US Patent:
20100178203, Jul 15, 2010
Inventors:
James A. Kane - Needham Heights MA, US
Melissa Ricci - Needham Heights MA, US
Ranganathan Shashidhar - Needham Heights MA, US
Assignee:
POLESTAR TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Needham Heights MA
International Classification:
G01N 21/78
Abstract:
A non-invasive, calorimetric infection detector is provided, comprised of a substrate, and one or more indicator compositions disposed upon or incorporated therein. These indicator compositions exhibit a persistent change color when exposed to gaseous oxides of nitrogen and acids formed therefrom, providing a means of detecting NO production in a wound, which has been found to occur at a high level at the onset of infection in a wound. In addition, a bandage is provided, comprised of the detector, as well as a porous portion, and preferably a hydrophobic barrier layer to protect the detector from contamination by water and other fluids draining from the wound. The non-invasive, calorimetric infection detector, and bandage containing same, can be utilized to provide a convenient, easily utilized colorimetric means of detecting the onset of wound infection, thereby enabling caregivers to effectively and timely treat infections.