Construction and calibration of a low-cost bandage pressure monitor

Abstract

This study describes the construction and calibration of a three-channel bandage pressure monitor and evaluates its in-service use. The monitor was constructed from a range of commercially available, relatively inexpensive components consisting of a pressure sensor, piezoresistive transducer, differential amplifier and liquid crystal display. The pressure sensors show a good ratio of thickness to surface area (< 10%) and are sufficiently robust and flexible to conform to most anatomical profiles. The transducers are internally calibrated and temperature-compensated to provide an accurate and stable measurement of gauge pressure relative to atmospheric pressure. During laboratory assessment and in-service use, the system has proved to be reliable, accurate (typically < +/- 0.5 mmHg) and reproducible over repeated calibration.