LAB 02 LAB SOFTWARE

Lab Overview

  • Lab 2: Focus on use of hardware and software for biological data collection

  • Exercises Include:

    • Measurement of a biological signal

Introduction to Monitoring Techniques

  • Various methods to monitor patients' physical status:

    • Heart Rate Monitoring: Can be done via manual palpation of the radial artery or using a stethoscope.

    • Respiratory Status Evaluation: Observing skin color or breathing characteristics.

  • More sophisticated techniques involve bioinstrumentation:

    • Definition: Mechanical or electrical instruments used to assess the physical status of cells, tissues, or organisms.

    • Objective: Understanding biomedical devices and software for biological signal measurement.

    • Importance of being familiar with software and lab equipment, which enhances success in future exercises.

Instruments for Bioelectric Signal Recording

  • Electrodes:

    • Conductors interface between metallic and nonmetallic parts of a circuit.

    • Types include plate, needle, disk, etc., depending on their application.

    • Functions:

      • Record signals (e.g., EMG with needle electrodes).

      • Deliver stimulation (e.g., paddle electrodes in defibrillation).

Amplifiers

  • Purpose: Increase the amplitude of biological signals for display.

  • Characteristics:

    • Amplification: Determined by sensitivity control (gain).

      • Example: Increase from 1 mV to 1 V is a 1000X amplification.

    • Coupling Types:

      • DC Coupling: Direct entry of signal for low-frequency or constant signals.

      • AC Coupling: Signals pass through a capacitor for fluctuating signals (e.g., ECG).

        • Removes unwanted low-frequency signals through filtering.

Lab Software

  • Software Details:

    • Power Lab (hardware) and LT Lab Station (software, formerly Lab Tutor).

    • Used for data acquisition, display, storage, and analysis from various peripherals.

    • Familiarization with software is crucial for lab exercises.

Instruments for Non-Electrical Biological Signals

  • Transducers: Devices converting one form of energy to another.

    • Types of Transducers:

      • Force Transducer: Converts mechanical energy into an electrical signal (measures muscle contraction).

      • Thermal Transducer: Converts heat to electrical signals (e.g., digital thermometers).

      • Pressure Transducer: Measures pressure in arteries/veins (used in measuring finger pulse and cardiovascular experiments).

Activities

  • Begin lab by navigating to LT LabStation Bio 66 folder on desktop computers.

  • Follow protocols to record biological data.