GB2441305A

GB2441305A - Medical device

Info

Publication number: GB2441305A
Application number: GB0617083A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Elizabeth Paul
Original assignee: MEDARO MEDICAL Ltd
Current assignee: MEDARO MEDICAL LIMITED
Priority date: 2006-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-31
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0617083D0; GB0702158D0

Abstract

The device 2 comprises a first transparent section 4 and a second opaque section 6. The second section may have an area providing information to the user. The device may also comprise a pressure sensing means 10 which detects a change in pressure on the device and which may trigger an illumination means. The device may further comprise a microprocessor. In use the device is placed against the body and pressure applied as a test for septicaemic rash.

Description

A Medical Device The invention relates to a medical device.

Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a medical s device for indicating the presence of a septicaemic rash.

Septicaemia is the term given to blood poisoning.

Septicaernia can be caused by many types of bacteria but is most commonly associated with meningococcal bacteria which multiply in the blood stream to release toxins which damage blood vessels, tissues and organs. Meningococcal septicaemia can present alone, or in combination with meningitis, which is the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of septicaemia include a rash which may occur locally on any part of the body. The rash comprises red or purple spots that do not fade when pressure is applied to them. This type of rash is often referred to as a non-blanching rash.

Early detection of septicaemia is crucial because the disease is life threatening. it is therefore important that a person is able to readily recognise the symptoms of the disease. A commonly used test for detecting the presence of a septicaemic rash is known as the "Tumbler Test" where a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against the rash. If the spots can be seen through the glass and do not fade, it is likely the patient has septicaemia.

Disadvantageously, the "Tumbler Test" is dependent upon a person having access to a glass tumbler. This is likely to be problematic if away from the home. Further, the test relies on the person being able to hold the tumbler on the skin and apply a downwards force. This is particularly difficult for elderly people who may not have the required strength or dexterity to carry out the test.

S

It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical device for testing the presence of a septicaemic rash.

Accordingto an aspect of the present invention there is provided1a medical device for indicating the presence of a septicaemic rash, the medical device comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being substantially transparent and adapted to be placed against a body, the second section being substantially opaque and located on a periphery of the first section.

Preferably, the second section surrounds said first section.

Advantageously, the configuration of the medical device enables a wide range of people with varying abilities to test for a septicaemic rash. Particularly, the device can be readily handled by the elderly whom might otherwise not be able to pick up a tumbler, which is a prior art device used for testing.

Preferably, the first section has substantially the same peripheral shape as the second section. Preferably1 said sections arc substantially rectangular in shape. Said sections may be square in shape. The first section and the second section may be substantially concave in shape.

The first section and the second section may be substantially convex in shape. Preferably, the first section and/or the second section comprises a concave face and a convex face, and preferably is square in plan view.

S Preferably, the first section is located centrally of the second section. Preferably, the first section is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises a first pair of sides of equal length, and a second pair of sides of equal length. Preferably, the first pair of sides is substantially between 2cm and 20cm in length, preferably substantially between 3cm and 10cm, most preferably substantially 6cm in length. Preferably, the second pair of sides is substantially between 2cm and 10cm in length, preferably substantially between 2cm and 5cm, most is preferably substantially 4cm in length. Preferably, the first section has a cross sectional area of substantially 24cm2.

The medical device may be substantially square in shape wherein the first section has sides of equal length, preferably each side being substantially between 2cm and 10cm, preferably substantially between 2cm and 5cm, most preferably 3cm. Preferably, the first section has a cross sectional area of substantially 9cm2.

Preferably, the second section is adapted to be placed against the body. Preferably, the second section is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises a first pair of sides of equal length, and a second pair of sides of equal length. Preferably, the first pair of sides is substantially between Scm and 25cm in length, preferably substantially between 7cm and 12cm, most preferably substantially 9cm in length. Preferably, the second pair of sides is substantially between 3cm and 14cm in length, preferably substantially between 3cm and 7cm, most preferably substantially 5.5cm in length.

