The launch of the PIPPA breathing monitor offers an easy-to-use, accurate and affordable alternative to current medical practice for measuring breaths per minute (BPM), claim manufacturers C-Lect Medical.
Many hospitals are now introducing early warning scores (EWS) on admitting patients and the measurement of respiratory rate is an integral component of EWS.
Using a pyroelectric polymer sensor based on a thin film of polyvinyledene fluoride, the monitor works by detecting the difference in temperature between the inspired and expired breaths of patients.
When data is received via an electronic unit, software times the interval between the breaths and calculates the BPM, displaying the data on a screen.
Developed in conjunction with the University of Bolton, and supported by the Department of Trade and Industry’s SMART award, the unit is also equipped with audio alarms, which are triggered when the BPM goes outside preset lower and upper limits, indicating the need for medical intervention.
Manufacturers claim that “not only is there no stand-alone instrument of this kind available at such an affordable price but the PIPPAsensor is more sensitive and has a faster response than traditional thermocouples.”
Using a pyroelectric polymer sensor based on a thin film of polyvinyledene fluoride, the monitor works by detecting the difference in temperature between the inspired and expired breaths of patients.
When data is received via an electronic unit, software times the interval between the breaths and calculates the BPM, displaying the data on a screen.
Developed in conjunction with the University of Bolton, and supported by the Department of Trade and Industry’s SMART award, the unit is also equipped with audio alarms, which are triggered when the BPM goes outside preset lower and upper limits, indicating the need for medical intervention.
Manufacturers claim that “not only is there no stand-alone instrument of this kind available at such an affordable price but the PIPPAsensor is more sensitive and has a faster response than traditional thermocouples.”
