DOST gives PGH medical devices that reduce contact between COVID-19 patients, frontliners

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has delivered 106 units of RxBox, a device capable of simultaneously measuring an individual's vital signs, to the Philippine General Hospital.

According to the DOST, the RxBox is a multi-component biomedical device that is capable of measuring a patient's temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, uterine contractions, and electrocardiogram readings.

The DOST said the devices will provide an efficient way for healthcare workers to monitor multiple patients at once.

Dealing with a highly infectious disease like COVID-19, these devices will be helpful since "it can reduce contact between patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and healthcare workers."

The following are the features of the RxBox:

• Blood Pressure Monitor - Measures the patient’s blood pressure
• Pulse Oximeter - Measures the level of oxygen in the patient’s blood
• Electrocardiogram - Monitors the heart’s movement to pump blood throughout the body
• Fetal Heart Monitor - Measures the baby’s heart rate while in the womb 
• Maternal Tocometer - Measures the strength of a mother’s uterine contractions during labor and delivery 

Meanwhile, 894 more RxBox units will be distributed to selected health care facilities.

The RxBox was developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Manila and Diliman with support from the DOST, through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development. -MDM, GMA News