freequently asked questions and downloads

frequently asked questions

• what signals can be measured?
• which species can be studied with emka TECHNOLOGIES telemetry?
• what type of ecg data can I acquire using the emkaPACK transmitter?
• can I use the emkaPACK transmitter for eeg measurements?
• is t-PRESS a feasible alternative to use of implants for measuring blood pressure?
• is it feasible to measure blood pressure noninvasively in ambulatory animals?
• can I measure respiratory parameters noninvasively?
• how long does it take to equip one animal?
• can I do continuous recordings over 3 days?
• can I use rechargeable batteries in the emkaPACK?
• can I use the emkaPACK with my existing transducers?
• I thought that cross-talk occurred in more than 32 subjects...
• what is calibration?
• how often does the telemetry system have to be calibrated?
• which data acquisition software can I use with with the emkaPACK?
• can I record video with the telemetry systems?
• is the telemetry system open?
• what sort of data can ecgAUTO read?
• is emka TECHNOLOGIES software compatible with glp / 21 cfr part 11?
• is it possible to change ecg configuration, e.g. from 6-lead ecg to 7-lead ecg ?

what signals can be measured?

Each transmitter (emkaPACK) simultaneously can transmit the follownig signals:

• ecg (1- 6- 7-lead)
• activity from 3-axis accelerometer
• skin temperature
• respiration with lung volume >> emkaBELT
• noninvasive blood pressure via a cuff (nibp)
• blood pressure via an implanted vascular access port (vap)

> view examples of acquired data | top of page |

which species can be studied with emka TECHNOLOGIES telemetry?

The telemetry system can be used to acquire biological data from large subjects such as dogs, primates, pigs and minipigs.

emkaTECHNOLOGIES can supply custom-made clothing for different species:

• jackets and undershirts for dogs
• jackets and undershirts for primates
• jackets for swine

| top of page |

what type of ecg data can I acquire using the emkaPACK transmitter?

As part of a telemetry set-up, the emkaPACK transmitter may be used for acquiring:

• 1 lead (1 bipolar lead / 3 electrodes)
• 6 leads (3 Einthoven bipolar and 3 Goldberger unipolar leads / 4 electrodes)
• 7 leads (3 Einthoven bipolar, 3 Goldberger unipolar and 1 unipolar chest lead / 5 electrodes)

| top of page |

can I use the emkaPACK transmitter for eeg measurements?

Each type of bioelectric potential has a characteristic amplitude, frequency, signal-noise ratio, etc. and requires specially designed components. Currently, the emkaPACK telemetry system is designed to measure ecg only. However please let us know if you are interested in measuring other biopotentials. Our aim is to satisfy our customers' requirements.

| top of page |

is it feasible to measure blood pressure noninvasively in ambulatory animals?

We developed the nibp module to meet the demand for a reliable noninvasive system for measuring blood pressure in unrestrained large animals.

Researchers are aware of some of the inherent limitations of noninvasive measurement but realise the value of obtaining blood pressure data during long-term external telemetry recording sessions. emka TECHNOLOGIES is the first company to offer the ability to measure blood pressure completely noninvasively in freely moving animals.

As of mid-March 2009, the nibp module from emka TECHNOLOGIES was undergoing testing by a CRO. Preliminary results based on 1000 hours of data from 40 dogs indicate that from 60% to 90% of inflation cycles produce reliable data.

The system has the following features:

• very low recurring costs
• software automatically rejects noisy waveforms (as determined by user-adjustable criteria)
• ability to review and edit data beat by beat (i.e. it is not a "black box" recording)
• rapid acclimation to cuffs and custom-designed clothing
• protective clothing developed for group settings

| top of page |

is t-PRESS a feasible alternative to use of implants for measuring blood pressure?

The use of a pressure sensor (t-PRESS unit) in combination with a vascular access port (VAP) is today a feasible alternative and in many cases advantageous to use of implants alone:

• t-PRESS + VAP is minimally invasive (subcutaneous)
• little or no recurring costs
• high fidelity, very low drift
• t-PRESS has indefinite lifetime
• easy calibration
• last but not least, verifiable accurate pressure measurements!

In short, VAP pressure measurements are accurate, reliable, and extremely cost-effective. Furthermore, the technique is associated with minimal histopathological changes in animals implanted for up to a year (Bartoli et al., 2007 - abstract).

| top of page |

can I measure respiratory parameters noninvasively?

Yes!

emkaBELT is the emkaPACK module for customers who want to acquire lung volume in a noninvasive manner from large subjects such as dogs, primates and pigs. It is based on respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP), a proven technology for quantitative and qualitative measurements.

> see the emkaBELT | top of page |

how long does it take to equip one animal?

Less than 5 minutes!

Clothing has been manufactured according to our specifications, and both the emkaPACK transmitter and emkaBELT respiration belts are easy to apply and comfortable for subjects. The emkaPACK and external emkaBELT devices fit snugly inside the jacket pockets.

> see equiped dog subject| top of page |

can I do continuous recordings over 3 days?

Yes!

The emkaPACK transmitter runs on two AA/R6 alkaline batteries, which allow for continuous acquisition for an average of 80 hours (with acquisition of 7-lead ecg and activity).

