New UP-200 Pulse Oximeter

The A&D Medical UP-200 fingertip pulse oximeter is an easy to operate oximeter featuring one-button control. Designed to measure arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate in adults it is suitable for use in hospitals, GP Practices or home use. Simply place the Pulse Oximeter on your finger, press the button, and the results are clearly shown in any direction on the easy to read autorotate LCD.

With its fast measurement response time the device is small, light-weight and portable making it easy to take measurements on the go. The power saving features prolong battery life, whilst the low battery indicator ensures you’re never caught out.

With its rotational display the UP-200 features different display modes and will display, SpO2%, pulse rate, pulse waveform and pulse intensity on its display. Compliant with the IEC 60601-1 Quality Standard, the UP-200 fingertip pulse oximeter is suitable for on the spot Sp02 measurements and has an IP ingress protection of 22.

Key Features

• LED display
• CE 0123 Marked
• Displays SpO2%, pulse rate, pulse waveform and pulse intensity
• Auto power off
• One button control
• Universal finger clip suitable for adults
• Lightweight and portable
• Autorotate view readings from any angle
• Requires 2 x AAA batteries (supplied)
• 2 year warranty

Supplied with

• Carry case
• Lanyard
• Instruction manual
• 2 AAA batteries

Disposable Hand and Arm Hygienic BP Covers

A&D Medical protective hand and arm covers are specially designed for use with the TM-2655P and TM-2657P waiting room blood pressure monitors.

They demonstrate to your patients that when they use your waiting room blood pressure monitor, you take any safety and hygiene concerns they may have seriously. This gives them the confidence to use the monitor after post COVID lockdown.

They are manufactured from thin polyethylene and cover the upper arm and hand to prevent a patients arm coming in to direct contact with the inside of monitor. These single patient use hygienic arm and hand covers are easy to apply and comfortable to wear.

With a length of 75cm they accommodate most arms and fit an arm circumferences of up to 44cm. Each overarm and hand cover is perforated making them easy to detach. Each batch/bundle of 200 has a convenient attachment string which means the covers can be hung neatly near the waiting room monitor or anywhere keeping the waiting room tidy.

They are designed for single patient use and are easy to apply. Simply pull one over sleeve off, insert your arm fully in to the cover, take a blood pressure measurement, remove the cover and dispose of. They are hygienic and cost effective providing effective protection to a patients arm. Free samples are available from PMS Instruments. Further information is available on our website https://www.pmsinstruments.co.uk/acatalog/A-D-Medical-Arm-and-Hand-Cover-for-TM-2655P-TM-2657P-703.html#SID=42

Review of the Meditech ABPM-06

It’s not that often that Meditech introduce a new ABPM. The last one, the ABPM-05 was introduced in 2007 the year the iPhone was launched. When they do it’s worth the wait.

There is a lot of thought that goes into the design and features customers really want in a new monitor. As well as good design it is important the technical elements are addressed so that the 30 year plus reputation for reliability and accuracy that Meditech have and customers from around the world expect, is maintained.

We’re proud that Meditech chose PMS Instruments and the UK as their first launch partner for the new ABPM-06 so what’s it really like to wear, use and operate?

First impressions are good. It’s got the same familiar look as the ABPM-05 which means it’s compact and light.

It uses the same size and type of wipeable cuffs which means users of the old ABPM-04 and ABPM-05 can use their existing cuffs interchanging between units. The cuffs are durable and easy to wipe clean which is important for patient hygiene.

One major improvement is the type of PC interface cable the new ABPM-06 is supplied with. The old ABPM-04 and ABPM-05 used either a serial interface or USB optoelectronic fibre optic cable which was unique to Meditech. Although repairable these old cables are expensive to replace or purchase new.

As customers frequently want to use their ABPM in more than one treatment room the new ABPM-06 is now supplied with a standard mini USB A mini to USB B PC cable. This resolves any potential cable comms issues as there is only one way the cable will go in.

