Patient Monitor Technical Specifications and Selection Guide

Clinical Summary: Patient monitors continuously track vital signs and physiological parameters. This comprehensive guide covers monitor types, technical specifications, and selection criteria for various clinical environments from bedside to transport.

Monitor Classifications

By Clinical Setting

• Bedside Monitors: Comprehensive monitoring for ICU/CCU
• Telemetry Systems: Wireless monitoring for ambulatory patients
• Transport Monitors: Portable units for patient transfer
• Spot-Check Monitors: Intermittent vital signs measurement
• Fetal Monitors: Specialized for obstetric care

Monitoring Parameters

Standard Parameters

Parameter	Range	Accuracy
ECG/Heart Rate	15-300 bpm	± 1%
SpO2	0-100%	± 2% (70-100%)
NIBP Systolic	30-270 mmHg	± 3 mmHg
Temperature	25-45°C	± 0.1°C
Respiration	0-120 bpm	± 1 bpm

Advanced Parameters

• Invasive Pressure: Arterial, CVP, PA, ICP monitoring
• Cardiac Output: Thermodilution, pulse contour analysis
• EtCO2 (Capnography): End-tidal CO2 monitoring
• BIS/Sedation: Bispectral index for anesthesia depth
• Hemodynamic Calculations: SVR, PVR, CI, PCWP

Technical Specifications

Display Requirements

• Screen Size: 10-19 inches for bedside; 7-10 inches for transport
• Resolution: Minimum 1024×768 for waveform clarity
• Waveform Channels: 3-12 simultaneous waveforms
• Viewing Angle: Wide angle for visibility from multiple positions
• Brightness: Auto-adjusting for ambient light conditions

Alarm System Requirements

• Alarm Levels: High, medium, low priority per IEC 60601-1-8
• Visual Indicators: Color-coded by priority (red, yellow, cyan)
• Audio Levels: Adjustable 45-85 dB with pattern differentiation
• Alarm Limits: User-adjustable with appropriate defaults
• Alarm Delay: Configurable to reduce nuisance alarms

Connectivity and Integration

• HL7 FHIR: Healthcare interoperability for EMR integration
• Central Station: Networked monitoring from nursing station
• Mobile Alerts: Alarm notification to clinician smartphones
• Medical Device Integration: IEEE 11073 compatibility
• Wireless: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for data transmission

Selection by Clinical Area

Intensive Care Unit

• Full parameter monitoring capability
• Multiple invasive pressure channels
• Advanced hemodynamic calculations
• 12-lead ECG analysis
• Network connectivity to central station

General Medical/Surgical

• Standard vital signs monitoring
• Arrhythmia detection
• Telemetry capability
• Spot-check functionality

Emergency/Transport

• Compact, lightweight design
• Extended battery life (4+ hours)
• Rugged construction
• Defibrillator integration option

Regulatory Compliance

• FDA Class II: 510(k) clearance required
• IEC 60601-1: Medical electrical equipment safety
• IEC 60601-2-27: Electrocardiographic monitoring equipment
• IEC 60601-2-34: Invasive blood pressure monitoring
• IEC 60601-1-8: Alarm systems requirements

Related Resources

• Pulse Oximeter Specifications
• Blood Pressure Monitor Specifications
• Diagnostic Equipment Maintenance
• Standards Hub – IEC 60601 series requirements