Prep the Patient

The neuroPULSE’s data collection is extremely sensitive, so it’s important to know if there is anything that might interrupt the data or cause abnormal readings. Therefore, follow these steps to ensure data collection is accurate:

• Ask the patient if they have had any significant troubling episodes recently that may have caused anxiety. These may account for higher readings.
• Ensure that any and all distractions are accounted for:
  • Cell phones must not be on or used during the collection.
  • Videos or screensavers should be turned off.
  • Family or social interactions should be minimized for the time of collection.
  • Pacemakers are removed.
  • Pacemakers will affect the collection data and this should be noted.
• The patient should also be in their natural, resting state. This means that:
  • The patient’s hand temperature is as close to room temp as possible. In winter climates the hand temperature acclimation should be a priority.
  • The patient has NOT conducted strenuous exercise within 2 hours.
  • The patient should be breathing normally throughout the scan, not in any irregular or forced pattern.
  • The patient is seated with their left hand positioned in the instrument at heart height, facing the scanning screen.
  • The patient does NOT meditate before and during the exam. The goal is to capture a string of heart beats when they are simply at rest in a calm, unaltered state.
  • The patient is to remain relaxed during data collection, which could be helped by focusing on the image presented to them on screen or by focusing on their pulse waves. Regular breathing is advised. Do not mediate or engage in artificial paced breathing.
  • Future re-exams should be conducted around similar times of day.
• In most cases, an adult, adolescent or older child’s hand can be placed under the sensor cover with the MIDDLE finger positioned far enough into the sensor so that the fingertip end touches the small bump (temperature sensor) and the two tiny receivers (PPG: heart rate sensors) touch the fatty pad of the fingertip. The 2nd and 4th finger rest on the brass sensors (GSR). For younger children or patients with smaller hands, the ear clip of finger sleeve should be used.

Prepping Children:

• The neuroPULSE has been designed to collect reliable HRV readings in newborns, infants and children. Because of their small hand size and “wiggly” behaviours two additional sensors can be used: an ear clip and a finger sleeve.
• The collection time for a child may be lowered to 2 minutes if there is concern about movement and attention. Ideally 3 minutes is the lower time limit for HRV collection.
• The earclip can be applied to any pulse point with the earlobe being the primary choice. Fingertips and toes are alternatives.
• The finger sleeve is another option available, especially for sensory children who do not like the feel of an ear clip. It can also be used in infants and newborns by slipping the middle finger into the sleeve.
• Restricting motion is the most important aspect of pulse wave collection. Once the sensor has been applied and the signal check is complete, the child’s hand or body position should be gently held in place. Parents can hug/hold infants and children can have the parent in the room to limit anxiety and movements.
• Having the child watch the pulse wave or listen to a parent or examiner talking can make the collection proceed accurately.
• An infant can be positioned to lie on the exam table supported by a pillow during this exam.