'Betachek G5' blood glucose monitors
Object No. 2004/118/1
The Betachek G5, designed and made in Sydney and released in 2003, was the world's first blood-glucose monitor to store test results on memory cards for future reference. Its optics, electronics and software take only five seconds to analyse a drop of blood placed on a disposable test strip inserted in the front of the device. Dr Anthony Bransgrove overcame many technical challenges to develop the test strip, which incorporates a membrane that separates red blood cells from blood serum before the serum is tested. Debbie Rudder The Betachek G5 is the world's first blood-glucose meter with memory cards. The meter is used for the measurement of glucose in the blood. It is intended for use in accident and emergency, hospital, and home diabetic monitoring. The memory cards provide, for the first time, a permanent record of results with time and date. Memory cards, of which there are 50, can be reviewed at any time by simply inserting them into the meter. The cards can be downloaded into a computer, graphed and analysed. The Australian-designed device is a world first. It is attractive, easy to use, inexpensive, accurate, for use by the massive number of people around the globe who have diabetes and who require regular, life-saving tests to monitor their blood-glucose levels.
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Summary
Object Statement
Blood-glucose monitors (2), Betachek G5, assembled and disassembled, plastic / electronics / cardboard / rubber, designed by Nielsen Design Associates and BCS Electronic Design for National Diagnostic Products, Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia, 2000-2003
Physical Description
Blood-glucose monitors (2), Betachek G5, assembled and disassembled, plastic / electronics / cardboard / rubber, designed by Nielsen Design Associates and BCS Electronic Design for National Diagnostic Products, Lane Cove, New South Wales, Australia, 2000-2003 Two blood glucose monitors, one assembled and one dissassembled. The assembled model consists of a monitor, memory card, test strip, static shield bag and cardboard box. The disassembled model consists of base of monitor, base with circuitry and optics, body with liquid crystal display screen, two lenses, a set of buttons, strip carriage component and strip carriage. Accessories include four memory cards, two test strip carriage containers, two components and cardboard box packaging.
PRODUCTION
Notes
The design brief, from the client to the designers, was: "we need a fabulous looking, technically innovative, low cost world class blood-glucose meter in 6 months, we only have limited funds available for expenditure on design and tooling, can you do it?" The design problems encountered and solved were stated as: "The challenge was to tightly integrate the requirements for precision optics, sophisticated electronics, functional mechanics, user ergonomics, mass manufacturing technologies, in-line functional diagnosis and low cost assembly in a great looking and durable package which provides electronic and physical access for future service or repair whilst introducing innovative product features and reducing the part count". External form and ergonomic considerations include: "the size and shape of the meter makes it feel good to hold and easy to carry and store. The overall form of the meter and that of the removable strip guide are smooth and easy to clean. The keys are well spaced, with large legends that are high in contrast for easy indentification. The blood-glucose reading is displayed with large characters for ease of reading by the visually impaired. Operation of the meter is intuitive or easily learned, visual prompts and audible feedback are provided, calibration is automatic, triggered by memory card insertion". (Notes supplied by the designers for the 2003 Australian Design Awards).
HISTORY
Notes
The product was entered for the 2003 Australian Design Awards, and was subsequently named as winner of the Australian Design Award of the Year. The product was procured for display at the Powerhouse Museum in the 2003 Australian Design Awards exhibition, where it was on display between December 2003 and June 2004.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of BCS Electronic Design, 2004
Acquisition Date
30 July 2004
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