may have a display that extends upwards for ease of use. To measure weight, a person powers the scale and climbs on it. For the device to measure weight correctly, the person must make sure their weight is centered. In about 10 seconds, the scale measures and shows the weight on the digital display.

3. Thermometer

A typical thermometer comes in a plastic casing with a metallic temperature sensor at the tip. Its internal circuitry allows it to receive data from the sensor, process it, and present the results on a small digital display. For a thermometer to work, it must come in contact with the human. The device is left in that position for about a minute or two. A sound by the device alerts the user about the completion of the measurement. The body temperature is displayed on the digital screen of the thermometer.

4. Glucometer

A glucometer measures the sugar level of a person, especially diabetic patients. It is a small portable device with a strip analyzer at its edge. A lancing device is used to cut the skin to let small amounts of blood placed on the device’s strip analyzer. The device processes the blood and calculates the sugar level within the blood. This process must be done several times, depending on the type of disease.

5. Pulse Oximeter

This device measures the blood oxygen level of a person. It is an electronic device that looks a lot like a clamp. The device emits light waves, which allows it to make measurements. The device’s design allows it to fit between a finger, a toe, or an earlobe. When powered, the light emitted passes the skin, through the blood vessels, and is received at the other end of the device. The oxygen level can then be read on the device’s display.

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