Handheld spectrum analyzer; solution to nuclear-powered obsolete monitors; cross-contamination shield; and shrouded leads introduced.

Handheld Spectrum Analyzer provides Flexibility, Portability
Willtek Communications (Indianapolis) announces its 9101 handheld spectrum analyzer. The 9101 is totally portable and replaces much larger, PC-based units, which is beneficial to those in the biomedical industry who must transport large, cumbersome units on carts in hospitals or multi-physician practices, according to Mark Aronson, Willtek sales engineer.

In the biomedical industry, critical spectrum analyzer applications include testing and troubleshooting medical monitoring devices; identifying internal and external interference sources; and retrieving lost probes, antennas, and monitoring devices.

With a frequency range of 100 KHz to 4 GHz, the 9101 can test all modern wireless local oscillators. The 140° viewing angle and color display with enhanced graphics provide a perfect view of all details. Manual operation is easy with many marker functions, storage of setups, and user-defined limit templates. With the built-in remote-control capability via RS-232 or LAN, the 9101 also is used in monitoring and automated test environments.

For more information, call Willtek (317) 595-2037, or visit the company Web site at www.willtek.com.

Solution to Nuclear-Powered Obsolete Monitors Offered
Cardinal Health Inc (Cleveland) announces the availability of Victoreen Radiation Monitors to replace legacy monitors. The Victoreen Model 940-1 off-line gaseous effluent monitor features a universal digital ratemeter with dynamic range up to 107 CPM, scintillation-type detectors, open-frame skid construction for ease of maintenance, positive-displacement–type pumping system, and automatic pressure compensation for gas density.

Model 940-5 features a beta-scintillation detector operated in the current mode for noble gas monitoring, has a range of 10-3–105 µCi/cc, includes particulate and iodine filters, offers sample flow in direct proportion to process flow, may be adapted to an existing normal range monitor, and contains an automatic purge of sample system prior to filter changes.

For more information, call Cardinal (440) 248-9300, or visit the company Web site at www.cardinal.com.

Shield Reduces Cross-contamination Risk
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee issued guidelines that called for the use of protective coverings for noncritical equipment surfaces that are touched frequently with gloved hands during patient care, are likely to become contaminated with bodily substances, or are hard to clean.

To aid hospitals in complying with these guidelines, Biotronix Clinical Engineering (Amarillo, Tex) has introduced the CTD Shield, a disposable product that can significantly aid in reducing the risks associated with cross-contamination when implemented as recommended. The shield can help reduce cleaning and repairs to patient control units due to liquids, bodily fluids, and chemicals.

The shield, constructed from 1.5-mil polyurethane film, is available in a variety of sizes to custom fit many nurse-call devices.

For more information, call (916) 635-0532, or visit the distribution Web site at www.medxshield.com.

Shrouded Leads Ensure Safety
The Bioconnect division of RF Industries (San Diego) announces the release of a full series of lead wires with touch-proof pin terminations that satisfy the Food and Drug Administration’s mandate for safety lead wires. These shrouded "0.080" pins accept all leads with standard 0.080-inch DIN socket terminations and meet DIN 42802-2 and IEC 60601-1 sub 56.3(c) specifications.

The pins are overmolded with a polypropylene shroud and integral strain relief, which ensures long use and ease of sterilization when required. This shrouded pin series contains leads with pin-to-pin, pin-to-socket, and pin-to-alligator clip configurations and are available in standard colors and lengths.

For more information, call (800) 233-1728 or (858) 549-6340, or visit RF Industries’ Web site at www.biocables.com.