A life detector adapted to be used to determine whether an organism or part thereof suits a life condition predefined by a set of ranges, each for a physiological parameter and each characterizing this life condition. The detector comprises a sensor unit adapted to sense at least two of the physiological parameters and to generate signals indicative of their values, a processor for receiving and processing the signals to arrive at these values, the processor further being adapted to disregard any value falling outside the range of the respective parameter and to produce a qualitative diagnosis based on values falling within its range. This diagnosis is indicative of whether the organism or part thereof suits the life condition. The detector further comprises indication means adapted to indicate the diagnosis. The detector may be assembled using a general-purpose programmable communication device, a standard medical sensor and a special cable adapter.