ActivaDose II Iontophoresis Dose Controller | 0–80 mA·min
ActivaDose® II Professional Iontophoresis Dose Controller The ActivaDose II Iontophoresis Delivery Unit is a reusable, prescription dose controller designed for clinician-directed administration of soluble salts and other appropriate medications through intact skin using controlled direct current. The practitioner selects the prescribed dose in milliampere-minutes, or mA·min, and sets the treatment current. ActivaDose II then calculates the required treatment time automatically and adjusts the remaining time if the current is changed or treatment is paused. A high-contrast display shows dose, actual current, and time remaining. Automatic current ramp-up and ramp-down, resistance monitoring, electrode-reject protection, limit indicators, and audible alerts help support a controlled professional treatment workflow. The controller operates on one replaceable 9V alkaline battery and is supplied with two lead wires, two 9V batteries, and an operating manual. Disposable iontophoresis electrodes and medication are sold separately. This device to sale by or on the order of a physician or appropriately licensed practitioner. Medication selection, polarity, dose, current, electrode choice, placement, and patient monitoring require professional direction. Product highlights Professional single-channel iontophoresis controller ActivaTek model 001-48 North Coast Medical item NC89186 FDA-cleared prescription medical device Adjustable dose from 0–80 mA·min Fine 0.1 mA·min dose increments Adjustable current up to 4.0 mA Current adjustments in 0.1 mA increments Maximum output of 80 V DC Automatic treatment-time calculation Automatic time recalculation after current changes Pause-and-resume function retains delivered dose Gradual automatic current ramp-up Automatic ramp-down at treatment completion Manual current-ramp option High-contrast dose, current, and time display Resistance-limit monitoring Current- and dose-limit alerts Electrode-reject safety function Low-battery warnings and battery-reject protection Automatic shutoff after approximately one minute of inactivity Lightweight 0.4-pound design One-year manufacturer device warranty Designed for use with compatible professional iontophoresis electrodes ActivaTek lists the 0–80 mA·min dose range, 0.1 mA·min increments, automatic ramping, 80 V maximum output, visual and audible alerts, and one-year warranty. Quick specifications Specification ActivaDose II detail Brand ActivaDose® II Manufacturer ActivaTek, Inc. Model 001-48 North Coast Medical SKU NC89186 Balego reference II-DOSE-CONTROLLER-SYSTEM Product type Prescription iontophoresis delivery unit Channel format Single channel Output type Direct current Dose range 0–80 mA·min Dose adjustment 0.1 mA·min increments Default startup dose 40.0 mA·min Current range 0–4.0 mA Current adjustment 0.1 mA increments Maximum voltage 80 V DC Time calculation Automatic from selected dose and current Display Dose, current, and remaining treatment time Pause function Yes, it retains delivered dose and recalculates time Current ramp-up Automatic, with manual adjustment available Current ramp-down Automatic at completion or certain stop conditions Safety monitoring Resistance, dose, current, electrode circuit, and battery Electrical classification Type BF applied part Operating mode Continuous Dimensions 6.1 × 3.5 × 1.9 in Metric dimensions 15.5 × 8.9 × 4.8 cm Weight 0.4 lb / 0.18 kg Power One 9V alkaline battery Rechargeable battery permitted No Water protection Not protected against water ingress Warranty One year on controller; accessories excluded Disposable electrodes included No Medication included No What comes with ActivaDose II? Included item Quantity Purpose ActivaDose II controller 1 Controls current, dose, and treatment time Iontophoresis lead wires 2 Connect the controller to compatible active and return electrodes 9V alkaline batteries 2 One operating battery plus a replacement/spare Instruction manual 1 Setup, operation, safety, and troubleshooting guidance The controller uses one 9V alkaline battery at a time. The manual specifically says not to use rechargeable batteries. Not included: Prescription medication or solution Active drug-delivery electrode Dispersive or return electrode Alcohol prep pads, except when supplied with a separately purchased electrode kit Carrying case unless specifically included in the current Balego package Pair the controller with Trivarion Iontophoresis Delivery Kits or another compatible controller-based electrode system. How ActivaDose II calculates an iontophoresis dose An iontophoresis dose is expressed in mA·min: Current in milliamps × treatment time in minutes = dose in mA·min After the clinician selects the dose and current, ActivaDose II calculates the treatment time automatically. Example treatment-time calculations 40 mA·min dose Selected current Calculated time 1.0 mA 40 minutes 2.0 mA 20 minutes 