Localised impedance monitoring device for the remote clinical assessment of home-based dialysis patients.

BioImpedance Spectroscopy (BIS) has been clinically used to determine the hydrational status of patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). In the present project we are developing a calf-localised, integrated impedimetric device to periodically and conveniently measure and transmit information on the hydrational status of home-based patients to a remote clinic. Surprisingly, we have found that simple postural changes before or during measurement lead to significant fluid shifts in the lower leg that are as important and as long lasting as the effects of haemodialysis. These must be taken into account if potentially hazardous errors are not to be made in assessing a patient's hydrational status.