Of course, the runtime is reduced if the transmission power of the emkaPACK has to be increased or if you use modules for the acquisition of other types of signals (noninvasive blood pressure, noninvasive lung volume...)

| top of page |

can I use rechargeable batteries in the emkaPACK?

Yes, but it is recommended to use single-use batteries to reduce the risk and the duration of recording gaps during experimental sessions. This is because:

single-use batteries generally provide current for longer than fully-charged rechargeable batteries

single-use batteries generally have a more gradual discharge curve. This means that they will reach full discharge 3-4 hours after the 'low-battery' warning goes on (versus 10-15 minutes with most rechargeable batteries).

| top of page |

can I use the emkaPACK with my existing transducers?

One of the connectors on the emkaPACK can receive a signal from any strain-gauge transducer in the range 0-3V.

| top of page |

I thought that cross-talk occurred in more than 32 subjects...

The telemetry-over-Ethernet (ToE) systems can be used in 32-200 subjects simultaneously because the same frequencies are reused. A frequency manager ensures that transmitter/receiver pairs using the same frequency are sufficiently distant from each other. Furthermore, the manager can modify the frequency of a transmitter/receiver pair during an experiment, to optimise the signal quality without interrupting acquisition.

| top of page |

what is calibration?

Calibration, an essential operation for any data acquisition system, must be done to allow the system to convert the voltage at one end of the data acquisition chain (from the transducer) into the actual quantity at the other end of the chain (displayed onscreen by the acquisition software). Calibration involves application of a quantity (voltage, pressure, force etc.) of known value.

The calibration of all electronic components and systems needs to be verified regularly to account for voltage 'drift' that occurs due to wear and tear of components, operating environment and storage conditions, etc.

| top of page |

how often does the telemetry system have to be calibrated?

The telemetry system is calibrated at installation, and must be verified annually thereafter. You may also perform calibration more often if necessary. As for each type of signal, calibration should be performed as often as necessary.

In other words, there are no general rules - the frequency of calibration is imposed by internal regulations or is indicated in certain situations, e.g. exposure to highly variable temperature, humidity, shock etc.

The exceptions are the activity and temperature options which are factory calibrated. They are both designed to provide a constant signal over time.

| top of page |

which data acquisition software can I use with with the telemetry system?

In most systems, any data acquisition software can be used though we recommend the use of iox2.

| top of page |

can I record video with the telemetry systems?

Yes !

Data acquisition software by emka TECHNOLOGIES can acquire signals from the video camera.

> see synchronized video ecg recordings| top of page |

is the telemetry system open?

Yes !

emka TECHNOLOGIES is committed to the continued production of open data acquisition and analysis systems. An open system allows software and hardware from multiple manufacturers to be used together, in any combination that suits the investigator's needs. Open systems can lower cost sand offer enhanced features not available in closed, proprietary systems.

| top of page |

can ecgAUTO read ecg files produced by different data acquisition programs?

Yes!

Most of our customers use ecgAUTO to process data files recorded using iox2 (data acquisition software).

However we can also provide data conversion tools for customers who use other data acquisition systems, specifically:

files created by Dataquest (DSI's software)

files created by Ponemah (now owned by DSI)

any text files exported from data files

For customers running a DSI™ telemetry system with DSI™ OpenArt™ software v2.3 or higher: emka TECHNOLOGIES has developed a direct data link: a single PC runs OpenArt™ and iox2 simultaneously so that data flow seamlessly in real-time from the implants to iox.

| top of page |

is emka TECHNOLOGIES software compatible with glp / 21 cfr part 11?

glp compliance facilitates the conduct of studies, promotes their full and accurate reporting, and guarantees data integrity.

All emka TECHNOLOGIES software are 100% compatible with glp requirements for strict toxicology, safety pharmacology, and general pharmacology applications. They also provide you with an easy and reliable solution for a 21 cfr part 11-compliant environment.

All our telemetry systems have also been designed with glp- and 21 cfr part 11-compliance in mind.

Software features include:

data integrity and accountability

eSIGN - adds encrypted electronic signature to electronic records

studyMANAGEMENT - to attach study tags to files associated with a given study

auditSERVER - logs all user actions that have an effect on generated data

usersMANAGEMENT - for controlled user access

direct link for secure data transfer to your in-house database or LIMS

> learn about our validation services
> download our validation services brochures

emka TECHNOLOGIES features on the list of vendors of 21 cfr part 11-compliant solutions of > www.21cfrpart11.com

| top of page |

is it possible to change ecg configuration, e.g. from 6-lead ecg to 7-lead ecg?

Yes, it is possible to change ecg configuration. However, the system must be adapted by using appropriate cable and reconfiguring emkaPACK transmitter internal software (this is done by emka TECHNOLOGIES).

Correct cable and reconfiguration are particularly important if you decide to 'down-grade' ecg configuration (e.g. 7-lead to 6-lead, or 6-lead to 1-lead). If the appropriate cable is not used, unused electrodes may cause interference. To ensure accurate signals, every wire of the ecg cable must be connected to the subject, regardless of whether its signal will be acquired.

| top of page |