Oscilloscope In Biomedical Equipment

The human body is one of the most complex electrical networks ever known

. The smallest part of the body has its own electrical design, and many such intricate networks entwine together to ensure the correct functioning of the body. Precise measurements are extremely vital in biomedical instruments since even the minutest aberration could spell serious problems.

Of the large number of machines that are connected together for a heart or brain checkup, one is an oscilloscope. In foundation fieldbus networks used for industrial purposes, there are several external influences that play havoc with sensitive electronic devices. An oscilloscope, also called a scopemeter, is used to record and observe constantly varying signal voltages. It is commonly used to observe the wave shape of an electrical signal in terms of amplitude, and also to show distortion and relative timing of two related signals.

The big and bulky oscilloscopes used earlier have now given way to portable or handheld digital oscilloscopes. These have enabled medical practitioners to use equipment on the go, allowing them to conduct multiple tests at different locations. Also, since all biomedical circuits are of low voltage (under 5V) and frequency, these sensitive handheld oscilloscopes are more advantageous.

One of the major areas in which an oscilloscope is used is an ECG. An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a specialized oscilloscope which measures the electrical potential generated by activity in the tissues of the heart. Electrodes are applied at certain positions on the body and the potential generated between various combinations of these electrodes is recorded, digitized and displayed on the ECG in a time-series format. In case of any abnormality, a continuous display on the oscilloscope gives warning of change of heart rate or rhythm. It also tells the form of arrhythmia in case of cardiac arrest.

A handheld oscilloscope is also used in EEG. EEG, or electroencephalography, is the recording of electrical activity produced by neurons within the brain. This recording is obtained by attaching several electrodes to the scalp. The EEG activity on the oscilloscope reflects the synchronous activity of millions of neurons with similar spatial orientation. Any change in activity as displayed on the handheld oscilloscope can be used to diagnose brain disorders like epilepsy, tumors, stroke, etc.

In a similar fashion, handheld oscilloscopes are used in electronystagmography (ENG), which is used to test involuntary movement of the eye and to diagnose the cause of vertigo. They are also used to display electromyograms (EMG), which are records of electrical activity produced by skeletal muscles, to diagnose activation level and abnormalities of the muscle.

by: Sam Jacob Thomas

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