Biomedical instrumentation measures biological, chemical or physical quantities and converts them into information for research, monitoring, diagnosis or treatment. A typical measurement chain includes a sensor or electrode, analogue front end, isolation and protection, signal conditioning, conversion, processing, display, storage and communication. Each stage affects accuracy, noise, latency and patient safety.
The articles below introduce bioelectric signals, electrodes, physiological transducers, recorders and pulse-rate measurement. Biomedical devices must be evaluated for their intended use and environment, including calibration, biocompatibility where relevant, electrical safety, usability, software validation, data integrity, privacy and cybersecurity. Consumer wearable readings are not automatically equivalent to measurements from a regulated clinical device.
