Abstract: A reagent strip for measuring glucose concentration in whole blood has reduced interference of hematocrit with the glucose measurement. When a biological fluid contacts the strip, it causes, in a reagent impregnated in the strip, a color change that is a measure of the glucose concentration in the fluid. However, the color change is also affected by the red blood cell concentration (hematocrit), thereby reducing the accuracy of the glucose measurement. The hematocrit effect is reduced by adding to the reagent an acrylic acid polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressings comprising a molecular filtration membrane having a maximum pore size in the range of from 0.001 .mu.m to 0.5 .mu.m, and preferably in the range of from 0.01 .mu.m to 0.25 .mu.m. The wound dressings may also comprise an absorbent layer atop the molecular filtration membrane and/or a wound contact layer of wound-friendly bioabsorbable material for contacting the wound. In use, the molecular filtration membrane retains high molecular weight biopolymers and wound healing factors at the wound surface while excluding bacteria and allowing rapid egress of wound exudate through the membrane into the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A reagent test strip is adapted for use in a blood glucose meter. A sample of whole blood is applied to one surface of a matrix on the strip and the meter measures the reflectance of the opposite surface of the matrix at about 635 nm and 700 nm and calculates from the reflectances the concentration of glucose in the sample. The portion of the applied sample that penetrates the matrix and is visible from the testing surface does not absorb to any appreciable extent at 700 nm. Nevertheless, the glucose-containing sample interacts with the components of the reagent-containing matrix to cause a change in reflectance at 700 nm that simulates the effect of the blood color. As a result, the strip can be used in meters that measure glucose concentration in whole blood samples in the presence of optically visible hemoglobin.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of a biological fluid involves a hollow, frustum-shaped disposable device. The smaller end of the frustum has a porous membrane, to which the sample is applied. Preferably, a reagent in the membrane reacts with the analyte to cause a color change. The device is mounted on a meter, which measures the color change and computes from the change the analyte concentration in the sample. Preferably, the devices are released from the meter without touching them, to protect against contamination.

Abstract: A meter is used in conjunction with a hollow, frustum-shaped disposable device to measure the concentration of an analyte in a sample of a biological fluid. The smaller end of the frustum has a porous membrane, to which a sample of the fluid may be applied. Preferably, a reagent in the membrane reacts with the analyte to cause a color change. The meter has a frustum-shaped distal section that mates with the device. The meter measures the color change and computes from the change the analyte concentration in the sample. The meter and disposable device permit remote dosing of the device, which minimizes the likelihood of cross-contamination between the user and the meter. Devices can be mounted on the meter and released from the meter without touching them, to further protect against contamination.

Abstract: A chemical timer for a direct-reading reagent test strip changes color a predetermined time after a biological fluid is applied to the strip. The strip measures the concentration of an analyte in the fluid. The timer is a dry coating of an indicator, an enzyme-containing reagent that when hydrated can react with glucose to change the color of the indicator, an inhibitor to inhibit the change in color of the indicator, glucose, and optionally, an aldose that does not react with the enzyme in the reagent. Preferably, the reagent and glucose are present in excess in the coating, and the time it takes for the timer color to change can be controlled by the inhibitor concentration. The aldose provides timer stability, probably by interfering with glycosylation by the glucose in the dry state.

Abstract: A product suitable for absorbing wound exudate comprising a series of interconnected square or rectangular perforated bags made of a substance of maximum thickness 1 mm e.g. film, which is substantially non-adherent to a wound, wherein alginic acid or a salt thereof such as calcium alginate is housed in the bags, preferably in the form of small spheres. The film preferably comprises ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer. Alternatively, the product comprises a string along which beads of alginic acid or alginate are threaded.

Abstract: A modified blood glucose test strip reduces the risk of contamination when it is used with a blood glucose meter. The modified strip has adhered to its top surface a protective shield that is preferably cut from a sheet of transparent plastic. The shield permits access to the sample-receiving surface of the strip, but prevents contamination of the meter by the user, because it covers a part of the meter that adjoins the strip when the strip is installed in the meter. Similarly, the shield protects a user from contacting a potentially contaminated area of the meter. The modified strip finds particular advantage in a hospital or other setting where several persons may use the same meter.

Abstract: A reagent strip for measuring glucose concentration in a biological fluid containing red blood cells has reduced interference of hematocrit with the glucose measurement. When a biological fluid contacts the strip, it causes, in a reagent impregnated in the strip, a color change which is a measure of the glucose concentration in the fluid. However, the color change is also affected by the red blood cell concentration (hematocrit), thereby reducing the accuracy of the glucose measurement. The hematocrit effect is reduced by adding to the reagent a component, such as imidazole or imidazole and N-acetylglucosamine, for minimizing side reactions of the glucose, or its reaction products, with the fluid.

Abstract: A control solution for use with a photometric blood glucose strip contains glucose in an aqueous suspension of carbon black. The control solution mimics blood when applied to a whole blood glucose test strip, which is then inserted into a meter. A meter reading within a predetermined range indicates that meter and strip are operating satisfactorily. Preferably the control solution is buffered to a neutral pH and includes chloride ion to provide a stable end point for the glucose reaction. Depending on the glucose concentration, the solution checks meter and strip operation at high, low, and normal blood glucose levels.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam suitable for use as a wound-contact layer in a wound dressing is made by mixing 1 part by weight of an isocyanate-capped prepolymer having from 0.5 to 1.2 meq NCO groups/g with from 0.4 to 1.0 parts by weight of water in the presence of from 0.05 to 0.4 parts by weight of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 monohydric alcohol, and then drying the product. The monohydric alcohol is preferably methanol, and the isocyanate-capped prepolymer is preferably an isocyanate-capped ethyleneoxy/propyleneoxy copolymer.

Abstract: A self-contained biological indicator includes an outer container that is translucent and liquid impermeable. The container is normally closed by a vapor-permeable, micro-organism-impermeable closure and contains a source of viable microorganisms, a culture medium, a composition that decomposes hydrogen peroxide, and a detector that undergoes a visible change in response to growth of the microorganisms. In operation, the indicator is first subjected to a sterilization cycle in a hydrogen peroxide sterilizer. Without opening the outer container, the microorganism source, culture medium, and hydrogen peroxide-decomposing composition are brought into contact. The indicator is placed in an incubator, after which the detector responds to any microorganism growth, indicative of incomplete sterilization.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a passageway for accepting a strip for determining the presence or quantity of an analyte is provided. The passageway has a serpentine shape to maintain the strip against an optical aperture in the passageway wall, insuring that a constant optical reading is obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: A medical gown has a tubular, seamless, and impervious protective layer surrounding each sleeve to provide enhanced protection from contamination, particularly during surgical procedures. The bottom end of the protective layer is attached to the sleeve cuff and the top end preferably extends at least 70% of the distance to the shoulder seam. The protective layer may be of polyethylene or other suitable material, and the top end may be adhered to the sleeve by commonly used adhesives.

Abstract: There is disclosed: an absorbent, non-adherent, freeze-dried, fibre-free pad comprising from 2 to 6 parts by weight of a water-soluble biocompatible polymer and from 2 to 15 parts by weight of a liquid humectant, provided that the weight ratio of humectant to polymer is from 0.75:1 to 2.5:1 and; a method for producing the pad.