REGULATORY UPDATE | Parameters Measured by Patient Monitors

As medical technology continues to advance, new medical devices are regularly developed to aid in patient care. In particular, operating rooms are equipped with various medical instruments, one of which is the patient monitor.

A patient monitor is a crucial medical device that assists healthcare professionals by providing real-time information about the condition of patients undergoing treatment. By connecting several sensors to the patient’s body, doctors can continuously assess the patient's physiological status. The data displayed on the monitor is referred to as "parameters," which represent specific physiological aspects of the patient. The following parameters can typically be measured by patient monitors:

1. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
   This measures the heart's electrical activity, including heart rate and rhythm. Normal heart rates typically range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
2. Respiration
   This parameter assesses the patient's breathing rate and helps determine lung function and the effectiveness of airflow in the lungs.
3. SpO2
   This measures the level of oxygen in the patient's blood, with normal levels usually between 80 and 100 mmHg.
4. NIBP (Non-Invasive Blood Pressure)
   This parameter helps determine the patient's blood pressure, which is generally considered normal at around 120/80 mmHg.
5. Invasive Blood Pressure
   This involves directly measuring blood pressure through blood vessels by inserting a cannula into an artery, providing more precise measurements.
6. EtCO2 (End Tidal CO2)
   This measures the carbon dioxide levels in the patient's respiratory system during exhalation, typically expressed as a percentage of CO2 or in mmHg. Normal CO2 levels in the respiratory system range from 5% to 6%, equivalent to 35-45 mmHg.
7. Temperature
   This parameter measures the patient’s body temperature, with normal values ranging from 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius.

These measurements are vital for monitoring and ensuring the safety and health of patients during medical care.