Some weeks ago, I met Mr. Marc Van Anderlecht, representing the company Uni-Com Medical  based in Belgium. Uni-Com is distributing in Belgium the products of QRS based in US and has managed to spread its products on numerous sites across Europe and Africa.

I tried some of them and I was impressed by the user-friendliness, accuracy and autonomy of these solutions. First, their 12 leads portable ECG can be plugged in any computer having a version of Windows installed and a software called Office Medic. This software can be interfaced with several Electronic Medical Records distributed by All Scripts, Cerner, CardioComm Solutions, iMedica and many others.

Results are displayed on-screen for quick assessment. A full set of diagnostic measurements are automatically interpreted by the advanced Louvaine Algorithm.

Other interesting products are the SpiroCard that brings full-function spirometry to off-the-shelf computers and handhelds,  the OxiCard PC Oximeter and the Blood Pressure Meter. The latter is an automated blood pressure meter that matches the quality and reliability of your old mercury manometer. It appears that, since aneroid manometers require regular calibration and mercury is banned in many countries, the digital BPCard is a practical solution for taking accurate blood pressure readings.

All this products do not additional batteries.

QRS software has been designed, tested, and proven on the Microsoft Windows® platform. It has been thoroughly tested by Microsoft in the Microsoft computing environment to offer enhanced stability, ease of use, and consistency.

In France they started to be used in Emergency situations, exploratory missions, GPs visits and various projects in Africa.  

Moreover, through the Numerical Solidarity Fund from Switzerland in cooperation with WHO, 1000 sites will be equipped across Africa with satellite stations, solar power central, mobile computer and Uni-Com, QRS devices allowing remote locations, small clinics and  hospitals to perform diagnostic exams and follow up impatient and chronic patients. Such stations are already installed in Burundi and Mali…

Moreover, the devices can be assembled into a diagnostic suitcase, particularly useful in difficult, wild environment. It has been tested during automobile competitions in the dessert and  it gave accurate results.

The specifications and the film have been kindly provided by Uni-Com.

Dr Octavian Purcarea

Global Solution Manager

Worldwide Health Team

Microsoft Corp.