Meditech have taken the wise decision to integrate the ABPM-06 into their popular CardioVisions analysis software rather than offer a completely new software platform. This means the look and feel of the software, programming, downloading and printing will be familiar to users of the old ABPM-04 and ABPM-05 with no new software to learn.

Programming the ABPM-06 takes seconds and key patient information like name, date of birth and ID is retained in the monitor so there is no doubt who has worn the monitor.

In the interests of customers I have worn a new ABPM-06 twice now and found the monitor comfortable and unobtrusive throughout.

I programmed the monitor to record every 30 minutes during the day and hourly during the night as recommended by the latest NICE guideline NG136.

Of the 40 readings taken over 24 hours all were successful with no errors. I was aware of the monitor going off at night but the new SleepWell® function added to the new AA grade algorithm meant the device wasn’t uncomfortable and the measurement inflation and deflation time was quick.

Downloading the results took seconds and the automatic text reporting, trend graph and presentation of key metrics like average daytime reading value are clear.

Feedback from new and existing customers who have purchased the ABPM-06 since we introduced it has been very positive. For a free demonstration, loan or for more information just call or email us.

The New Meditech ABPM-06

PMS Instruments are pleased to announce the UK launch of the new ABPM-06 24 hour ABPM.

The ABPM-06 is the latest generation premium ambulatory blood pressure monitor from Meditech, technology leaders worldwide in the manufacturing of ambulatory blood pressure monitors since 1990.

It builds on the near 30 year plus reputation and experience of Meditech’ s engineers and maintains the tradition of reliability and accuracy that thousands of customers around the world have come to expect.

The ABPM-06 has all the features customers like in the ABPM-04 and ABPM-05 plus some important new innovations

  1. AA grade Independent clinical validation to 3 separate protocols
  2. Built in voice recording (max 8 x 15 seconds)
  3. Free, all-inclusive software packages
  4. Unique SleepWell® function
  5. Dual valve system for patient safety
  6. Proven technology and long-life reliability

With both the ABPM-04 and ABPM-05 patients could trigger additional measurements by pressing a button. This feature is retained but with the ABPM-06 they can now also record up to 8 x 15 second voice memos.

For the first time patients can now record voice memos of symptoms during the recording for example if they are feeling dizzy and give detailed feedback to their Doctor over the monitoring period. This voice memos are downloaded and stored with the recording on the PC.

The ABPM-06 is A/A clinically validated to the ESH-IP, BIHS and AAMI protocols so accuracy is assured. The extended measurement range gives the doctor a more precise BP profile and overnight dipping and morning surges can easily be identified.

Meditech have designed a unique SleepWell® function to disturb the patient as little as possible during the night. The ABPM-06 won’t repeat failed readings unless necessary. This helps avoid measurements being taken uncomfortably close together.

The ABPM-06 comes with a standard USB cable. Cuff compatibility with earlier versions is maintained.

As you would expect the ABPM-06 is supplied with the popular CardioVisions analysis software which provides detailed automatic reporting and textual analysis.

For existing customers there is no new software to learn. Demonstrations are available and you can buy with confidence direct from PMS Instruments, the exclusive UK and Ireland Meditech authorised distributor since 1997.

The twenty year wait has been worth it!

The new A&D Medical TM-2440 and TM-2441 Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitors are now available to pre-order from lead distributor PMS Instruments. They replace the old TM-2430 which PMS originally introduced in 1998.

Engineered in Japan, they are the 4th generation of A&D ABPM monitor PMS Instruments have launched in the UK and easily the most advanced to date. Both new models have a number of new innovative premium features.

With the launch of 2 new ABPM monitors at once the twenty year wait has been worth it!

The A&D TM-2440 Classic abpm comes as standard with fast measurement time, silent operation and with a world first in an A&D ABPM, IHB (Irregular Heart Beat) analysis technology.

This ground breaking technology pioneered by A&D in 2001 is now used worldwide assisting in the opportunistic detection of arrhythmias – which include AFib (or Atrial Fibrillation). It features Oscillometric waveform measurement analysis and with the new analysis software you can check the waveform record for each measurement.