2.5 mA 16 minutes 3.0 mA 13 minutes 20 seconds 4.0 mA 10 minutes 80 mA·min dose Selected current Calculated time 1.0 mA 80 minutes 2.0 mA 40 minutes 2.5 mA 32 minutes 3.0 mA 26 minutes 40 seconds 4.0 mA 20 minutes These examples illustrate the mathematics only. The correct dose and current must come from the medication order, electrode instructions, treatment location, skin condition, patient tolerance, and clinical protocol. The manufacturer recommends lower current for sensitive anatomical sites, current-sensitive patients, and thin or fragile skin. What happens when the current is reduced? Reducing current increases the remaining treatment time so the selected dose can still be delivered. For example, changing from 4 mA to 2 mA approximately doubles the time needed to deliver the same remaining mA·min dose. Automatic treatment and safety functions Automatic current ramp-up When treatment begins, the current rises gradually toward the selected setting. The clinician can lower the current at any point if the patient reports discomfort. Automatic ramp-down After the prescribed dose has been delivered, the controller gradually reduces current to zero and sounds an end-of-treatment alert. The controller also ramps down before shutdown and during certain low-battery conditions. Pause and resume Pressing the current control—or reducing current to zero—pauses treatment. The device retains the dose already delivered. When treatment restarts, ActivaDose II recalculates the remaining time and ramps the current up again. Resistance limit A high-resistance treatment site may prevent the device from reaching the selected current. The controller displays a resistance-limit warning while continuing at the highest achievable output and adjusting time as needed. Electrode reject The electrode-reject system stops current if the device detects a break or unsuitable condition in the treatment circuit. Possible causes include the following: Loose lead-wire connection Electrode lifting from the skin Dry or poorly prepared skin Insufficient medication or hydration Inappropriate medication formulation Incorrect electrode setup Broken or interrupted circuit The unit beeps, flashes the reject indicator, displays an electrode-reject message, and turns off current. Battery monitoring Display or alert Meaning Battery indicator during treatment The battery is weakening but treatment may continue Low Battery at startup The battery is too weak to begin treatment Low Battery Reject The battery cannot safely continue the current session No power The battery may be depleted, reversed, or improperly installed Typical professional workflow The manufacturer summarizes operation as three main actions: Select dose. Set current. Start treatment. A complete clinical workflow includes several additional safety steps: Step Clinical action 1 Confirm medication order, concentration, polarity, dose, current, and treatment site 2 Screen for contraindications, allergies, implanted systems, and skin problems 3 Inspect the active- and return-electrode sites 4 Prepare the drug electrode using its exact fill-volume instructions 5 Clean both skin sites and allow them to dry thoroughly 6 Position the active electrode over the prescribed treatment area 7 Position the return electrode over a suitable nearby muscle 8 Keep the return electrode away from thin tissue and bony prominences 9 Connect the leads and confirm correct medication polarity 10 Select dose and current 11 Start treatment and monitor patient comfort, skin response, and display status 12 Pause immediately if burning, sharp pain, or unusual discomfort occurs 13 Allow the unit to ramp down when the dose is complete 14 Disconnect, remove, and discard both single-use electrodes 15 Document dose, current, time, medication, polarity, placement, and skin response The manual calls for intact skin, correct electrode fill volume, alcohol preparation followed by complete drying, and approximately 4–6 inches between the drug and dispersive electrodes when allowed by the electrode instructions. Compatible iontophoresis electrodes The controller must be paired with a compatible active drug electrode and return electrode. The disposable electrode instructions determine: Maximum permitted dose Maximum current Medication fill volume Electrode polarity Hydration requirements Site preparation Electrode spacing Treatment-area suitability Balego electrode options Product Package Main distinction Trivarion Iontophoresis Delivery Kits 12 kits/box Form-fitting design for curved or uneven treatment areas Ionto4 Iontophoresis Electrodes 12 kits/box Carbon-Ag/AgCl active and return electrode kits in four shapes Balego Iontophoresis Electrode Kits Multiple sizes Ag/AgCl drug electrode with buffered return electrode and prep pads IOGEL Iontophoresis Electrodes 12 kits/box Traditional controller-based IOMED electrode workflow Trivarion is specifically designed for ActivaDose II and is available in