Electron scanner can detect early-stage pressure ulcers
A new scanning technology is seeing success in detecting the microscopic tissue damage that leads to early-stage pressure ulcers, according to a study published in the Journal of Tissue Viability.
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging technology was able to detect minute amounts of skin tissue damage, based on a study of 3,000 SEM scans taken from 31 volunteers. The study demonstrated the high reliability of the scanning tool to assess the presence or absence of early-stage pressure-points before they escalate to full-blown pressure ulcers.
"The SEM Scanner offers clinicians a greatly needed method to confirm the existence of early-stage pressure ulcers quickly and reliably," said Martin Burns, CEO of Bruin Biometrics, a British manufacturer of SEM scanners, in a press release. "Pressure ulcers represent a medical condition that should rarely happen, and providers are severely penalized through cost and litigation expenses. [This technology] offers real-time insight at the point of care to lower pressure ulcer incidence, stop progression of a potentially lethal condition, and immediately slash the costs of care," he added.
Topics: Technology & IT