The TM-2441 Premium ABPM with it’s all in one design concept offers the clinician and patient complete flexibility, providing Ambulatory (ABPM), Home (HBPM), Office (OBP), Automatic Night Blood Pressure (ANBP), and Automatic Self Blood Pressure (ASBP) measurement/monitoring in one device.

In addition to the Irregular Heart Beat analysis technology, it records environmental factors including Activity using a built in Accelerometer, Temperature and Air Pressure. The new TM-2441 provides additional more insightful view of the patient beyond just blood pressure recording and heart rate information – helping build a better picture for clinical decision making.

Both models for the first time are available with 4 different cuff sizes small, adult, large adult and extra-large adult with sizes fitting an arm circumference from 15-22cm right up to 36-50cm.

The new AND Analysis software allows PDF reports to be exported to popular clinical management systems like EMIS and SystmOne and is compatible with the old TM-2430.

The TM-2440/TM-2441 feature both USB and Bluetooth communication, use just 2 AA batteries and at just 120g, the TM-2440 is one of the smallest, lightest ABPM monitors on the market.

To discuss competitive upgrades or arrange a demonstration or trial call us today.

Meditech CardiUP!3 24 Hour Holter ECG introduced

January 2018 sees the official UK launch of the new Meditech CardiUP!3 Holter ECG.

Continuous full disclosure Holter ECG monitors were first used in the 1970s and typically operate for 24-48 hours recording every single heartbeat during this period. This can mean that upwards of 100,000 beats are recorded over a 24 hour period. They are especially useful if the wearer does not feel or is not aware of the ECG abnormality.

Holter ECG recorders are generally used to investigate suspected symptoms of arrhythmia including palpitations, light-headedness or syncope (partial or complete loss of consciousness), which has not been detected during a shorter 12 lead, surgery based ECG.

Is there still a need for Holter ECG recorders?

NICE clinical guideline Clinical guideline CG180  on Atrial Fibrillation management recommends the use of a 24‑hour ambulatory ECG monitor in patients with suspected asymptomatic episodes or symptomatic episodes less than 24 hours apart  or with suspected paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undetected by standard ECG recording.

What’s different with the CardiUP!3 Holter?

The latest generation CardiUp!3 from Meditech has a large internal memory which means it can record continuous digital full disclosure ECG from 24 hours or for up to 7 days using just 1 AA battery!

The large LCD screen displays real-time ECG which lets you verify ECG quality, ensuring accurate hook up in real time. Connection is by a new standard mini USB connection.

The CardiUP!3 has a manual programming option which means it can be programmed without connection to a PC. This can be useful if a PC is not available or a treatment room is occupied.

The Meditech CardioVisions analysis software supplied with the CardiUP!3 provides automatic beat-by-beat ECG, ST, PQ, QT and HRV analysis and includes pacemaker beat detection. The QRS detection algorithm of the software is 99.9% accurate according to the IEC 60601-2-47 International Standard and AHA and MIT databases and gives rapid automatic ECG annotation and analysis in minutes.

Running costs are minimised thanks to the latest low power electronic design techniques. The CardiUp!3 Holter uses just 1 AA Alkaline or rechargeable battery.

To find out more or to arrange a demonstration just call us on 01628 773233.

Know Your Numbers Week 12 – 18th September

The 12th to the 18th of September this year sees the return of ‘Know your Numbers’, a Blood Pressure UK run awareness campaign to promote blood pressure testing. KYN was first launched in 2001 and has since gone on to encourage around 1.5 million people to have their blood pressure checked. The idea is that we should all know our blood pressures like we know our height and weight.

For me, that’s a great analogy. If you weigh yourself and realise you’ve put on a few pounds, then you might start eating a bit differently or moving a bit more. The difference, however, is that with weight gain you have a visual clue before anything else. Blood Pressure is only known once tested, but knowing those figures and tracking the changes could one day save your life.

As part of KYN week, ‘Pressure Stations’ will be setup all around the country at the more obvious venues such as GP surgeries, hospitals and health clubs, but also shopping centres and supermarkets, so it should be easy for everyone to get checked out.

