SmartSyringe

Project "SmartSyringe" data sheet

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 Partnership

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 Project objective

Blood is the essential physiological parameter when it comes to assess our health, going from routine check-ups to complex tests for infectious diseases. Each step in the process of the blood draw affects the quality of the specimen and is thus important for preventing laboratory error, patient injury and even death. E.g. the touch of a finger to verify the location of a vein before insertion of the needle increases the chance that a specimen will be contaminated. This can cause false blood culture results, prolong hospitalization, delay diagnosis and cause unnecessary use of antibiotics. A total of 2,947 sharps injuries involving a source patient infected with a blood borne virus were reported by health care workers, during 2002-2011 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Significant sharps injuries were 67% higher in 2011 compared to 2002. Nearly 40% of the injuries occur after use and before the sharp devices are disposed. 41% of the injuries occur while sharp devices are used and 15% of injuries during disposal or after it. Every minute, more than 10,000 venipunctures are being performed in the world. However, needles have not changed for more than 150 years. The needle normally produces only transitory mild discomfort. However, from 3.5 to 10% of the population suffer from belonephobia (extreme fear of needles) avoiding healthcare settings. We are developing a needle-free solution which is able to extract, collect and analyse blood in a painless, safe an easy way. Our approach enables monitoring of major global infectious diseases such as HIV, Malaria and Hepatitis which is key for a sustainable elimination of such. SmartSyringe represents a breakthrough especially for blood collection in developing countries. As almost no training is required for proper usage, facilitating diagnostics in areas where there is a lack of healthcare professionals.