App Wirelessly Enables Devices

HDM Breaking News, March 25, 2008

A British firm has created software that can enable medical devices to transmit data wirelessly for as low as $10 each, depending on volume.

Cambridge Consulting, which has a U.S. office in Boston, is seeking device manufacturer partners to test the software, which resides on a single chip and would be embedded in the devices. The company also would provide consulting services to integrate devices with electronic health records systems and other applications.

Cambridge has done in-house testing of the software, called Vena, with pulse oximeters and weight scales. It also could be used with glucometers, thermometers, personal activity monitors and other devices, says Paul Williamson, head of the wireless medical division.

Vena embeds the emerging IEEE 11073 standard for how to present data in medical devices and the emerging Bluetooth Medical Device Profile for secure transport of medical data. Both standards are in trials and not yet fully approved.

The software, available now, can be built into devices at any stage of the design or production process, Williamson says. For more information, e-mail him at paul.williamson@cambridgeconsultants.com or visit cambridgeconsultants.com.

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