The medical device may be substantially square in shape wherein having sides of equal length. Preferably, each side is substantially between 4cm and 20cm. Preferably, when each side of the first section is substantially 3cm in ength, each side of the second section is substantially between 5cm and 9cm, preferably substdntially 7cm.

Preferably, the first section has a thickness of substantially less than 0.5cm, preferably substantially less than 0.3cm. Preferably the first section has a thickness of 0.2cm.

Preferably, the first section comprises a polymeric material. Preferably, the polymeric material is Perspex .

Alternatively, the first section may comprise glass.

Preferably, the second section has a thickness of less than substantially 2cm, preferably less than substantially 1cm, preferably less than substantially 0.5cm.

Preferably, the second section has a thickness of substantially 0.3cm. Preferably, the second section comprises a plurality of side portions, preferably four side portions. Preferably, at least two of the side portions are of equal thickness, preferably each of the four side portions are of equal thickness.

Preferably, the second section comprises a plastics material. Alternatively, the second section comprises a paper-based material.

Preferably, the first section is of substantially the same thickness as the second section.

Preferably, the second section is adapted to form a border or surround about the first section. Preferably, the border is substantially between 1cm and 5cm in depth, preferably substantially between 1cm and 3cm, most preferably substantially 1.5cm.

Preferably, the second section comprises at least one information area which is adapted to provide information to a user. Preferably, four of said areas are provided, one each of the four side portions of the second section.

Preferably, the or each information area comprises a plurality of indicia.

Preferably, a pressure sensing means is provided on the device, preferably on the second section. Preferably, the pressure sensing means is adapted to detect a change in pressure on the device. Preferably, the pressure sensing means is operable to trigger an illumination means upon detection of the change in pressure. Preferably, the illumination means is operable to cause illumination of at least a portion of the device, preferably the information area, preferably substantially all of the information area.

Advantageously, when a tester places the medical device onto an area of skin to be tested, when sufficient pressure is applied, the pressure sensing means operate to trigger the illumination means to illuminate the information area/s on the device. The information area preferably indicates a message:o guide the tester whether to seek medical attention.

Preferably, a microprocessor is provided in the device, Preferably, the microprocessor is operable as a language translator, preferably to translate the information provided on the information area into tester's preferred language.

Preferably, the first section is removable from the second section. Preferably an opening is provided in the second i section through which the first section may be removed from the medical device.

In a further aspect the invention provides a method of testing for a septicaemic rash, the method comprising: a) Placing a medical device against an area of a body, the medical device comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being substantially transparent, the second section surrounding said first section, the second section being substantially opaque; b) Applying a pressure to the medical device;and c) Determining the result of the test with respect to information provided in an information area.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now he described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figures la and lb show a schematic front view and a schematic sectional side view respectively of a medical device according to the invention; Figures 2a arid 2b show a schematic perspective view and a schematic side view respectively of a medical device according to the invention; and Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of a medical device according to the invention.

Figure la shows a medical device 2 according to the invention. The medical device 2 is generally rectangular in plan view and comprises a first section 4 and a second section 6. The second section 6 surrounds the first section 4 to create a frame or border 8. The border 8 as approximately 1.9cm in depth.

Ihe first section 4 has a cross sectional area of approximately 24cm2. Said section 4 is rectangular in plan view and is manufactured from a suitable transparent material. Such material may be glass but a polymeric material is preferred, for example, Perspex . This is because such material is transparent and is readily pliable, being easy to bend and shape to match the contour a person's body.

The first section 4 is fixed in a substantially rigid position within the second section 6. In this manner, the first section 4 remains in position when a test is being carried out. The second section 6 is manufactured from opaque material. Such material may be card or plastics.

A sensing means 10 is located on the second section 6 as shown in Figure lb. The sensing means 10 comprises a pressure sensor which operates to detect a pressure applied to the medical device 2. Although the sensing means 10 is shown located towards n upper end 12 of the device 2, it will be understood by the reader, that the sensing means may be located at any suitable position on the device 2. The sensing means 10 may be operable to trigger a signal, for example, an audible alarm, or visual signal, when sufficient pressure has been applied. The is operation of the sensing means 10 is described in more detail below with reference to Figure 3.

