QRS Diagnostic Secures 510K Approval for its New BPCard(TM) Device

MINNEAPOLIS and ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the HIMSS Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla., QRS Diagnostic, leader in innovative design and development of software-based medical devices contained in computer cards, announces that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued 510K approval for QRS to market its new BPCard(TM), the world's first and only PC Card digital blood pressure monitor. BPCard gives users precise, digital blood pressure readings in seconds using HP iPAQ(TM) Pocket PCs or laptop computers. QRS is demonstrating the device at HIMSS Booth 5427.

"Digital blood pressure measurement with BPCard standardizes data collection, improves accuracy and eliminates human error," says Spencer Lien, chief executive officer, QRS Diagnostic. "The addition of BPCard to our line of computer card devices for spirometry, pulse oximetry and electrocardiography extends our product platform for use by providers in virtually any health care setting."

BPCard utilizes QRS Diagnostic's patented computer card technology to integrate complete blood pressure instrumentation into a Type II (PCMCIA) PC Card. BP Card incorporates the patented Quantum BP(TM) algorithm for unparalleled accuracy. The blood pressure cuff connects directly to the PC Card device. By simply sliding BPCard into the PC Card slot of a Pocket PC or standard laptop computer, physicians and nurses instantly have a full function, mobile digital blood pressure monitor that can send data into electronic medical records.

QRS distributors will begin delivering BPCard to customers in the U.S. later in 2004. At HIMSS, QRS is releasing the beta version of its BPCard SDK (Software Developer's Kit). BPCard SDK enables third-party software development and integration with clinical information systems.

BPCard is the second new QRS device to receive 510K approval in the past ten months. The FDA has also approved the company's EKGCard(TM) diagnostic electrocardiograph, built into a Type II (PCMCIA) PC Card. It is the world's smallest and lightest 12-channel electrocardiograph device in the medical device market today. The electrode leads connect directly to new EKGCard, eliminating the need for a separate cable between the device and the leads.

BPCard and EKGCard, like all QRS software-based, computer card medical devices, communicate to the company's Office Medic(TM) Integrated Data Management System (IDMS), providing clinicians with instant access to diagnostic data anywhere on their computer networks. Office Medic interfaces with electronic medical record systems.

About QRS Diagnostic

Founded in 1994, QRS Diagnostic, Plymouth, Minn., uses innovative software technology to design and develop FDA-approved medical devices that simplify and reduce the costs of diagnostic testing and patient monitoring. With our patented computer card technology platform, QRS turns PDAs, laptops and handheld PCs into modular, upgradeable and portable medical devices and streamlines the collection and communication of precise physiological data. We enable primary care physicians to cost-effectively practice high-tech medicine while delivering the accuracy that specialists and hospitals demand. The affordability, durability and mobility of QRS devices also advance patient monitoring for home health care, disease management, and personal health management. For more information on QRS, please visit http://www.qrsdiagnostic.com/ .

QRS Diagnostic

CONTACT: David Aquilina, Communications Consultant, +1-612-922-5551,
davidaquilina@msn.com , or Jamaica Thatcher, Marketing Manager,
+1-763-559-8492, ext. 953, jthatcher@QRSdiagnostic.com , both of QRS
Diagnostic

Web site: http://www.qrsdiagnostic.com/http://conference.himss.org/asp/index.asp