Why are physiological measurements important

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Next Article Who was Abott Suger? Back To Top. New measurements, and applications of measurements, are being found all the time. How does it work? The most common types of physiological measurements use a sensor called a transducer that converts a non-electric signal from inside the body into an electrical signal that can be analysed, shown on a screen and recorded.

In cardiology the pressures within the chambers of the heart and the blood vessels may need to be measured. In the operating theatre or intensive care unit this can be done very accurately by putting a catheter with a tiny pressure transducer at its end into the arteries or even inside the heart itself as it beats.

The information that this catheter produces may then be combined with a measure of the amount of oxygen in the blood obtained by shining light of different colours through the skin of a finger.

The difference in the amount of light absorbed for the different colours gives a measure of the amount of oxygen in the blood within the arteries. There is also electronic equipment for measuring bladder pressures and flow-rates to help diagnose urinary problems. In addition, the oesophagus may be probed to study how well the muscles work together when swallowing. The acidity in the oesophagus may also be monitored via a radio link to enable surgeons to diagnose problems associated with acid reflux from the stomach.

Physiological measurement is also necessary after surgery, as patients in intensive care units require continuous monitoring of their vital signs, and sometimes have drugs administered under computer control on the basis of those measurements.