All About Vital Signs Monitors

An in Depth Discussion on the types of Vital Signs Monitors and their Configurations

In busy hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities worldwide, vital signs monitoring is a crucial element in diagnoses and treatment plans. While they are essential tools in virtually every healthcare facility and medical examination, these monitors can be cumbersome, confusing, and overly expensive, causing healthcare professionals unnecessary frustration.

Essentials of a Vital Signs Monitor

A Vital Signs Monitor must be able to retrieve four vital biological indicators. They are, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and oxygen rate (or SpO2).

Most models are capable of retrieving blood pressure information automatically, in about 30 seconds. The Spot Vital Signs LXi is able to do it in less half that time; in under 15 seconds. Later on I will go into more detail about this product.

Temperature and SpO2 data is collected at the same time and displayed. Models differ in their storing and connectivity abilities. Most models are capable of connecting with an EMR system. Some, such as the Connex VSM, are capable of doing so wirelessly. I will go into more detail about this product later.

Buying medical equipment, especially complicated devices like vital signs monitors, can be a daunting task. With myriad perplexing options and astronomical prices, it can be challenging for even the most experienced and savvy healthcare professional or purchaser. 


The following is an overview of the four most popular vital signs monitoring systems used by physicians and clinics. To read more detailed information, follow the links to the individual product pages. There you can view manuals, brochures, specifications, and a comprehensive description of each vital signs system.

ADC ADView®  9000 

ADC ADview® 9000

Diagnostics product leader ADC has partnered with premier blood pressure technology innovator Suntech to create the first – and only – completely modular diagnostic station that grows with your needs: the revolutionary ADview® 9000™Modular Diagnostic Station. It may be purchased fully configured with pulse oximetry and temperature modules and/or wireless EMR connectivity with Bluetooth®. Alternatively, one may buy the basic model – with blood pressure measurement only – with potential to expand and upgrade at any time with additional modules and accessories.

Spot Vital Signs® LXi

Spot Vital Signs® and Spot Vital Signs® LXi

Welch Allyn’s fully automated, multiparameter Spot VitalSigns® and Spot Vital Signs® LXi devices have become the gadgets of choice for frontline caregivers world-wide. Their fast and accurate readings increase productivity in high-volume, fast-paced settings, and their intuitive design and training materials make them easy to learn and simple to use. Available in several configurations to suit every practitioner’s needs and budget, the versatile Spot Vital Signs® devices automatically measure blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and/or SpO2 for adult and pediatric patients. All information is dynamically communicated via a large, easy-to-read LCD display. 

Connex® VSM System 

Connex® VSM

In facilities across the country, healthcare providers struggle with the challenges caused by the communications gap that separates a facility’s clinical network or EHR and its medical device data. The nursing staff often traverses this divide with a pen and paper. Why compromise your EMR investment by relying on manual transcription of vital signs? The Connex®VSM is an advanced, touch screen monitor featuring bright, vivid colors and a fully modular design. It provides wireless transmission of patient vitals data from the point of care into the patient chart in your EMR, eliminating transcription errors. It may be purchased in basic or standard form and with or without pulse oximetry, thermometry, and/or integrated thermal printer.

Welch Allyn 300 Series Vital Signs Monitor

Welch Allyn 300® Series

Today’s clinicians are under constant pressure to improve outcomes, boost operating efficiencies and lower costs every day. It’s a daunting challenge, but one that can be made a little easier with the Welch Allyn 300 Series Vital Signs Monitor—an affordable vital signs monitor that’s flexible, customizable, and easy to use. It provides automated vital signs before, during and after procedures. Its simple, push-button menu operation and bright display allow you to easily obtain the important information you need, enhancing productivity and patient rapport. The 300 Series monitor is fully customizable, with myriad standard features and potential to upgrade at any time with optional pulse oximetry, oral thermometer, and/or integrated thermal printer.