
Team BioTech
Phase 4 Information:
Testing & Iterations
This page includes additional information relevant to Phase 4 of the Project, "Testing and Iterations." The materials on this page include high resolution and scalable photographs, videos, charts, and graphics, along with detailed captions. All Charts, Graphs, and Images were designed by Emma A. Simmons and/or Sarah C. Simmons. Still Photographs and Videos were created by Lisa S. McLeod-Simmons (Copyright Notice, Image/Multimedia Use Release. Notice).
Click on Images to view full-size.

Prep for Testing
01
Emma helps Sarah prepare for testing the Prototype. Sarah is wearing the prototype. As we prepared for testing, we learned about human biofunctions and the importance of measuring these vital signs from our community partner, Dr. David Moore of Wellspan Health.
02
Testing took place at Mount St. Mary's University Anatomy Lab. We used the Biology Department's BioPac Spirometer and ECG to compare our Prototypes measurements. We also compared measurements using a Santamedical finger SpO2 meter.
03
We conducted our tests under the supervision of our Project Supervisors, an Anatomy Professor at Mount St. Mary's Univ., and a licensed Physician Assistant.
Test Treatments
Sarah engaged in several low and higher intensity activities as part of the tests conducted on Vital Air 2.0. Sarah wore the Prototype, which is integrated into the shirt she is wearing, as she sat, walked, and climbed stairs.
01
Emma recorded the vital signs measurements outputted from the Prototype to the mobile application.
02
Checking Accuracy
01
Sarah prepares to test her Forced Vital Capacity using the BioPac Spirometer/ECG. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is a measure of the maximum volume of air a person can forcefully exhale after taking a deep breath. This vital sign is important in determining a person's respiratory health.
02
Equipment used to measure this and other lung functions can be expensive and is typically available in a clinical setting. A goal of Vital Air 2.0 is to develop a low cost way FVC can be measured at home with real-time results available via Telemedicine for healthcare providers.
Time for Iterations
After testing Vital Air 2.0, we found several issues that needed to be resolved. For example, the Prototype's heart rate sensor did not perform as well as expected.
01
We spent time brainstorming and troubleshooting to determine the cause of the problem. We consulted with our community partners, Dr. Moore and Michael McCabe to get their input regarding different ways and locations on the body to measure vital signs as well as possible modifications we could make to the code and with the mobile application. We tested the sensor to ensure it had sufficient power. We made some changes to the code. And we located the sensor in several different locations to see which one produced the more accurate results.
02
Graphene
01
We had two samples of conductive fabric, one that had been treated with Graphene epoxy (on the right) and a control that had not been treated (on the left). The samples were left to air dry after washing. Our research indicated that graphene applied to fabric can enhance the durability of the fabric (Rohen, 2024).
02
After each washing/drying cycle, we conducted three tests: Tensile Strength and Direct Observation for strength and durability. We also tested electrical resistance. Tensile strength testing measures the ability of fabric to resist stretching. It can be estimated by measuring the force in kg required to stretch the material in a certain distance (Nelson Labs, 2023). Resistance was measured in ohms with a digital multimeter by placing the electrodes on opposite ends of the fabric strip (Kuphaldt, 2023).
Testing
Graphene
01
After each washing/drying cycle, we conducted three tests: Tensile Strength and Direct Observation for strength and durability. We also tested electrical resistance. Tensile strength testing measures the ability of fabric to resist stretching. It can be estimated by measuring the force in kg required to stretch the material in a certain distance (Nelson Labs, 2023). Resistance was measured in ohms with a digital multimeter by placing the electrodes on opposite ends of the fabric strip (Kuphaldt, 2023).
02
We had two samples of conductive fabric, one that had been treated with Graphene epoxy (on the right) and a control that had not been treated (on the left). The samples were left to air dry after washing. Our research indicated that graphene applied to fabric can enhance the durability of the fabric (Rohen, 2024).
We had two samples of conductive fabric, one that had been treated with Graphene epoxy (on the right) and a control that had not been treated (on the left). The samples were left to air dry after washing. Our research indicated that graphene applied to fabric can enhance the durability of the fabric (Rohen, 2024).
After each washing/drying cycle, we conducted three tests: Tensile Strength and Direct Observation for strength and durability. We also tested electrical resistance. Tensile strength testing measures the ability of fabric to resist stretching. It can be estimated by measuring the force in kg required to stretch the material in a certain distance (Nelson Labs, 2023). Resistance was measured in ohms with a digital multimeter by placing the electrodes on opposite ends of the fabric strip (Kuphaldt, 2023).
Testing Graphene
01
We conducted 20 cycles of washing and air drying on the graphene-coated conductive fabric and the uncoated conductive fabric. The graphene epoxy was applied in smooth strokes using a synthetic brush.
02
In the photo, Sarah is testing the Tensile strength of the test strips using a tensile meter. She also observed the samples under her digital microscope to check for any tearing or pilling.
In the photo, Sarah is testing the Tensile strength of the test strips using a tensile meter. She also observed the samples under her digital microscope to check for any tearing or pilling.