small, medium, butterfly, and large formats. Ionto4 is designed for FDA-cleared constant-current iontophoresis devices and likewise provides multiple fill-volume and shape options. Trivarion size guide Size Fill volume Potential placement advantage Small 1.5 cc Smaller, targeted, or narrow areas Medium 2.0 cc General-purpose treatment sites Butterfly 2.0 cc Curved, irregular, tendon, or joint contours Large 3.5 cc Broader treatment areas The clinician must choose the electrode using the prescribed medication volume, anatomical site, dose, and electrode instructions—not size alone. ActivaDose II vs. wearable iontophoresis patches Feature ActivaDose II IontoPATCH ACTIVApatch Format Reusable external controller Self-contained disposable patch Self-contained disposable patch Lead wires required Yes No No Separate electrodes required Yes No external electrode kit No external controller Current selected by clinician Yes, up to 4 mA Controlled by patch design Controlled by patch design Dose entered by clinician Yes, up to 80 mA·min Model-specific 80 or 120 mA·min Model-specific Treatment time Calculated from selected dose and current Longer wearable delivery, model-dependent Wearable delivery, model-dependent The patient remains connected to the controller. Yes No No Clinic supervision during active, connected treatment Normally, yes. Patch can continue outside the clinic when directed Patch can continue outside the clinic when directed Reusable equipment cost Controller reused No controller investment No controller investment Consumable cost Electrode kit per treatment Complete patch per treatment Complete patch per treatment Best fit Direct current and dose control in a clinic Wearable, wire-free workflow Wearable options with different treatment-time profiles The ActivaDose II gives the clinician direct control over current and dose while the patient remains connected to the unit. IontoPATCH and ACTIVApatch integrate the power source into a disposable patch and require no external controller or lead wires. Choose ActivaDose II when: Direct clinician control of current is important. The clinic wants to set and document a precise mA·min dose. A shorter connected treatment is preferred over extended patch wear. The facility already uses controller-based electrodes. A reusable controller is more economical for repeated clinic treatments. Staff are familiar with traditional Phoresor-style iontophoresis workflows. Electrode shape and fill volume need to be selected for each treatment area. ActivaDose II vs. legacy IOMED Phoresor II Feature ActivaDose II IOMED Phoresor II Auto PM850 Current market role Current commercially distributed controller Legacy/discontinued controller Reusable controller Yes Yes mA·min dose workflow Yes Yes Adjustable current Yes Yes Automatic time calculation Yes Legacy controller feature Current Balego availability Yes Replacement rather than new sale Best fit Clinics maintaining controller-based iontophoresis Existing legacy installed base The ActivaDose II is a replacement option for clinics transitioning from a Phoresor II workflow. Operating and storage conditions Condition Manufacturer specification Operating temperature 41–104°F / 5–40°C Transport and storage 50–131°F / 10–55°C Relative humidity Less than 90% Maximum operating altitude Approximately 9,842 ft / 3,000 m Water ingress protection None Flammable environment Do not use around flammable gases, liquids, or materials Cleaning Alcohol-moistened cloth on case and lead clips Immersion Do not immerse Remove the battery when the unit will not be used for an extended period. Troubleshooting guide Message or problem Possible cause Recommended action The unit does not turn on Depleted, reversed, or improperly installed battery Install a fresh 9V alkaline battery with correct polarity Low Battery Insufficient battery voltage Replace battery before treatment Low Battery Reject The battery became too weak during treatment Replace battery; the unit will not resume until corrected Electrode Reject Loose lead, lifting pad, dry skin, improper hydration, or unsuitable circuit Pause, inspect every connection and electrode, correct the cause, and restart Resistance Limit Skin or treatment-site resistance is too high Confirm skin preparation and electrode contact; the unit adjusts current and time automatically Dose Limit Attempt to exceed 80 mA·min Confirm the prescribed dose and electrode IFU Current Limit Attempt to exceed 4.0 mA Use an allowed current and permit the device to recalculate time Patient reports burning High current density, poor contact, compression, damaged pad, or sensitive skin Pause immediately, inspect skin and electrodes, and discontinue when necessary The remaining time increases The current was lowered or the treatment was paused Normal automatic recalculation Current does not reach the setting. High resistance or inadequate circuit Inspect skin, electrodes, medication hydration, leads, and placement