1. Are finger probes available for the CardioWA?
Yes! We stock finger probes and sell them for $150.
2. How do I get the computer and the CardioWA to communicate initially?
The com port setting on your PC must agree with com port setting the CardioWA software is using. The initial software installation usually sets this up for you however if that did not occur for some reason then check out the Com Port Setup Video.
3. My computer works fine with the CardioWA until I use the computer for other applications. Then it will not communicate. Whats wrong?
This is where you will need to work with your IT specialist. Here is some data that will be useful. The com ports may have been changed by the other application. It’s called Com Port Redirection.
Click on the following links for ways com ports can be redirected by software within a computer:
If you are finding that the com port changes when you use your computer for another application and that it will not communicate with the CardioWA when you come back to that application, we have two suggestions:
- Dedicate a small laptop computer to the CardioWA Purchase the Serial Port Monitor for $70 and find out what application is changing your com ports and stop using that application on the PC used for the CardioWA.
4. How are repairs handled for the CardioWA
Our repair center in San Marcos, Texas handles repairs. If the machine is still under warranty, you ship it to us at your cost in the original box or equivalent, we determine the repair needed and as long as there has been no abuse of the machine we send it back to you at our cost with no charge for parts or labor. We will examine machines that are not still under warranty and tell you the cost of the repair.
5. How long do repairs take?
We have all of the parts to repair the CardioWA in stock. The normal turnaround time is 48 hours from receipt of your machine to shipment back to you. We use Fed Ex ground.
6. The software says to retest if there are more than 5 artifacts. What does this mean? What if I still get more than 5 artifacts on a retest?
More than 5 artifacts can indicate a serious condition that requires consultation with a cardiologist or someone who has the experience and judgment to investigate the situation. The results of a scan with more than 5 artifacts are not considered reliable by Medicore. One morning just after getting up, I ran a scan on myself and was surprised to see more than 5 artifacts so I ran it again still with more than 5 artifacts. I felt fine but decided to drink a glass of water. I then performed the scan again with no artifacts showing up. My body had been very dehydrated. The glass of water brought me back toward balance.
7. Are there cautions for accurate measurement and analysis?
These are listed on page 23 of the HRV Clinical Manual. Side note: The algorithms for the SA-3000P and the CardioWA are identical so the discussion in the SA-3000P HRV Clinical Manual applies to the CardioWA.
SOME CAUTIONS:
- Environmental
Avoid bright lights
Avoid noise
Maintain proper room temperature - Before the measurement
For two hours before the measurement avoid:
SMOKING
CAFFEINE
FOOD
Allow time for the patient to adjust to his new environment and achieve a resting state. - During the measurement:
Maintain a comfortable sitting position
Don’t move or talk
Don’t close your eyes or fall asleep
Don’t control your breathing – breath normally
8. Will I be able to install the software on my PC?
There is one area in the installation that requires some technical expertise. It is getting the communication port for the CardioWA software to communicate with the communication port shown in the device manager of the Windows operating system. See FAQ 2 for a detailed description of this procedure. We and most of our distributors offer an option where we provide a laptop computer fully configured and loaded with the software and the training material.
9. Will insurance pay for the scan?
Check with a professionally trained billing specialist. There are a number of changes going on in this area since ICD-10 came out in October of 2015.
10. How many tests can I perform before the CardioWA wears out?
The CardioWA does not have any moving parts. It does not have a keyboard, hard disk drive or other parts found in electronic devices that typically last several years. The finger probe is the most likely part to fail since it can be subjected to various substances from the finger that it is measuring. We warranty the finger probes for one year. Some customers do more than 50 scans per week.
11. What training material is included with the purchase of a CardioWA?
Clinical Manual for Arterial Stiffness
Clinical Manual for Heart Rate Variability
12. The CardioWA is not recognized by my computer. What do I do?
The following procedure works in most cases:
Verify that the green light on the CardioWA is on
Verify that the small blue light on the adapter that plugs into the CardioWA (USB on the other end) is on.
Go to Setup for the CardioWA to determine the com port that the CardioWA software is using.
Verify that the Windows operating system (use Device Manager) is set up for the same port.
See FAQ 2 above for details.