AZ Sint Maarten and UAntwerpen help simplify blood tests for diabetics with new device
A collaboration between AZ Sint Maarten in Mechelen and the University of Antwerp (UAntwerpen) has led to the development of a tool that helps diabetics with a physical disability to draw blood more easily. This innovative device stabilises the blood sampler in place, eliminating the need for a second hand when drawing blood.
The demand for such a tool has been growing steadily within the diabetes clinic at AZ Sint Maarten. "Several patients have difficulty drawing blood themselves and need help to do so," says Ilde Van den Bulck, team leader of the diabetes and foot clinic at AZ Sint Maarten. "This concerns people with, for example, half-sided paralysis or those who are partially blind as a result of diabetes. We cannot organise home nursing for everyone, and this also negatively impacts the independence of patients because they may have to wait at home up to four times a day until a nurse is available. We approached UAntwerp, who took on the challenge."
"A very simple holder turned out to be the best solution"
A team of students and alumni from the UAntwerp IDLab developed various prototypes. "A lot of sophisticated ideas were reviewed, but in the end, a very simple holder turned out to be the best solution," says Dr Thomas Huybrechts, senior researcher at IDLab UAntwerp. "This holder, which can easily be attached to a cupboard or table leg, allows the blood sampler to click into place, eliminating the need for an extra hand to take the sample."
The device will be made available to patients through the hospital and costs just 1 euro to produce with a 3D printer. The design is also being shared with hospitals worldwide, enabling them to print the device for their patients. "About ten per cent of diabetics will benefit enormously from this," says Van den Bulck. "But even patients without physical limitations can use the holder; it's easy to carry in a handbag and simple for anyone to operate."
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO IMAGEBROKER
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