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Heart Rhythm Scanner - FAQ


Heart Rhythm Scanner

Comprehensive Health Assessment system

In the USA for research and educational purpose only
Phone: 360-271-3293
E-mail: info@biocomtech.com
Online: Submit question
Select package type:
Full Edition (Resting HRV, Orthostatic & Baroreceptor tests)
Limited Edition (Resting HRV test only)
Select desired device:
USB Ear-clip
USB ECG
Bluetooth ECG
Selected device
Biocom HRS-07
$2,795.00

Usually shipped within 24 hours.

Description Practical use Support Warranty Customer feedback

Frequently Asked Questions:



Is it possible to take a sequence of 5-minute data segments out of recorded test to do their comparative HRV analysis?
The Heart Rhythm Scanner performs testing based on specific protocols. Each protocol consists of a number of tests of specific duration (typically 5-minutes). So you can create a protocol consisting of a sequence of 5-min tests and run them one after another. They will be automatically analyzed and compared in HRV report. If these segments must be recorded as one continuous pool of data, the software can run all tests without stops. Select 'View' menu option and clear 'Trial Dialog' menu option to run all tests without stops.


The software tells me that too much data is accumulated in the database. Removing raw ECG data is recommended. How can I do that? Can I do anything to avoid deleting ECG data?
According to the standards of HRV analysis it is essential to view ECG signal to do manual editing of heart rate data calculated by the software to remove all abnormal heartbeats. Once test data is edited and accurate HRV data is obtained, it is OK to delete respective ECG record. It can be done in HR editing mode. When you select specific test trial from the list for editing, you can remove ECG data by clicking respective button in that dialog box. However this deletion can be done only for each individual test trial not in bulk. If you wash to keep large volume of ECG recordings, you can do the following (however this requires good knowledge of Windows file system and principles of operations with files):
  • Make sure that you do not need any data editing for any of test records stored in the database.
  • Open “My Computer” (on your desktop or through Windows menu), then open “Local Disk (C:)”, then “Program Files”, then “Biocom Technologies”, then “Heart Rhythm Scanner” folder.
  • Create new folder in there where you will archive ECG data (e.g. “ECG Archive”).
  • Rename HRVECG file (it is of MDB Type) to assign a unique file name to it. We suggest adding date to the name, e.g. “HRVECG 051306”.
  • Move this renamed MDB file into archive folder. Do not use Copy option, because it will not free up database storage.
  • When you start the software next time, new empty HRVECG file will be automatically created and all new ECG records will be stored in it.
    At any time you can swap ECG storage files between active and archive folders to access old ECG records. Do not forget to properly rename both files because the software can access to ECG data only in HRVECG file located in active working folder. These files cannot be copied or moved to other copy of the software to access ECG data there!

Why should I edit heart rate data?
Although the software utilizes a sophisticated algorithm of detecting abnormal heartbeats or movement artifacts, it is recommended to verify the results of this detection with the best “tool” – your own eye. The software displays ECG or pulse wave signal and marks all heartbeats automatically detected. All normal heartbeats are marked with blue dots and abnormal ones with red dots. If you notice any heartbeats looking not normal but marked with blue, you can manually toggle them to red and vice versa. At any time you can revert any marker and recalculate HRV results to ensure highest reliability of your data.


I'm using Biocom 3000 ECG unit with the Heart Rhythm Scanner 2.0 for over a year. Until now it worked just fine. Now I got an error message "unable to initialize the device" or something like that. What should I do?
This error message indicates that the software is not able to communicate with the device for any of the following reasons:
  • Wrong software configuration;
  • Software failure;
  • USB port in your PC is not functioning;
  • Very low battery level in the ECG unit;
  • ECG unit is malfunctioning.
Case 1. The most typical situation is that the Heart Rhythm Scanner is configured to work with some other device rather than one being connected. To check and fix this problem:
  • Open the Heart Rhythm Scanner;
  • Select the “View” menu option;
  • Select the “Settings”;
  • Select the “Options”;
  • Make sure that the “Biocom 3000 ECG Unit” is selected in the “Signal Source” group;
  • Click OK to save this selection.
Case 2. Generally the Heart Rhythm Scanner software is very stable and functions well. However in very rare occasions it may become not responsive to detect the device. Close the software, reboot your PC and run the software again.

Case 3. To check if your USB port is functioning, use any standard USB device like mouse, keyboard, iPod, etc. that you normally connect to your PC via USB port. If it does not function as it should then try to use another USB port in your PC if available.

Case 4. Replace a 9V battery in your Biocom 3000 ECG unit and try to run the system again.

Case 5. Biocom 3000 ECG unit is a device automatically recognized by Windows as a human interface USB device. To check if Windows “sees” it please unplug the device, make sure your PC sound is turned on and plug the device back in. If Windows recognizes it you will hear a typical “device connect” beep sound. There will be no sound If Windows does not recognize it at all. This would mean that the device has a USB cable problem. Windows may throw a message balloon in the notification area (bottom right corner of the desktop screen) indicating that the device is not recognized. This would mean it is malfunctioning. However even if Windows recognizes the ECG unit, it could still be not properly used by the Heart Rhythm Scanner throwing that "unable to initialize the device" error message. This would mean that the device is not functional and needs repair. Our analysis indicates that in most cases this happens due to a static electricity shock fried its internal circuitry. So it would be wise to take all standard precautions to minimize risk of static discharge. It is also recommended to unplug the device from the USB port immediately after finishing your test recording.



What is the difference between the PPG and ECG?
PPG (or photoplethysmograph) is a physiological signal reflecting one’s pulse wave. It is obtained with a special optical sensor. One part of the sensor emits infrared light passing through soft tissues of an earlobe or fingertip. The other part of the sensor measures infrared light passing through the tissues. The blood flowing through the lighted area absorbs certain portion of the light. The more blood is flowing the more light is absorbed. So the sensor generates a signal showing fluctuations in infrared light caused by fluctuations in blood flow due to pulsations in blood vessels. This signal has a very distinctive waveform that is easy to use to detect heartbeats and measure heartbeat intervals.

ECG (or EKG or electrocardiograph) is another type of physiological signal reflecting one’s heart electrical activity. The heart generates electrical impulses spreading across its muscle tissue causing its well-organized contractions (aka heartbeats). ECG signal is measured by an ECG recording device with special electrodes placed on wrists or chest around heart area. The ECG signal also has a very distinctive waveform reflecting the process of spreading an electrical impulse over the heart. This signal can be easily processed to obtain heartbeat intervals.



 

Japanese customers only:

Any orders of inquiries for the purchase by or for Japanese entities or consumers in Japan must be placed with our exclusive distributor or its authorized distributors in Japan. For information please contact Ark Trading Pacific Corporation / Biocom Japan: norion@arktradingpacific.com at arktradingpacific.com

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