At P.M.S (Instruments), we think this is a great initiative, and hope it does it a lot of good, but we can’t forget that we’re here to supply both surgeries with the equipment they need and also those at home or in the private healthcare sector. With that in mind, we’d like to share some news on two great new products.

The A&D TM-2657P is the follow up to the TM-2655P, popular with GPs as it saves consultation time. This is particularly useful at this time of year when it comes to screening elderly patients who are having the flu jab in large volumes. My favourite new feature of this machine is the added value of the Irregular Heartbeat Indicator (IHB) function – a highly useful new feature. Check out the write up below for some more specs!

The other great new Blood Pressure Monitor is the A&D UA-767-S, which is the latest in a generation of models of the same name. This is a really portable BPM, which makes it perfect for either home use, those who are regularly out and about on home visits or just in the surgery. Another brilliant bit of kit from A&D, again, check below for full specs!

Here at PMS, we’re proud to have a 40 year plus history of supplying technology you can trust. We’ve been the main A&D UK distributer since 1990 (A&D have been making Blood Pressure Monitors since 1979) so we can guarantee the best equipment and a genuine pedigree. For is, this is the perfect marriage to support the upcoming Know Your Numbers week.

 

A&D TM-2657PA&D TM-2657P – For Waiting Room Use

Key features

  • User-friendly with small footprint
  • BHS AA grade clinical validation 
  • Simple one-touch fully automatic measurement
  • Accurate and reliable Torque Controlled Belt drive Method
  • Antibacterial inner arm cuff cover
  • Easy load paper tray
  • Reliable high speed printer with easy paper replacement
  • Irregular Heart Beat (IHB) indicated on printout

 

The TM-2657P is the latest waiting room blood pressure monitor from A&D Medical. It builds on the speed, reliability and accuracy of the previous TM-2655P, which it replaces, but now features a new ergonomic, modern, compact design. The new integrated armrest helps ensure the patient’s arm is comfortable and in the correct position during a measurement.

A new antibacterial arm cuff cover is also now fitted as standard with the TM-2657P. Designed and engineered in Japan, the new TM-2657P has a faster printout speed and offers added optional connectivity features including Bluetooth.

The “Torque Controlled Belt drive Method” (TCBM) cuff mechanism in the TM-2657P provides sophisticated automatic cuff size adjustment, ensuring the arm is positioned correctly for accurate high speed measurement, first time, every time.

With a centrally located simple one-button operation, it can be used on children (13 years or above) and adults with either the left or right arm. After the reading, the results are output to the inbuilt thermal printer with the date, time systolic, diastolic and pulse rate clearly displayed. New printing options also permit the inclusion of a barcode or QR code on the print out.

The printout will also display (if present) an irregular heartbeat symbol. An irregular heartbeat is defined as a heartbeat that varies by 25% from the average of all heartbeats during the blood pressure measurement.

Like the previous model, the TM-2657P looks set to be popular with GP Practices looking for a clinically validated, easy to use professional waiting room blood pressure monitor.

 

 

Key features

  • Compact size and weight (140(w) x 60(h) x 105(d) mm weighs (245g) ex batteries
  • Advanced Oscillometric method for hospital accuracy
  • 60 reading memory with average
  • Correct cuff fit and movement detector
  • Irregular heartbeat indicator with frequency detected
  • WHO blood pressure classification index
  • European Society of Hypertension International Protocol clinical validation
  • Five- year warranty
  • Battery or mains (optional extra) operation

The frequency of IHB (Irregular Heart Beat) detection is divided into different grades and shown by icons.

  • 0-24% : No Indication
  • 25-49% : Grade 1
  • 50-74% : Grade 2
  • 75-100% : Grade 3

The latest A&D Medical UA-767S builds on the popularity, accuracy and reliability of the original UA-767 series but it adds additional new advanced features. It is a popular upper arm blood pressure monitor with a 60 reading memory with averaging function, cuff fit and movement error functions and a simple one-button operation. This model features a new Irregular Heartbeat Indicator (IHB) function, which identifies the frequency of IHB by dividing the number of IHBs by the total number of readings taken to grade the occurrence of IHB accordingly. The more frequent the IHB appears the greater the risk. This feature is for monitoring purposes only. The UA-767S is supplied with a standard 22-32cm cuff. For customers with a larger arm we recommend the UA-767S-W, which has a 22-42cm cuff. It has a proven reliability record and is used extensively in the UK.

