Designing of Optical Devices for Biomedical Applications: A
Study on IV Drip Rate Monitoring Device

Abstract

Addition of biotelemetry in the field of bio-medical engineering is a useful method for improving the efficiency of the healthcare professionals. Thus it is necessary to develop devices that can improve the connectivity of the system. Optical devices have a huge application in this field. Simple optical devices can be used for the purpose of object detection, checking the optical density of samples. Intravenous infusion rate can be measured using drip rate monitorig device. A wireless drip rate monitoring device has been developed. This device incorporates the use of Light Emitting Diode (LED) and Light Dependant Resistor (LDR) to detect the drops. A mountable clasp system was used to mount the sensor on the drip chamber. Using microcontroller, the device calculates the drip rate and the Xbee communication module wirelessly notifies the centralized monitoring station whenever the drip rate crosses the desired range. A Network was developed using the Xbee Radio Modules to transmit the message to the central monitoring station. This adds feasibility and mobility in the system thus, increasing the efficiency of the healthcare professionals.