Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and periodically measuring a patient's blood glucose level wherein the patient has a catheter in a blood vessel and is receiving infusion fluid through the catheter. A testing unit is provided which has a main infusion channel and, in a preferred embodiment, the testing unit includes a side channel. The side channel has a restrictive cross-sectional area compared with the main infusion channel. A glucose test chamber is formed in the side channel. First and second valves are placed adjacent the test chamber in the side channel to isolate a blood sample for testing. The isolation of the sample provides more accurate blood glucose measurements than those provided by systems of the prior art. A second embodiment of the invention has an isolatable test chamber placed in the main infusion line and no side channel is utilized.

Abstract: A single-use lancet device is provided for drawing capillary blood samples. The device includes a body having an upper portion and a lower portion and a trigger carried by the upper portion of the body. The trigger is movable between a first raised position wherein the device is cocked and a second depressed position wherein the device is fired. A needle assembly is provided which is movable between a cocked position and a striking position. A free-floating drive spring is provided for moving the needle assembly from its cocked position to its striking position. A bounceback spring is integrally molded with the needle assembly and includes a pair of generally V-shaped spring arms. A trigger bar has a first position wherein it holds the needle assembly in its cocked position, and the trigger bar has a second position wherein it allows the needle assembly to move to its striking position as the drive spring expands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for periodically and automatically testing and monitoring a patient's blood glucose level. A disposable testing unit is carried by the patient's body and has a testing chamber in fluid communication with infusion lines and a catheter connected to a patient blood vessel. A reversible peristaltic pump pumps the infusion fluid forwardly into the patient blood vessel and reverses its direction to pump blood into the testing chamber to perform a glucose level test. The presence of blood in the testing chamber is sensed by a LED/photodetector pair or pairs and when the appropriate blood sample is present in the test chamber, a glucose oxidase electrode is energized to obtain the blood glucose level. The resulting glucose level is displayed on a monitor. The unit is typically used for a patient in an intensive care unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously determining a patient's identification and blood oxygen saturation are provided. An pulse oximeter probe carries a light source such as LEDs or lasers which is used to read patient identification information carried on the patient's wristband by a bar code. Alternately, the patient's wristband incorporates a radio frequency reader chip which contains the patient's identification information and the pulse oximeter probe carries an antenna adjacent its cable so that, when the pulse oximeter is turned on, it reads the chip in the wristband during the same motion with which the patient's oxygen blood saturation is measured with the pulse oximeter.

Abstract: A vacuum device is provided which assists in the drawing of blood samples from alternative puncture sites such as the forearm, abdomen or inner thigh and which may advantageously be used by diabetics. The device includes a hollow body which slidably receives a hollow plunger. A transparent cylindrical tip is attached to the lower end of the hollow body. A spring is carried inside the hollow body and hollow plunger, the lower end of the spring seating against a webbing formed in the transparent tip and the upper end seating against the upper end of the plunger. The device is actuatable by the thumb and two fingers of one hand. The plunger is depressed, the device is placed over a preexisting puncture site, and the plunger is released wherein the internal spring drives the plunger upwardly and creates a vacuum at the puncture site, allowing the user to easily see the formation of a droplet of adequate size for obtaining the necessary blood reading.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for deriving diastolic blood pressure (DP) from systolic blood pressure (SP) and mean blood pressure (MP), especially useful in infants. A pulse oximeter is used to measure systolic blood pressure (SP) and an oscillametric blood pressure cuff is used to measure mean blood pressure (MP). Diastolic blood pressure is then derived from the formula: DP = ( MP × K ) - SP C where K is a constant of 2.94±0.04 and C is a constant of 2.06±0.04.

Abstract: A single-use, spring driven lancet is described. The device is precooked during assembly so that the user needs only to remove the safety cap prior to use. A concave trigger button with direct up and down motion releases the spring, causing the tip of the lancet to strike the subject's finger. A thin plastic fiber connection between the pull-tab and the needle safety cap prevents any compressive force from being applied to the drive spring, which effectively prevents recocking of the device.

Abstract: A replaceable sensing module is provided for use in a pulse oximetry device, allowing for quick replacement of a failed sensor element. A fingertip pad and a fingertip cover form the sensing module and cooperate to form a receptacle into which a patient's fingertip can be inserted. The sensing module has an internal spring, thereby permitting the module to be inserted into various oximetry type devices. The module has mounting rails and a multi-pin electrical connector, allowing a user to quickly replace the module in the event of component failure.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor for use on pediatric patients comprised of a resilient foot wrap extending around the patient's foot, with an adjustable slide having slotted openings into which the ends of the foot wrap are inserted. The slide carries a plunger with a piercing member which can be pushed downward through the rubber to lock the slide in place making the foot wrap variable in size. The wrap has two resilient receptacles into which sensors are inserted, the receptacles being sized relative to the sensors so that the flexible receptacles stretch and securely hold the sensors in position.