Test and Measurement

The Center for Remote Health Technologies and Systems (CRHTS) provides a range of test and measurement capabilities for research, validation and verification of materials, optoelectronics and mechanical systems. CRHTS researchers can conduct validation test reports and develop custom test validation and verification systems for new materials and devices for a wide range of medical device, patient and fitness-monitoring applications.

In vitro Monitoring and Wearable Technology Test

CRHTS partners with industry to validate final commercial designs for medical and wearable devices such as smart phones and fitness bands. The center’s unique in vitro test system uses a combination of pumps and fluid control to simulate the heart and vascular system; tissue and blood phantoms to mimic important optical properties of tissue including varying skin tone; and advanced automation and motion control to simulate various physical activities such as running, jumping and waving. This in vitro test-and-measurement system enables clients to accurately compare devices using repeatable validation test protocols that reduce cost and time compared to the use of animal or human subject tests. In addition, a highly repeatable in vitro test protocol allows developers of new algorithms, sensors and mechanical designs to iterate on corner case conditions in order to improve performance without using highly variable animal or human subject trials.

Biomaterials Test

CRHTS researchers work with leading companies to develop and test biomaterials in a wide range of applications, including anti-fouling coatings and self-cleaning membranes for glucose monitoring devices.

Biomechanical Tests

CRHTS has a full suite of mechanical testing systems including stress and strain measurement systems, shear stress measurement systems, fluidic monitoring, and full body biomechanical imaging systems.

Imaging Systems Design Validation

CRHTS works with leading imaging companies to test and validate new designs for ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging coils, phased array systems and optical imaging modalities.

In vivo Preclinical and Clinical Monitoring

CRHTS researchers test and validate devices that include a variety of vital sign and physiological measurements such as pulse rate, oximetery, SpO2, step activity (accelerometer and altimeter), heart rate variability, ECG, blood pressure and more preclinical/clinical devices.

Center Researchers*

Gerard Coté, Biomedical Engineering
Melissa Grunlan, Biomedical Engineering
Tracy Hammond, Computer Science and Engineering
John Hanks, Biomedical Engineering
Sam Mabbott, Biomedical Engineering
Michael Moreno, Mechanical Engineering
Limei Tian, Biomedical Engineering

* Disclaimer – Each Faculty Member has individual research laboratories, where they conduct specific research structured to their particular field.

Facilities

Texas A&M Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Radiofrequency Lab
Texas A&M Biomaterials Lab
Texas A&M Optical Biosensing Lab
Class 10,000 Cleanroom
Chemistry Lab
Prototype Lab
Electronics Lab
Biosafety Lab – Level 2

Equipment

National Instruments test systems and test software
National Instruments FPGA control systems
Actuator/Axial torsion test systems
In vitro wearable test platform
Instron mechanical test systems
Multi axis motion control systems
Nanoparticle tracking analysis
Polymer characterization
NMR and FTIR spectroscopy
Chomatography
Ellipsometer
Particle image velocimetry
Dynamic mechanical analysis system
Moch artery circulation system
Scanning electron microscopes
Atomic force microscopes
Confocal microscopes
Fluorescent microscopes