At the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Congress in San Juan, Puerto Rico, earlier this month, Minn.-based Hutchinson Technology was on hand to demonstrate their InSpectra StO2 tissue oxygenation monitor.
Typically, the trade show floor at a critical care conference is full of ICU technology, most of it large, bulky and unsuited to the rough prehospital environment.
The InSpectra, however, is a portable, lightweight, battery operated device that measures oxygen saturation at the thenar area on the palm.
Measurement of tissue microcirculation saturation (StO2) is a great predictor of hypoperfusion (or shock, as redefined in the new EMS Educational Standards) and it has been studied in both EMS and Air Medical applications.
Since you can no longer buy an FDA approved point-of-care lactic acid meter, maybe the InSpectra will be your next prehospital tool?
 Photo Mike McEvoy The InSpectra was on display at the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Congress
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