MECIF Protocol

The MECIF Protocol (Medical Computer Interface Protocol), is a rare communications protocol originally developed by Hewlett-Packard to allow external devices (e.g. computers) to communicate with certain Hewlett-Packard patient monitors. It is a client–server based protocol that uses a modified RS-232 cable to allow a client (e.g. a computer) to send commands to a server (e.g. patient monitor).[http://anestit.unipa.it/software/TEngel_Abstracts.html#STA93], A Macintosh Client for the Hewlett-Packard Component Monitoring System The protocol can be used to retrieve vital data from patient monitors, such as ECG, blood pressure and heart-rate signals.

Ownership of the protocol has changed hands many times and was most recently supported by Philips.[https://woc.dei.uc.pt/weboncampus/getFile.do?tipo=2&id=9816]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, RS232 Computer Interface Programming Guide

Due to the complexity of the protocol, very few software applications currently support it.