A simple timing device for intravenous lines, providing a visual indicator of how long they have been in use.
Designer: Helen Hamlyn Centre, Royal College of Art
The problem
Cannulas breach the skin and need to be checked regularly for signs of infection. Because staff may not know when an intravenous line was fitted, current timekeeping methods can be inaccurate.
The solution
A cheap, simple and accurate timing device that changes colour to indicate how long an intravenous line has been in use, and how soon it will need to be checked or changed.
How it works
The Cannula Time Tracker relies on a technology called Timestrip®, which is used in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector to monitor the shelf life of perishable items. As soon as the cannula has been fitted, staff can push a button to activate the device.
Once it has been activated, a clear panel on the Timestrip® gradually fills up with ink, indicating when the cannula should be checked. The Time Tracker is very cheap to manufacture, and can be used to monitor a range of invasive medical devices.