The MC4000 Blood Pressure Analysis System is a totally automated computer controlled blood pressure analysis system that can be used with mice and rats. The system is non-invasive and can simultaneously obtain 15 measurements in less than 15 minutes on four animals. Measurement results include the mean and standard deviation for pulse, systolic, diastolic and MAP. The diastolic pressure is measured, not calculated. The custom designed software includes a built-in database for saving and organizing the results data and allows the user to produce inquiries and generate reports. In addition, the waveform data can be saved for each measurement for later viewing and additional analysis.
The Specimen Platform has a removable specimen tray with animal holders that are magnetically coupled to the tray. The tray helps to contain any solids and liquids that result during measurements thus making clean up easier. It also protects the specimen platform. A vacuum fluorescent display provides system status during measurements. The computer controlled platform temperature is also displayed for each channel.
Pulse detection is accomplished with a very sensitive solid-state photodiode detector in combination with a high intensity light emitting diode. The specially designed “V” shaped sensor assembly helps stabilize the animals’ tail.
The Power Unit supplies electrical power and air to the Specimen Platform. Dual Specimen Platforms can be supplied from a single Power Unit.
The animal holders are especially designed to minimize the difficulty of securing untrained animals when making blood pressure measurements. This system is supplied standard with size 1 specimen holders for either mice or rats. Different size holders are available separately.
Measurement waveform data collected by the MC4000 is automatically saved and can be retrieved by the user at any time for additional analysis. Measurement results are also automatically saved and in addition to being incorporated into the database they can be exported to any common spreadsheet software program. Another function of the software supplied with the system allows the user to retrieve a stored measurement and extract the waveform data in .csv format with the time and voltage levels reported as text values.
The MC4000 can be expanded for dual platform operation by adding another specimen platform. The platforms are connected to the power unit through a molded DB15 cable. Connection of the platform to a portable or desktop computer is through a standard RS232 serial port with a null-modem cable.
Viewing Waveforms
While obtaining measurements, the signal waveform is displayed in real-time. The data is scrolled on the display screen rather than repeatedly redrawn as is standard with other systems. When the waveform data is viewed after saving, the amplitude and time axis can be scaled for an up close view of any portion of the waveform. In addition, the waveform graph can be copied and pasted into common software such as Word for Windows®, PowerPoint® or many others. This feature allows a researcher to produce efficient and professional looking reports.The MC4000 Blood Pressure Analysis System includes:
• Custom Blood Pressure Analysis Software
• Power/Utility Unit
• Multi-channel Specimen Platform with 4 size 1 specimen holders for either mice or rats
• Airline, power cables, interconnect cables
• Accessory Kit (contains tail-cuff balloons, tool for making end caps, etc.)
• Operator’s Manual
The following is optional equipment:
• Additional specimen platform
• Different size mouse and rat holders

This Blood Pressure Anaysis System is supplied standard with 1 specimen platform and 4 specimen holders. To increase the system’s capacity, simply purchase a second specimen platform. This will allow up to 8 animals to be studied.