Sensors in neonatal monitoring: Current practice and future trends

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Murković, Ivana^{a; *} | Steinberg, Matthew David^b | Murković, Branimir^c

Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Zagreb, Marulicev Trg 19, Zagreb, HR-10000, Croatia | [b] Erasmus Technology LLP, 57A Moorfield Road, Duxford, Cambridge, CB2 4PP, UK | [c] Medical School, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, Zagreb, HR-10000, Croatia

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Tel.: +385 1 4597 287 or 285; E-mail: imurkov@fkit.hr; Internet: http://www.fkit.hr.

Abstract: Monitoring the status of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) provides a unique and challenging environment for the design, function and use of sensor-based monitoring equipment. This article presents an overview of sensor-based instrumentation used in the NICU for physiological and chemical status monitoring, and discusses some of the key sensing principles currently in use. The clinical demand for reliable patient data at acceptable cost is driving the development of new types of monitoring technologies, in particular for continuous blood-chemistry analysis. We describe some of the new sensor-based products finding their way into the NICU, together with a review of the more promising emerging sensor technologies that might eventually be incorporated into routine neonatal monitoring practice.

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2003-11602

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 11, no. 6, pp. 399-412, 2003