 

The right monitor for the job?

All blood pressure monitors are really all the same aren’t they? Which is the most accurate? I’m confused as all BP monitors seem to be the same. What about reliability and durability?

These are some of the questions our sales team are frequently asked and it’s true many digital blood pressure monitors offer similar features and claim to offer similar “clinically validated accuracy”.

But what about durability and reliability?

Continue reading “The right monitor for the job?”

Waiting Room Blood Pressure Monitors Rebooted

The TM-2657P is the latest waiting room blood pressure monitor from A&D Medical. It builds on the speed, reliability and accuracy of the previous TM-2655P, which it replaces, but now features a new ergonomic, modern, compact design.

The new integrated arm rest helps ensure the patient’s arm is comfortable and in the correct position during a measurement. A new antibacterial arm cuff cover is also now fitted as standard with the TM-2657P.

Designed and engineered in Japan, the new TM-2657P has a faster printout speed and offers added optional connectivity features including Bluetooth.

The “Torque Controlled Belt drive Method” (TCBM) cuff mechanism in the TM-2657P provides sophisticated automatic cuff size adjustment, ensuring the arm is positioned correctly for accurate high speed measurement, first time, every time.

With a centrally located simple one button operation, it can be used on children (13 years or above) and adults with either the left or right arm.

After the reading, the results are output to the inbuilt thermal printer with the date, time systolic, diastolic and pulse rate clearly displayed. New printing options also permit the inclusion of a barcode or QR code on the print out.

The printout will also display (if present) an irregular heartbeat symbol. An irregular heartbeat is defined as a heartbeat that varies by 25% from the average of all heartbeats during the blood pressure measurement.

Like the previous model, the TM-2657P looks set to be popular with GP Practices looking for a clinically validated, easy to use professional waiting room blood pressure monitor.

Does anyone still use Mercury Sphygmomanometers?

The UM-102A is the latest second generation Mercury free sphygmomanometer from Japanese company A&D Medical. It builds on the reliability and accuracy of the previous model, which it replaces, but now features a new ergonomic, modern, lightweight design.

Designed for professional use, it allows clinicians to record accurate blood pressure measurements using the “Gold Standard” Auscultatory measurement technique whilst listening for Korotkoff sounds with a stethoscope.

An extensive range of latex free compatible cuffs, with “quick fit” connectors and inflation bulbs already attached, make swapping cuffs quick and simple.

The adjustable, clear, anti-glare LCD screen is graduated just like Mercury so it is easy to read from any angle.

Sales of new Mercury sphygmomanometers were banned in the UK in 2014, but the UM-102A is an alternative clinically validated modern interpretation of the traditional Mercury sphygmomanometer.

Transcranial Holter and Carotid Stenosis

The Atys Medical TCDx Transcranial Holter is a unique transcranial Doppler with an innovative motorised 1.5MHz Doppler probe. Traditional transcranial Doppler (TCD) requires the patient to be stationary during the recording period with a bulky and uncomfortable headframe that is prone to movement artefacts and loss of signal. The TCDx recorder is small, lightweight and battery operated allowing high resolution digital recording of up to 5 hours duration. Because of the temporal variability in embolization the longer monitoring length is preferable to ensure embolic episodes are not missed.

As the TCDx is portable the patient can engage in normal daily activities and the product can be used in an outpatient setting. An auto search algorithm and automatic self-adjusting probe restores vessel insonation if the signal quality gets weak. Post processing of the recorded TCD signal is automatic and fast using software for emboli detection. Each embolic event is tagged and the operator has full access to both the Doppler spectral signal and audiogram. The Doppler spectral signal is a representation of the Doppler signal in the frequency domain. The Audiogram is the representation of the same Doppler signal but in the time domain.

