Intravenous (IV) monitoring and refilling system

Abstract

Intravenous (I.V.) Monitoring and Refilling System is a system for monitoring I.V. therapy and notifying abnormal drip rate and refilling of the I.V. bag. The system has a portable receiver device (for the nurse/nurse station) and a transmitter device (for the patient). The study uses Radio Frequency (RF) medium. RF module was used for transmitting and receiving of the current status data of the monitoring and notifying system. The system has also fiber optic sensors for detecting and counting the drip rate of the I.V. bag. The control panel of the system is placed on the transmitter (patient side). The main objective of the monitoring system is to process an accurate I.V. therapy, prevent the possible backflow of the blood by stopping the I.V. set attached to the system. It makes the I.V. therapy setup fast and easy allowing more time for nurses to perform duties other than monitoring the IV therapy of patients assigned to them. System test results show that transmission delay is not evident in closed area and can transmit accurately without delay up to 70 meters. A 100% detection rates were also recorded for different drip rates and percent IV bag content. Comparing the operating frequency of the I.V. monitoring and refilling system to other medical equipment, the RF module used in the system has an operating frequency that is unique among all the technologies and equipment that may be present in a hospital or clinical setting. The system can also cut down the cost of such medical equipment by 72% if compared to the infusion pump available in the market.