The Hatteras Instruments model MC4000 Blood Pressure Analysis System is a totally automated computer controlled blood pressure analysis system that can be used with mice and rats. The system is non-invasive and can obtain 15 measurements in less than 15 minutes. Measurement results include the mean and standard deviation for pulse, systolic, diastolic and MAP. The diastolic pressure is measured, not calculated. The custom designed software includes a built-in database for saving and organizing the results data and allows the user to produce inquiries and generate reports. In addition, the waveform data can be saved for each measurement for later viewing and additional analysis.
The Specimen Platform has a removable specimen tray with animal holders that are magnetically coupled to the tray. The tray helps to contain any solids and liquids that result during measurements thus making clean up easier. It also protects the specimen platform. A vacuum fluorescent display provides system status during measurements. The computer controlled platform temperature is also displayed for each channel.
The LED and Sensor Assembly unit is accomplished with a very sensitive solid-state photodiode detector in combination with a high intensity light emitting diode. The specially designed "V" shaped sensor assembly helps stabilize the animals’ tail.
The specimen platform is connected to the power unit through a multi-conductor cable with DB-15 connectors. Communications between the specimen platform and the Hatteras Instruments MC4000 Blood Pressure Analysis Software is via a standard DB-9, RS-232 communications cable connected to any standard laptop or desktop computer running a Windows operating system. The system can be set-up and operational in just a few minutes!