Cuffless, calibration-free miniature sensor delivers results in seconds
Stephen Law
Electronics Medical medical SensorLeman Micro Devices and WuQi Technology and Shanghai Minshi Technology
Collaboration between three companies has produced the Minshi key fob-size standalone device that delivers clinically-accurate vital signs measurements, including blood pressure, wirelessly to a smartphone. The standalone device incorporates LMD’s patented V-Sensor, plus a battery and a small Wuqi computer chip which links via Bluetooth to a dedicated app on a smartphone. The circular device measures 5cm in diameter by 2.5cm deep, fits neatly into the palm of the hand and can be attached to a key ring, worn around the neck or carried in a handbag. Entirely portable, convenient, cuff-less and calibration-free, the Minshi measures blood pressure when pressure is gently applied to either side of the device by gently squeezing between thumb and forefinger. Following simple game-style instructions displayed by the dedicated app and pressing on the V-Sensor on the Minshi occludes the arteries in the tip of the index finger – exactly the same as the proven Riva-Rocci method used by a blood pressure cuff. The pressure on the fingertip that balances the pressure of the blood inside the artery is detected optically with the V-Sensor’s pulse oximeter and an absolute blood pressure reading is displayed on the user’s smartphone around 45 seconds later. The Minshi also measures contactless body temperature: the user simply brings the module slowly up to their forehead, the smartphone app pings and displays the temperature reading.