Repeated rejects with fresh electrodes Lead-wire, device, medication, or setup issue Follow the manual and contact qualified service if unresolved The manufacturer’s troubleshooting section identifies loose connections, electrode lift, insufficient medication, improper hydration, inappropriate medication, high resistance, and low battery as common causes of alerts. Important safety information Never reuse single-use electrodes. Do not tape, bind, or compress electrodes against the skin. Do not use damaged or altered electrodes. Remove jewelry that could contact either electrode. Do not disconnect electrodes while current is flowing. Use lower current for fragile skin, sensitive sites, or current-sensitive patients. Do not exceed the limits specified by the controller, medication order, or electrode IFU. Do not immerse the controller or connect it to unauthorized external devices. Inspect and document the skin after treatment. Frequently asked questions What is ActivaDose II? ActivaDose II is a reusable, microprocessor-controlled iontophoresis delivery unit that provides clinician-selected direct current and mA·min dose control for administration of appropriate soluble medications through intact skin. Is ActivaDose II FDA-approved? FDA cleared. FDA records identify ActivaDose II as an iontophoresis device, model 001-48, currently in commercial distribution. Is a prescription required? Yes. The manual states that federal law restricts the device to sale by or on the order of a physician. What is the Balego SKU? NC89186. What is the manufacturer model number? The ActivaTek model number is 001-48. What is the maximum dose? The controller can be set from 0–80 mA·min in 0.1 mA·min increments. The disposable electrode instructions may specify a lower maximum for a particular electrode or setup. What is the maximum current? Maximum current is 4.0 mA. Lower settings may be required for sensitive sites, fragile skin, current-sensitive patients, or particular electrodes. What is the maximum voltage? The maximum output is 80 V DC. Does it calculate treatment time? Yes. Once dose and current are selected, the controller calculates treatment time automatically. It recalculates the remaining time after a pause or current adjustment. Does the unit use constant current? It is a controller-based direct-current iontophoresis device. It attempts to maintain the selected current but may operate below that setting when skin or circuit resistance prevents the requested level while adjusting treatment time to deliver the selected dose when possible. What batteries does it use? It operates on one standard 9V alkaline battery. Rechargeable batteries should not be used. The current package is described as including two 9V batteries. Are electrodes included? No disposable iontophoresis electrode kits are included with the standard controller package. Compatible active and return electrodes must be ordered separately. Is medication included? No. Medication or solution must be separately prescribed, supplied, and prepared according to applicable professional requirements. Which Balego electrodes are designed for ActivaDose II? Trivarion Iontophoresis Delivery Kits are specifically described as designed for use with ActivaDose II. Other controller-based electrode kits may be appropriate when their labeling and connectors permit use. Can the same electrodes be reused? No. The manual specifically prohibits reusing single-use drug and dispersive electrodes. What does "electrode reject" mean? It means the controller has detected an interrupted or unsuitable circuit. Causes may include loose connections, electrode lift, dry skin, insufficient medication, improper hydration, or an unsuitable medication/setup. Current stops automatically. Can treatment be paused? Yes. The delivered dose is retained, and the unit recalculates remaining time when treatment restarts. Is ActivaDose II the same as IontoPATCH? No. ActivaDose II is a reusable external controller used with separate wired electrodes. IontoPATCH is a disposable, self-contained wearable system with no external controller or wires. Can ActivaDose II be used for TENS or NMES? No. It is an iontophoresis medication-delivery controller. TENS and NMES devices use different output characteristics and are intended for different clinical purposes. Is it a direct replacement for the Phoresor II? It is a reasonable current option for clinics replacing a legacy controller-based Phoresor II workflow, but compatibility with existing leads, electrodes, and procedures must be verified rather than assumed. What is the warranty? The manual specifies a one-year warranty on the controller. Batteries, electrodes, cables, and other accessories are excluded from that warranty. Additional Recommended Resources ActivaDose II Product Manual and Setup Guide Iontophoresis FAQ Guides Iontophoresis Protocol for Tennis Elbow Contact Balego
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