FAQs

Q. how easy is it to use Bio-Clip?

A. the beauty of the Bio-Clip system is that it is very easy to use. It does not require any special skills to operate it. All that you need to do is have your Microsoft computer up and running when the Bio-Clip finger clip is attached via a USB port. The finger clip simply clips on to the end of a finger so the test is entirely non-invasive and painless.

Q. is it quick to perform a Bio Clip test?

A. yes, the Bio-Clip system is designed to be quick and efficient to use. The Bio-Clip finger clip takes a short recording of your pulse from your finger. The recording only needs to be 10-30 seconds in duration (up to 5 may be required) but from this short recording the Bio-Clip system is able to calculate your average pulse. The Bio-Clip system can then produce a typical pulse wave form from which it automatically derives your Stiffness Index (SI) and your Reflection Index (RI). The Bio-Clip system then determines your bio-vascular age which will tell you whether your arteries are older or younger than your actual chronological age. When considering how long will be required to perform a Bio-Clip test you should also factor in the fact that the person to be tested should preferably be given about 15 minutes prior to the test to stabilise.

Q. why is arterial stiffness so important to measure?

A. arterial stiffness provides an invaluable snapshot of the current health of your arteries and your cardiovascular system. Arterial stiffness is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. In particular, as the arteries stiffen the heart is forced to work harder and blood pressure increases. In fact, arterial stiffness is the leading cause of systolic hypertension (high blood pressure) in the elderly. But arterial stiffness is a silent killer – it is symptomless in many people until it is too late and they experience their first significant cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. However, if you know the state of your arteries then you can take appropriate preventative measures to try and ameliorate your risk.

Q. is Bio Clip suitable to use on everyone?

A. Bio-Clip can be successfully used on virtually everybody. However, those people with poor peripheral perfusion, such as those suffering from Reynaud’s syndrome or those with very cold hands (i.e. persons who are hypothyroid), may struggle to achieve a proper recording. It’s advisable to ensure, therefore, that Bio Clip testing is performed in a warm, comfortable environment. Also, it may be difficult to obtain accurate results for people with very low or high blood pressure. This is because the direct and reflective elements of their pulse overlap too much. Finally, people suffering from dysrhythmia (abnormal, irregular cardiac rhythms) may also struggle to produce accurate Bio Clip results. However with more than 20,000 recorded tests to date, it is noted that less than 2% of the population are unable to obtain a Bio-Clip test result.

Q. does blood pressure affect results?

A. yes, SI in particular is affected by blood pressure (more so than heart rate). This is why it is best not to have eaten or drunk anything a couple of hours beforehand, in particular caffeine laced sodas and coffee should be avoided.

Q. does exercise effect the results?

A. yes, RI in particular can vary due to the effects of exercise RI relating to breathing and heart rate. Bio-Clip testing should be performed when a person is breathing normally and not when they have just finished a cardio workout. Indeed, it’s advisable to avoid excessive exercise in the 24 hours prior to testing so that good quality data can be obtained.

Q. what operating systems are required for running Bio-Clip?

A. the Bio-Clip software currently works with either Microsoft XP or Microsoft Vista operating systems. Navigation through the database is either via the Bio-Clip software or Microsoft Access. License holders will receive additional software updates such as Windows 7 applications as they happen.

Q. why are there additional fees for future years of use with the Bio-Clip?

A. Bio-Clip represents excellent value when it is compared to existing technologies that report stiffness index, the annual fees payable in the second year of use guarantees that you continue to receive updates for your unit and continue to have unlimited use/ access to the software technology. Consider that most of the arterial wave velocity testing machines on the market today cost between $4000 and $7500 and you may begin to understand that BioClip at its retail price of $1295 and its annual fee of a few hundred Dollars makes a lot of financial sense!

Q. is BioClip government approved?

A. Bio-Clip has not sought medical approval because the process would add a great deal of expense which would then have to be reflected in the cost of the unit. Instead Bio-Clip is aimed at the health and fitness market so that people can help improve their overall condition and monitor the general condition of their arteries.

Q. we are currently using the Atcor Sphygmocor. How does your device compare?

A. the Atcor Sphygmocor provides a continuous real-time derivation of the aortic pressure wave and key cardiovascular parameters, allowing beat-to-beat monitoring of the definitive blood pressure of the patient. The system is ideally suited for anaesthesiology and intensive care environments. Other markers, including Augmentation Index are offered which relate to Arterial Stiffness amongst other factors, all are derived from looking at blood pressure via tonometry which can be a skilled operation under certain circumstances, and slightly invasive where lower torso measurements can be taken. Essentially, this is looking at Pulse Wave Velocity derived from pressure measurement. The BioCLIP device, software and programme use the same algorithm as current approved British made diagnostic equipment. These algorithms have been compared and correlated against the Gold Standard Atcor device with appreciable statistical value and both devices capable of measuring Pulse Wave Velocity via pressures taken from the Carotid/Femoral track very accurately. The software that we have uses pulse values captured via “volume” changes in the flow detected at the digit and calculated velocities, a mathematical transfer factor having been used to convert radial pressure to digit volume and again a good correlation between PWV and PCA (Pulse Contour Analysis - volume) achieved which has then been assimilated into a “Stiffness Index” which compares Large Artery stiffness values against a database of “normal” values obtained in study. So to answer your question in summary, our BioCLIP and software remain strictly “screening” for “health and fitness purposes” in its use as opposed to the "medical" Atcor device which is much more expensive but obviously has diagnostic and deeper clinical value. However, both devices and our programme are able to identify “stiff arteries” but under very different procedures and time scales which I am sure you can appreciate.