Crit-Line III

Crit-Line III is a fluid management and access monitoring tool incorporating the latest photo-optical technology to non-invasively measure absolute hematocrit, percent blood volume change, continuous oxygen saturation and access recirculation. The addition of TQA (transcutaneous) Access Blood Flow capability to the Crit-Line III provides the hemodialysis clinician with a state-of-the-art access management tool. Fluid management using hematocrit-based blood volume monitoring has been shown to be effective in optimizing dry weights, reducing hospitalizations, minimizing hypovolemic symptoms. Crit-Line simply provides the optimal patient care.

A disposable cuvette connected to the arterial side of the dialyzer and in-line with the blood tubing set allows the Crit-Line to non-invasively monitor whole blood parameters. Patented optical technology shines near-infrared light through the blood, specifically measuring the scattering and absorption characteristics of the red blood cell. The proprietary ratio metric formula provides real-time hematocrit and oxygen saturation.

TQA

TQA - Transcutaneous Access Blood Flow enables immediate assessment of the blood flow rate of the hemodialysis access. No longer is it necessary to reverse the blood lines and perform a lengthy and difficult procedure. TQA provides results in minutes and can be performed before, during or after the dialysis procedure.

The TQA Sensor pad uses an array of near-infrared diodes and detectors on a flexible sensor base. When properly positioned over the dialysis access, this specialized device in effect "sees" the blood in the vessel. A 20 ml bolus of normal saline dilutes the blood momentarily. This dilution is actually a percentage change of hematocrit detected through the skin and measured by the TQA system. Using standard Fick dilution principles the actual blood flow rate is calculated and displayed on the monitor - all within minutes.