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Introduction: One of the advances in the design of medical monitoring devices over the past decade has been the widespread incorporation of serial and analog interfaces (I/O communication ports). The interfaces allow for the transfer of data between a personal computer and the medical monitoring device. Data can then be easily analyzed, displayed, and recorded on the PC. Further, the marked reduction in costs of multi-channel data acquisition boards provide a means to integrate data from multiple medical devices simultaneously. Data acquisition, data fusion and automated record-keeping projects depend on this ability to pass monitored data into a PC. Conversely, these interfaces also allow for the PC to control the measuring device in a broad range of application (e.g., feedback control of drug infusion rates). The promise of interfacing PCs to medical equipment has been hindered by the diversity of monitoring devices and their associated data, as well as by the lack of standards in medical device communication protocols. The significant barriers to accessing and/or controlling these monitors have become a challenge to both researchers and clinicians who depend on their data.

The STA has been active in promoting easier access to monitoring devices and their data . In addition to participation in national standards organizations, STA has undertaken a "grass roots" effort to organize the substantial body of non-commercial interface software written by individuals to solve a particular need. This effort, headed by the STA's Committee for Equipment Testing and Standards, aims to create a directory of individuals who have written such software programs. If you need help in interfacing a PC to a monitor, contact one of .the individuals listed in the table, below. All of them have agreed to share their programs and/or guide others in writing interface programs for the specified monitors.

Submitted Programs

How to Submit

If you have developed interface software and wish to participate in this project, please submit the following information on your interface software to Albert Perrino, MD.