Company insight
Custom integrated medical sensors
While advances in technology promise to create opportunities, what often holds back progression is the cost. But can you put a price tag on everything? Amphenol explains how its custom medical sensors may be an investment, but it could be the investment that saves life.
heart monitor that doesn’t miss registering a patient’s heartbeat; an invasive blood pressure monitor that takes critical vitals at regular intervals; a thermometer to take a temperature during initial intake. These devices, lifesaving in some instances, are among the most common in almost every medical setting. And like any piece of equipment used in patient care, there’s no room for error in its measurements or performance. The medical equipment of today is a far cry from where it was even 20 years ago. Devices in all levels of patient care are more sophisticated than ever. They’re also changing treatment and its delivery with use of remote patient care and wearable devices – something once thought only possible in science fiction – are now standards. What makes the latest iteration of medical devices viable for patient care? In a large part, through custom integrated medical sensor technology. Advanced sensors used in medical applications are not unlike those used elsewhere, for example in electric vehicles, except in one major respect: cost. Like most cutting-edge technology, integrating customised sensors into a device requires an investment. That should come as no surprise; premium technology carries a premium price. Still, for medical equipment manufacturers and those who buy them, sensor costs for devices are a concern – so much so that it’s frequently among the first asked questions during an engagement.
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While the simple answer is the figure on the final bill, the value of customised medical sensor technology goes beyond a number. Sensor technology for medical devices is indeed an investment. To that end, sensors are not a place to cut costs. The last thing any doctor or patient receiving care wants to learn is that the equipment used to take readings is outfitted with subpar sensor technology.
Integrating custom sensors into your medical devices is an investment in: ■
Accuracy: It’s no question that medical devices need to measure accurately.
Custom sensors bring a higher level of precision to a device’s functionality as they’re designed for it and not retrofitted to it.
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Stability: Just like the piece of equipment it’s installed in, a medical sensor
Medical sensors must be able to give you peace of mind and be reliable, just like a trusty and timeless stethoscope.
must work reliably and consistently over its useful life. Custom-integrated medical sensors give you peace of mind knowing they will not lose pace as long as they’re in service.
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Robustness: Piggybacking off the last point, the effective application of sensors in healthcare means they can withstand the environment they’re in. This includes temperature, pressure and vibration levels that can range from benign to extreme. This also includes cleaning where the use of harsh solutions used to sterilise devices can be more damaging than long-term use.
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Support: The best custom sensors are made by manufacturers with experience and a proven track record. In other words, not just any sensor manufacturer can make a custom integrated sensor for healthcare. From design and engineering to customer support, top-tier custom sensor manufacturers provide a higher level of service. In most cases, you’ll
Medical Device Developments /
www.nsmedicaldevices.com
develop a 1:1 relationship with your manufacturer that extends long beyond the initial purchase.
A priceless investment
When you think of the lifesaving work that medical devices do, it’s hard to put a price on everything that goes into them. However, that doesn’t mean cost is a necessary consideration of medical devices and sensors.
From design and engineering to components, manufacturing, testing and certifications, investing in custom integrated medical sensors is just that; an investment. The good news is, like any other investment, you can expect a return from integrating custom sensors into your medical device. This return comes in the form of the equipment’s ability to perform exactly as it should and help healthcare professionals do their jobs effectively. ●
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