During set up real time display of the Doppler spectrum and the motorised probe ensures optimum signal quality and positioning on the acoustic window. In symptomatic carotid stenosis, the presence of emboli predicts future transient ischemic attack and stroke risk. Whether they have a similar predictive role in asymptomatic stenosis is under investigations and the TCD-x has been designed to help answer this question.

The applications of the TCD-x are not restricted to carotid plaques. They also include all unstable wall diseases, endocarditis and decompression illness. The TCD-x is also suitable for physiological studies as the time evolution of blood velocity can be analysed.

 

At The Heart Of Healthcare Technology

P.M.S (Instruments) Ltd will now be distributing the AliveCor® Heart Monitor, a single-channel ECG (electrocardiogram) recorder. The AliveCor Heart Monitor provides people with suspected or diagnosed heart conditions, and those at risk of heart conditions, the ability to track their heart health anytime, anywhere, at an affordable cost.

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in business we are well placed to say that  truly unique medical products come along infrequently. The AliveCor® ECG heart monitor is a game changer that looks set to change the way ECG is recorded and the whole management and diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation.

It is one of a growing number of products that are using the power of smart phones and tablets and turning them into “medical devices”. The AliveCor® and associated App is a fully CE certified and approved validated medical device which looks set to be a true game changer when it comes to medical products.

Using the AliveECG app from iTunes or Google Play with automatic AF detection, patients and physicians can manage existing conditions with intelligent, personalized features. Tracking of medications, lifestyle choices and ongoing symptoms allows patients to have a better understanding of their health status. Advanced search features and enhanced graphical trends provide a more comprehensive and reliable view of a patient’s overall health.

The AliveCor Heart Monitor, when used with the AliveECG app, becomes an, easy-to-use, cost effective medical device that records high resolution, accurate ECGs and heart rate anywhere, and at any time. A user simply attaches the monitor to their mobile device, downloads the AliveECG app, and records an ECG by resting the monitor on the fingers for 30 seconds.

Users will immediately see their ECG recording on the device screen. ECGs are then stored in the app and on secure, encrypted servers located in the EU. ECGs can also be printed or e-mailed directly from a mobile device.

Medical professionals can also utilize the free web-based Patient Management Provider dashboard provided by AliveCor that allows them to choose to receive and review ECG recordings from their patients once given viewing permission.

Once connected, the patient’s future recordings automatically start showing up. This is a great way of monitoring a patient’s condition remotely from pre-diagnosis to long-term care.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the AliveCor Heart Monitor’s accuracy to be comparable to readings from Lead 1 of a standard ECG machines, but at a fraction of the cost.

The AliveCor system is a cost effective atrial fibrillation screening device and heart monitor which can be used by U.K. and Ireland medical professionals, patients and health conscious individuals, to record, display, store, and transfer single-channel electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythms.

Undiagnosed OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep related breathing disorder which occurs if airflow through the nose and mouth is obstructed. Having undiagnosed OSA increases the risk of high blood pressure, and is associated with other serious conditions such as strokes and heart attacks, type II diabetes and depression as well as traffic collisions. OSA affects men, women and children.

A growing amount of evidence suggests that OSA is the most common type of secondary hypertension, however, an estimated 70-90 percent of cases are undiagnosed.

The Meditech apneABP is ideal as an opportunistic outpatient screening tool for OSA and can help diagnose at risk patients prior to referral to specialist sleep labs.

Blood pressure is recorded automatically at pre-set intervals and SP02 data is recorded continuously.

The easy to use CardioVisions software displays 24-hr blood pressure chart, histogram, correlations, blood pressure statistics, oxygen saturation overview, plethysmograph pulse wave, pulse oximetry statistics and activity.

As a result, apneABP gives information not only about blood pressure and general pulse oximetry data, but also about the condition of the arterial system through plethysmograph and pulse wave.

The apneABP e will allow CCGs and GPs to take an active role in OSA screening and referral pathways which is beneficial to the patient, the GP and the sleep clinic.