What is Pulse Oximetry? Pulse oximetry is a very important non-invasive process used to measure blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) by monitoring the percentage of hemoglobin (Hb), which is saturated with oxygen as well as measuring heart rate. This procedure has been used regularly in hospitals during the past thirty-years and is established as an essential measurement in medical practice, to ensure maintenance of adequate oxygen and prevention of respiratory difficulty. In many disease states, oxygen saturation is one of the most important vital signs to monitor. Conventional Transmission Pulse Oximetry (TPO) There are two methods to measure pulse oximetry: by transmission through a body part or by reflection. In general, the transmission method can only be used on limited areas of the body, such as fingers, earlobes, etc. Furthermore, in some instances when the transmission method is used, physiological conditions such as stress and temperature can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. Hall Ryan Laboratory's Reflectance Technique and Low-Power Advantage (RPO) Responding to the need for improved industrial safety for workers in hazardous environments, Hall Ryan Laboratories adapted proprietary medical biosensor technology to transmit SPO2 wirelessly during physical activity and for extended periods. This technique uses a reflectance method whereby a very small sensor placed on the forehead has the ability to measure oxygen saturation and heart pulse rate. Typical motion artifacts have been compensated for within the system algorithms.
Hall Ryan Laboratories uses this patented technology in a reflectance sensor technique and incorporates it into portable devices that are as reliable as a thermometer or blood pressure cuff. Moreover, these devices operate at a power requirement approximately 1/50th of that compared to commercially available systems. This presents the opportunity to dramatically improve the safety of workers in hazardous conditions, by allowing a central monitoring station to be on alert in the event of a change in the worker's vital signs.
Transmission Pulse Oximetry (TPO)
Reflective Pulse Oximetry (RPO)
Lightweight and the size of a quarter, The HRX-100 SPO2 sensor can be used to continuously monitor workers from their forehead.
Hall Ryan Laboratories has a patented (pending) thermal sensor mouthguard, designed to monitor core body temperature from the mucosa membrane in the athlete's mouth. The temperature sensor is mounted in the mouthguard and tethered to the helmet for wireless transmission to the sidelines. Alarms are triggered if any player's temperature exceeds a preset limit. This is primarily to avoid injuries and even deaths caused by heat stress during the football season. Future versions of the thermal sensor mouthguard will be used across all sports where monitoring core body temperature is important.
