A medical monitor is an automated medical device that senses a patient's vital signs, and displays the results. In critical care units of hospitals, it allows continuous supervision of a patient without continuous attendance, thus improving patient care.

Monitors resemble oscilloscopes, or computer monitors and use superficially similar technology. However medical monitors have been safety engineered so that failures are either apparent, or unimportant.

Additionally, some monitors (e.g. ECG and EEG) actually touch patients, and are electrical. There are strict limits on how much current and voltage they can apply when the unit fails or becomes wet.

See also

• medical equipment
• medical test

Monitor (Medizin) | Medical equipment