Enabling Reliable Field Based Medical Testing

We were approached by a leading medical company to create a point-of-care (PoC) medical device designed for use in remote areas where electricity is not readily accessible. As an ISO 13485 certified company, we ensured the device met stringent medical quality standards while incorporating a touchscreen display for operators to interact with using medical gloves, and clearly display analysis results derived from blood samples.

Challenge of Remote Operation

The goal was to develop a cost-effective, scalable, robust and portable device capable of operating in the field, with no consistent access to power. Additionally, the device needed to undergo medical certification and maintain functionality for an entire working day on a single battery charge.

Proof of Concept

To start, the customer wanted to establish a proof of concept (PoC) for the device. They chose one of our rapid development kits, to prototype the initial version of the device. 

This kit provided an excellent foundation, offering the necessary hardware and software support for rapid testing and evaluation. It was a perfect choice for the early stages of development, as it enabled the customer to explore the device's feasibility and assess the design before committing to full-scale production.

The next step was to develop a smaller, lower-power version of the device that would meet medical certification standards and be capable of running all day on a single battery charge. As mass production partners we ensured the design could be produced as cost effectively as possible without compromise in quality, so every aspect of the design was scrutinised for optimisation and long continuous production life.

The final design included an upgraded i.MX8 system on module (SoM), known for its efficiency, processing power, and versatility in embedded computing applications. We also designed a custom carrier board, tailored to ensure the device met all the necessary medical certification and regulatory standards, providing robust connectivity and ensuring long-term reliability in the field.

For the user interface we designed a customised sunlight readable 7.0" TFT display with neoprene glove enabled capacitive touch and bespoke cover glass, providing a robust and responsive interface for operators to interact with the device. The high-resolution, high contrast optically bonded display ensured clear visibility of test results, while the capacitive touch capability allowed for precise input even in demanding environments.

Our Value in Medical Device Development

Leveraging our product enablement process, we developed a scalable, low-power PoC medical device tailored to the customer’s needs, accelerating time to market, minimising risk, and enabling their team to focus on core functionality.

Through close collaboration from concept to production, we delivered an optimised, regulation-compliant design, combining embedded systems and display technology to meet operational requirements like long battery life and medical certification, ensuring a robust, reliable solution ready for mass production.

Contact us if you are looking to develop your next breakthrough device