In the healthcare industry, the efficient and accurate operation of medical devices is crucial, as it is vital for the convenience and reliability of every procedure. And with the ever-growing population, patient auto-monitoring systems are increasingly becoming more important. 

And for all those applications that demand a low total error band and high levels of accuracy, specially-designed sensors, also known as “medical sensors,” like the ones from sensoronics.com are used to enhance effectiveness and reliability. 

In its broadest definition, sensors are modules, devices, subsystems, or machines with the main purpose of detecting changes or events in their environments and sending the information to other electronics like a computer processor.  

Existing Applications of Medical Sensors

1. Pressure Sensors

Pressure sensors are able to measure the pressure in liquids or gases. It consists of pressure-sensitive elements that can determine applied pressure and the components converting the information into an output signal. 

These sensors are used in oxygen concentrators, anesthesia delivery machines, blood analyzers, kidney dialysis machines, pressure-operated dental instruments, and smart hospital beds. 

2. Flow Sensors

Flow sensors measure or regulate the flow rate of gases or liquids within tubes and pipes. These sensors are often connected to gauges in order to render their measurements. 

Common applications of flow sensors include oxygen concentrators, respiratory monitoring, gas mixing, ventilators, sleep apnea machines, and electrosurgery. 

3. Temperature Sensors

This is an electronic device that can measure the temperature of its surroundings and converting the input data into electronic data to monitor, record, or signal changes in temperature. 

Temperature sensors are seen in medical incubators, organ transplant system temperature monitoring, neonatal intensive care units, digital thermometers, sleep apnea machine, kidney dialysis machines, and ventilators. 

4. Image Sensors

An image sensor detects and conveys information used in order to make an image. It converts the variable attenuation of light waves into signals that convey the information. 

Imaging sensors can be found in dental imaging, endoscopy, radiography, mammography, minimally invasive surgery, ocular surgery, cardiology, and lab equipment. 

5. Biosensors

Biosensors are analytical devices used for the detection of chemical substances. It combines a biological component with physicochemical detectors. 

Biosensors are used for general healthcare monitoring such as cholesterol and blood glucose testing and pregnancy as well as screening for diseases and testing for drug abuse. 

6. Encoders

Encoder sensors are devices that provide feedback. These devices convert motion to an electrical signal which can be read by a control device. It sends feedback signals that can be used to determined count, direction, speed, or position. 

In the medical field, encoders are often found in MRI machines, X-ray machines, medical imaging systems, surgical robotics, and computer-assisted tomography equipment. 

7. SQUID

Short for superconducting quantum interference devices, SQUID is an extremely sensitive sensor that measures the slightest subtle changes in magnetic fields. 

These sensors are often used in magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems to analyze the neural activity of the brain. It is also used in Magnetocardiography (MCG) and magnetic field imaging systems for heart diagnosis. SQUID is also applied in magnetogastrography, which allows the recording of weak magnetic fields of the stomach. 

Conclusion

These are just some of the numerous existing and possible applications of sensor devices in the medical field. As you can see, sensors play a crucial role in medical technology with the bottom line of making medical devices even more precise, effective and safer while streamlining operation.