|
In-laboratory polysomnography systems are offering greater flexibility through technological advances in wireless technology, data transmission, and networking.
Many systems now integrate lightweight diagnostic amplifier systems that can be worn by the patient without cumbersome cables.
Using wireless technology in a traditional overnight test could help patients adjust more readily to the sleep center environment and produce more accurate results.
In addition to improving patient comfort, sleep laboratories can avoid the cost of hard-wiring testing rooms. Signals from the electrodes and sensors are digitized and then transmitted wirelessly to the monitoring system. 
It is important to note the range a wireless unit offers and if there will be any interference with other devices being used at the same time.
Advances in technology also are expanding sleep laboratories' reach. As hospitals achieve greater connectivity capabilities, sleep centers can provide remotely attended sleep studies in inpatient settings.
Technologists can view patient data and video collected at the bedside in real-time to check on patients and electrode connections. Wireless systems can experience brief lapses in transmissions, so it's important to record the PSG data simultaneously at the bedside and save it on removable memory cards.
As sleep centers pursue wireless initiatives, they also should consider that many hospitals are moving to electronic medical records, and all wireless infrastructure must comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act security requirements.
|