On-site healthcare diagnostic device
A on-site healthcare diagnostic device containing a blood pressure monitor and one or more test strip readers, such as a blood sugar or cholesterol test strip reader. The on-site device may be deployed as a special purpose unit or through accessories used in connection with a general purpose computer. In the special purpose unit, the on-site device includes a pump and control electronics for the blood pressure monitor and at least one test strip reader carried by an integral housing that also carries a display device and user interface, such as a three-button keypad, for operating the device. The on-site device may be expanded to accommodate external test strip readers and other diagnostic devices connected through one or more universal data ports.
1 . A on-site healthcare diagnostic device comprising a pump for a blood pressure monitor and a test strip reader deployed within a common housing, wherein the blood pressure monitor and test strip reader utilize common components of the device including a display, user interface, and controller.
2 . The on-site healthcare diagnostic device of claim 1 , wherein the test strip reader is configured to measure blood cholesterol content in a sample of blood applied to a test strip read inserted into the reader.
3 . The on-site healthcare diagnostic device of claim 1 , wherein the test strip reader is configured to measure blood sugar content in a sample of blood applied to a test strip read inserted into the reader.
4 . The on-site healthcare diagnostic device of claim 1 , further comprising an external test strip reader connectable to the common housing through a universal data port.
5 . An on-site healthcare diagnostic device, comprising:
a general purpose computer comprising a data port;
one or more test strip readers connectable to the general purpose computer through the said data port; and
software running on the general purpose computer operable for driving said one or more test strip readers connected to the universal data port to operate in conjunction with a display, a user interface and a controller resident as part of the general purpose computer to function an as a healthcare diagnostic device.
6 . An on-site healthcare diagnostic device as in claim 5 wherein said computer further includes a memory containing calibration data for said one or more test strip readers.
7 . An on-site healthcare diagnostic device as in claim 5 wherein said computer includes a network interface for connecting to an off-site computer.
8 . An on-site healthcare diagnostic device as in claim 7 and further including an off-site computer connected to said network interface, said off-site computer including a memory containing calibration data for said one or more test strip readers.
9 . An on-site healthcare diagnostic device as in claim t wherein said one or more test strip readers are capable of reading a test strip for measuring an analyte selected from the group consisting of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and creatinine
10 . A method of measuring the concentration of an analyte in a whole blood sample, said method comprising:
connecting a dry test strip reader to a personal computer;
applying said whole blood sample to said dry test strip;
inserting said dry test strip into said test strip reader;
reading said dry test strip and producing data representative of said concentration of said analyte;
communicating said date to said personal computer; and
displaying on said personal computer said concentration of said analyte.
11 . A method as in claim 10 and further comprising using calibration data stored on said personal computer to determine said concentration of said analyte.
12 . A method as in claim 11 and further comprising sending said calibration data to said personal computer via a network.
13 . A method as in claim 10 wherein said analyte is selected from the group consisting of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and creatinine.