The RAS-45 acoustic respiration sensor, developed by Masimo, to function along with the Rainbow Acoustic Monitoring (RAM), was approved by the FDA for use in neonates and infant patients.

A minimum weight of 22pounds/10 kgs of the baby was required earlier to be eligible for use of RAM sensors. This requirement is no longer necessary for the new sanction that enables a convenient monitoring of the rate of respiration in very young pediatric patients.

This is possible because the maximum respiration rate in the sensor has been raised to 120 breaths per minute with an excellent precision between +/- breath every minute.

The sensor can be stuck on to the child and it is fitted with a microphone mimicking device that spots respiration sounds from other background sounds.

Its clarity enables pediatricians to listen to the breathing of the infant as if he/she is listening via a stethoscope. The sensor is stuck on the chest of neonates or infants and on the neck of adults.

 The RAS-45 is connected to a monitor that displays the ongoing respiratory rate and a waveform pattern which is a depiction of the breathing pattern of the child currently and in the earlier hours. The sensor can be interfaced with other sensors as well and the collective data is displayed on the monitor.