GS PAPER I: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, Nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Context: DRDO develops SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation)  based Supplemental Oxygen Delivery System for soldiers posted at extreme high-altitude areas.

More about news:

• Developed by Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL), Bengaluru of DRDO
• The system will delivers supplemental oxygen based on the SpO2 levels and prevents the person from sinking in to a state of Hypoxia, which is fatal in most cases.
  • Hypoxia is a state in which the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues is inadequate to fulfill all the energy requirements of the body. This is exactly the situation that gets replicated in a Covid patient due to the virus infection and has been a leading factor in the current crisis.
• This automatic system can also prove to be a boon during the current Covid-19 situation.
• The electronic hardware of the system is designed for functioning at extreme altitudes featuring low barometric pressures, low temperatures and humidity.
• The software safety checks incorporated into the system are critical in ensuring the functional reliability of the system in field conditions.
• The system reads SpO2 levels of the subject from a wrist-worn pulse oximeter module through wireless interface and controls a proportional solenoid valve to regulate the oxygen supply to the subject.
• The oxygen is delivered from a lightweight portable oxygen cylinder through nasal nares.
• The system is available in various sizes from one litre and one kg weight with 150 litres of oxygen supply to 10 litres & 10 kg weight with 1,500 litres of oxygen supply, which can sustain for 750 minutes with a continuous flow of two liters per min (lpm).
• Since the system is indigenously developed for operation in field conditions, it is unique with its dual qualities of being robust & cheap.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1712666

Download PDF