Abstract: A centrally controlled healthcare environment interconnects manufacturers of medical products, healthcare providers, and patients in a manner that provides a variety of functionalities. A particularly advantageous application of the system provides a mechanism for regulating and recording the flow of free drug samples from manufacturers to healthcare providers and thence to patients. This involves a method by which a unique record is created each time it changes hands on the way from the manufacturer to the patient. A machine-readable unique code assigned to the sample is scanned automatically when the sample it is withdrawn from inventory at the manufacturer. The code and a unique identity of the individual withdrawing the sample are stored as a first record. This process is repeated at each location and for each individual handling the sample, including when it reaches the healthcare provider. Thus, a series of unique records is created that track the sample.

Abstract: A centrally controlled healthcare environment interconnects manufacturers of medical products, healthcare providers, and patients in a manner that provides a variety of functionalities. A particularly advantageous application of the system provides a mechanism for regulating and recording the flow of free drug samples from manufacturers to healthcare providers and then to patients. This involves a method by which a unique record is created each time it changes hands on the way from the manufacturer to the patient. A machine-readable unique code assigned to the sample is scanned automatically when the sample it is withdrawn from inventory at the manufacturer. The code and a unique identity of the individual withdrawing the sample are stored as a first record. This process is repeated at each location and for each individual handling the sample, including when it reaches the healthcare provider. Thus, a series of unique records is created that track the sample.

Abstract: A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage with a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to as patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. A bandage dispensing device is attachable to the wrist of a user for convenient dispensing of bandages from a strip of individually packaged bandages.

Abstract: A portable unit comprises a sampling mechanism used by a patient to take a sample of a bodily fluid or tissue that can be tested for any property indicative of a medical condition of the patient, a microprocessor for determining a treatment for the condition based on a test of the sample, and an administration mechanism for administering the treatment based on the determination by the microprocessor. Operationally, the unit samples a bodily function, evaluates the sample, determines from stored protocols and criteria if treatment is required, and administers treatment.

Abstract: A portable unit comprises a sampling mechanism used by a patient to take a sample of a bodily fluid or tissue that can be tested for any property indicative of a medical condition of the patient, a microprocessor for determining a treatment for the condition based on a test of the sample, and an administration mechanism for administering the treatment based on the determination by the microprocessor. Operationally, the unit samples a bodily function, evaluates the sample, determines from stored protocols and criteria if treatment is required, and administers treatment.

Abstract: An insulin injection pen and blood glucose monitoring device is integrated into a single unit that fits in a user's clothing pocket or handbag. The device includes a blood glucose monitoring system for detecting the user's blood glucose level, an insulin injection mechanism, and a microprocessor that calculates an insulin dosage appropriate to the detected blood glucose level of a particular user and sets the insulin injection mechanism to administer the calculated insulin dosage. The device automatically informs a remote emergency service provider if the microprocessor determines that the detected blood glucose level presents a potential danger to the user. The microprocessor also calculates treatment regimens based on the detected blood glucose level and displays the treatment regimens on an LCD display. The device can include a GPS receiver that detects the location of the device, which is transmitted by the device to the remote emergency service.

Abstract: A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage with a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to as patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. A bandage dispensing device is attachable to the wrist of a user for convenient dispensing of bandages from a strip of individually packaged bandages.

Abstract: A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage with a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to a patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. A bandage dispensing device is attachable to the wrist of a user for convenient dispensing of bandages from a strip of individually packaged bandages.

Abstract: A portable unit comprises a sampling mechanism used by a patient to take a sample of a bodily fluid or tissue that can be tested for any property indicative of a medical condition of the patient, a microprocessor for determining a treatment for the condition based on a test of the sample, and an administration mechanism for administering the treatment based on the determination by the microprocessor. Operationally, the unit samples a bodily function, evaluates the sample, determines from stored protocols and criteria if treatment is required, and administers treatment.

Abstract: A centrally controlled healthcare environment interconnects manufacturers of medical products, healthcare providers, and patients in a manner that provides a variety of functionalities. A particularly advantageous application of the system provides a mechanism for regulating and recording the flow of free drug samples from manufacturers to healthcare providers and thence to patients. This involves a method by which a unique record is created each time it changes hands on the way from the manufacturer to the patient. A machine-readable unique code assigned to the sample is scanned automatically when the sample it is withdrawn from inventory at the manufacturer. The code and a unique identity of the individual withdrawing the sample are stored as a first record. This process is repeated at each location and for each individual handling the sample, including when it reaches the healthcare provider. Thus, a series of unique records is created that track the sample.

Abstract: A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage comprising a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to a patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. In another embodiment, a flat adhesive bandage strip comprises an elongated substrate with at least one continuous strip of absorbent material on one side extending in the elongated dimension of the substrate and an adhesive portion adjacent each outside elongated edge of the substrate, with a release liner adhered to the adhesive portion and covering the pad.

Abstract: An insulin injection pen and blood glucose monitoring device is integrated into a single unit that fits in a user's clothing pocket or handbag. The device includes a blood glucose monitoring system for detecting the user's blood glucose level, an insulin injection mechanism, and a microprocessor that calculates an insulin dosage appropriate to the detected blood glucose level of a particular user and sets the insulin injection mechanism to administer the calculated insulin dosage. The device automatically informs a remote emergency service provider if the microprocessor determines that the detected blood glucose level presents a potential danger to the user. The microprocessor also calculates treatment regimens based on the detected blood glucose level and displays the treatment regimens on an LCD display. The device can include a GPS receiver that detects the location of the device, which is transmitted by the device to the remote emergency service.

Abstract: A portable insulin injection pen and blood glucose monitoring device is integrated into a single unit for testing and treating diabetes symptoms. The device has a housing of a size suitable for transport in a user's clothing pocket or handbag. Within the housing is a blood glucose monitoring system for receiving a sample of the user's blood and detecting its glucose level, an insulin injection mechanism for administering an insulin injection, and a microprocessor that calculates an insulin dosage appropriate to the detected blood glucose level and sets the insulin injection mechanism to administer the calculated insulin dosage. A communication device automatically informs a remote emergency service provider, such as 911 or an emergency service to which the user has subscribed, if the microprocessor determines that the detected blood glucose level presents a potential danger to the user.

Abstract: A portable insulin injection pen and blood glucose monitoring device is integrated into a single unit for testing and treating diabetes symptoms. The device has a housing of a size suitable for transport in a user's clothing pocket or handbag. Within the housing is a blood glucose monitoring system for receiving a sample of the user's blood and detecting its glucose level, an insulin injection mechanism for administering an insulin injection, and a microprocessor that calculates an insulin dosage appropriate to the detected blood glucose level and sets the insulin injection mechanism to administer the calculated insulin dosage. A communication device automatically informs a remote emergency service provider, such as 911 or an emergency service to which the user has subscribed, if the microprocessor determines that the detected blood glucose level presents a potential danger to the user.