Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept is essentially a hygienic shield. The hygienic shield may comprise two basic embodiments, referred to as a Cuff Sleeve Shield and a Cuff Wrap Shield, respectively. Both versions of the hygienic shield are disposable immediately after use. The preferred embodiment and method of use of the hygienic shield is as a protective blood pressure (BP) cuff shield, constructed as a tubular apparatus made of thin, highly flexible rubber. In the alternate embodiment and method of use, the hygienic shield is fabricated from a planar segment of rectangular material, preferably blue nitrile rubber of 4.0 mm thickness. The Cuff Wrap Shield further is fabricated with a first means of attachment at a first side of the Cuff Wrap Shield and a second means of corresponding attachment integral to a directly opposing second side. Thus, when joined at the seam, there is ultimately formed a tubular sleeve apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods comprising suspending microparticles in a surfactant/non-polar alkane solution to remove residual solvent that is present in the microparticle.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein comprises using a non-polar alkane in the continuous phase of an emulsion process to aid in the removal of dispersed phase solvent from the microparticles. The microparticles can further be subjected to a post-production treatment process, involving a non-polar alkane suspension and a rinse, to further reduce residual dispersed phase solvent levels.