In use, the tester holds the second section 8, so as not to obstruct the transparent viewing window or first section 4, and places the device 2 onto the rash on a body. The tester then applies a downwards force and looks through the first section 4 to inspect the rash. If the rash remains visible, this is an indication of sept icaemia.

Figures 2a and 2b show an alternative embodiment of the medical device 100. The device 100 comprises a first section 104 and a second section 106. The second section 106 comprises a concave face 112 and a convex face 114.

The first section 104 is fixed into the second section 106 and bends to follow the contour of said second section 106. It will be understood by the reader that the first section 104 may be removable and replaceable from the second section 106.

Figure 3 shows a device 200 having an information area 216. The information area 216 is provided around the surface of the second section 206. The information area 216 may comprise indicia 217. The information area 216 provides the tester with details of what to expect if a septicaemic rash is present, or whether to seek medical help. The information area 216 may also provide pictures of a typical septicaemic rash.

The information area 216 is linked to illumination means, for example a LED located within the second section 206.

The illumination means is triggered by the sensing means 210 so that when a pressure is applied to the device 200, the illumination means operate to light up the information area 216.

It will be appreciated that the information area and illumination means are equally suitable to be incorporated into the devices show in Figures 1 and 2.

The configuration of a medical device which is easy to operate but is also readily available to a user is highly beneficial both for use by the public or a medical professional. The device is compact and can be easily stored, unlike the traditional "Tumbler Test" which requires the user to have access to a glass. Further, the device of the present invention can be used by a wide range of people and is particularly suited to people who have reduced dexterity.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinat:ons where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to che details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A medical device for indicating the presence of a septicaemic rash, the medical device comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being substantially transparent and adapted to be placed against a body, the second section being substantially opaque and located on a periphery of the first section.

2. A medical device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second section surrounds said first section.

3. A medical device as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the first section has substantially the same peripheral shape as the second section.

4. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sections are substantially rectangular in shape.

5. A medical device as claimed in any one of the : *** preceding claims, wherein the first section and the second *a..

section are substantially concave in shape.

5. A medica1 device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first section and the second section are substantially convex in shape. S. 55

: * 7. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section is located centrally of the second section.

8. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section is substantially rectangular in shape and comprises a first pair of sides of equal length, and a second pair of sides S of equal length.

9. A medical device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first pair of sides is substantially 6cm in length.

10. A medical device as claimed in claims B or 9, wherein the second pair of sides is substantially 4cm in length.

11. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section and the second section each have a thickness of substantially less than 0.5cm.

12. A medical device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first section is of substantially the same thickness as the second section.

: ** 13. A medical device as claimed in any one of the * S..

preceding claims, wherein the second section is adapted to *.* form a border or surround about the first section.

14. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding c'aims, wherein the second section comprises at least one information area which is adapted to provide * information to a user.

15. A medical device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one information area comprises a plurality of indicia.

16. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pressure sensing means is provided on the device.

17. A medical device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the pressure sensing means is located on the second section.

18. A medical device as claimed in claims 16 or 17, wherein the pressure sensing means is adapted to detect a change in pressure on the device.

19. A medical device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the pressure sensing means is operable to trigger an is illumination means upon detection of the change in pressure.

20. A medical device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the illumination means is operable to cause illumination of at least a portion of the device.

21. A medical device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the *Ia.

illumination means is operable to illuminate the information area.

22. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a microprocessor is provided in * . the device. I. .* * * * * S

23. A medical device as claimed claim 22, wherein the microprocessor is operable as a language translator, to translate the information provided on the information area.

24. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section is removable from the second section.

25. A medical device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an opening is provided in the second section through which the first section may be removed from the medical device.

26. A method of testing for a septlcaemic rash, the method comprising: d) Placing a medical device against an area of a body, the medical device comprising a first section and a second section, the first section being substantially transparent, the second section surrounding said first section, the second section being substantially opaque; e) Applying a pressure to the medical device; and f) Determining the result of the test with respect to information provided in an information area. * * 4 **

 27. A medical device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. a

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