Perform the Scan

All scans are conducted from their respective scan screens, which allow you to control the instrument and see the data that it is picking up in real time.

There are a few things to keep in mind when performing a neuroPULSE scan:

• A countdown timer is on screen allowing the patient to watch their scan’s timing.
• Instruct your patient to watch the stream of their pulse profile during the test. Since rogue finger pressure and movements affect the pulse wave, a simple demonstration can be performed prior to actual collection, during the 10 second pre-collection. The patient can gently push pressure onto the middle fingertip and watch the pulse wave jump and become irregular. This confirms to the patient that they are to refrain from moving or creating an altered beat pattern by wiggling their finger.
• The scan should be performed uninterrupted, so once the testing sequence has started and the examiner is satisfied with the pulse wave collection, they can leave the room.
• Since your patient will be left unattended, your device will be locked to them.
  

NOTE: The Pin Code for the examiner to view the scan or leave the screen is 1234. This was instituted so that the unattended patient cannot access any other patient’s files or view any patient data.

At this step, assuming that the instrument is active and the patient’s hand is in the proper position, the instrument will begin to check the signals prior to the start of data collection. This confirms that the instrument is receiving the signals from the patient before the recording starts.

Click “Check Signal” to begin (Fig. 1)

• The signal check sequence is comprised of three combined biometric tests which are performed to ensure that consistent accurate data will be collected. A green light will indicate that the patient has passed each biometric test (Fig. 2).
  • Skin Temperature: Adequate fingertip temperature must be available. This means that patients with Raynaud’s or small vessel disease may need to use the ear clip option.
  • Skin Conductance Response (SCR): Must be within reasonable levels to assure that anxiety is NOT affecting the heart rate collection data.
  • Heart Rate: A stable pulse rate must be available for the test to commence. Arrhythmias and other heart beat pattern will not allow for this green light to turn on.
• Once the three signal check tests are complete and the three green dots appear the patient is ready to be scanned. Click “Start Scan” and the actual test begins automatically.
• A 10-120 second pretest begins. Ten seconds is the default and is adequate. In some cases of extreme “white coat anxiety” a longer duration of resting time can be set. The resting icon is visible and you can view the countdown timer. This short duration of time allows possible “testing anxiety” from the patient to alleviate for more accurate readings. After this 10-120 second interval, the actual collection begins for whichever length of time was selected.
• Remind the patient to remain relaxed during data collection, which could be helped by focusing on the image presented to them on screen.
• A countdown timer is on screen allowing the patient to watch their scan’s timing.
• Regular breathing is advised. Do not mediate or engage in artificial paced breathing.
• Instruct your patient to watch the “live stream” of their pulse profile during the test. Since rogue finger pressure and movements affect the pulse wave, a simple demonstration can be performed prior to actual collection, during the 10 second pre-collection. The patient can gently push pressure onto the middle fingertip and watch the pulse wave jump and become irregular. This confirms to the patient that they are to refrain from moving or creating an altered beat pattern by wiggling their finger.
• Advise the patient to remove their hand from the instrument when the blue light on the instrument begins flashing, indicating the end of the test.
• The test is saved automatically when the testing ends.
  

Fig. 1

Fig. 2