Abstract:
Methods, materials, articles, assemblies, systems, devices, kits and computer hardware/software for improving medical procedures, including, but not limited to, hemodialysis. Particular beneficial designs and uses of disinfecting patches, scab removal patches, hemostatic patches, healing patches and artificial scabs are included. For example, scab removal patches that avoid tenting, hemostatic patches with needle stabilizing elements, hemostatic patches applying pressure at a skin puncture site and a vessel puncture site, artificial scabs that release antimicrobial agents, etc.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for visually monitoring, detecting, and/or determining the presence, absence, and/or growth of harmful or potentially harmful bacterial microorganisms beneath a wound dressing, in one example used to cover an indwelling central venous catheter or other catheter. A bacteria detection apparatus includes a barrier membrane, a permeable membrane for placement proximate a wound or a catheter insertion site, and an indicator between the barrier membrane and the permeable membrane for indicating the presence of bacteria proximate the permeable membrane. A method of using a bacterial growth detection apparatus is also provided.
Abstract:
The invention concerns an epicutaneous test plaster (1) with at least one active substance absorption device (4; 9, 10) disposed on a highly resilient carrier film (6) made of polymer material. The carrier film (6) is impervious to liquid water and permeable to water vapour and, on the face remote from the skin, is detachably connected to a support film (2) and, on the face facing the skin, is provided with a layer (7) of bonding substance which in turn, before the plaster (1) is applied, is covered by an at least two-part detachable protective layer (8). The invention is characterized in that the protective layer (8) is connected at two opposite edges to the support film (2) in hinge-like manner (11).
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for assessing the effectiveness of skin washing in a subject, comprising the steps of : (a) applying a patch to a target area of the skin of a subject before washing of the target area, followed by (b) assessing the appearance of the patch after washing of the target area; in which the patch comprises a substrate for attachment to the skin; and in which the patch is designed to undergo a visually perceptible change which is dependent on the effectiveness of the method used by the subject to wash the target area.
Abstract:
A sticking-plaster consists of a highly flexible basic material (10) the front surface of which is provided with an adhesive coating (12). The adhesive coating (12) is covered by a detachable protective cover (14). The rear surface of the basic material (10) of the sticking-plaster adheres to a detachable rear part (16) which is stiffer than the basic material. The sticking plaster is therefore easier to manipulate after the protective cover (14) is detached. This in turn improves the flexibility of the basic material (10). The sticking-plaster is therefore less affected by movements and adheres more firmly.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for assessing the effectiveness of skin washing in a subject, comprising the steps of : (a) applying a patch on or over a target area of the skin of a subject before washing of the target area, followed by (b) assessing the appearance of the patch after washing of the target area; in which the patch comprises a pH sensitive indicator which is designed to undergo a visually perceptible change in colour when contacted with an alkaline composition, such as soap or other anionic surfactant, during washing of the target area, and in which assessment of the appearance of the patch after washing provides an indication to the assessor whether an alkaline composition, such as soap or other anionic surfactant, has or has not been used to wash the target area.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for visually monitoring, detecting, and/or determining the presence, absence, and/or growth of harmful or potentially harmful bacterial microorganisms beneath a wound dressing, in one example used to cover an indwelling central venous catheter or other catheter. A bacteria detection apparatus includes a barrier membrane, a permeable membrane for placement proximate a wound or a catheter insertion site, and an indicator between the barrier membrane and the permeable membrane for indicating the presence of bacteria proximate the permeable membrane. A method of using a bacterial growth detection apparatus is also provided.
Abstract:
A dermal patch (90) to be worn on the skin for increasing the concentration of an analyte expressed through the skin in perspiration to a conveniently measurable level. Included are patches and methods of using such patches to determine the quantity of an analyte in a given volume of perspiration, to determine a subject's sensitivity to an allergen, to allow an analyte to be detected with conventional detection systems, and to dissolve the structural components of a patch to facilitate analyte detection. In addition, by delivering electricity to the patch, adding a buffer to the concentration zone (14) of the patch, or otherwise controlling the pH of fluids entering the patch, analytes in perspiration can be concentrated on the patch without the occurrence of significant back-diffusion of the analytes. Also, by generating heat on the surface of the skin of a subject wearing the patch, perspiration can be collected over a much shorter period of time, preferably over the course of about an hour.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for determining the presence of an analyte in a subject mammal's perspiration. The apparatus is a patch (52, 62, 70) that includes a water permeable support layer (20), and in certain embodiments includes a feature to detect tampering with the patch to produce false negative results. In such embodiments, this feature can comprise a reagent in a reference zone (61) that is a specific binding partner for a reference substituent in the perspiration, a soluble marker within the patch, a test region for detecting the presence of an adulterant capable of producing false negative results, an identifying marker (67) unique to each patch, or a plurality of stress razors (66). In another embodiment, the patch includes an attenuation layer (92) for attenuating the amount of light reaching the support layer for detection of photosensitive analytes. In still another embodiment, the patch (70) includes pinhole perforations (73) within a band (72) near the perimeter of the patch (70).
Abstract:
Application unit to be used for epicutaneous testing to clarify the etiology and diagnosis of allergic contact eczema and for the administration of therapeutically active substances for topical treatment of skin diseases, and comprising a carrier (10) which consists of a number of application devices (11) each one of said devices is supplied with an application surface (13) for one substance (14). The application device is composed of a nonabsorbent material. The said application surface is essentially located at the same level with the carrier's adhesive surface (12) and is surrounded by an annular groove. The application units are covered by a covering layer (17) which is provided with domes (18) located above each application device and encompass the substances hermatically.