The global market for point-of-care diagnostics is increasing dramatically and is forecast to reach $18.7bn in 2014, rising from $13.4bn in 2009. The ability to deliver laboratory results outside of the hospital environment is enabling this increase, with blood glucose monitoring and blood chemistry & electrolyte providing the two main segments, along with cardiac markers, […]
There are a number of TPEs that have passed cytotoxicity tests (ISO 10993-5) and biocompatibility tests (USP Class VI). The materials are latex free, reducing the risk of allergic reactions. They are available in a range of shore hardness’s from shore A to 65 shore D. Transparent grades are available, as well as grades suitable […]
A new heat-stabilised polypropylene (PP) has been developed to withstand repeated steam and autoclave sterilisation cycles. It is resistant to a some solvents, cleaning agents and disinfectants. It could be used for a range of products including surgical trays and instrument components. It is also tested for biocompatibility according to ISO 10993.
We use Polypropylene extensively in everyday products as it is low cost and has some excellent mechanical properties such as good impact resistance, is flexible, has a low MVTR (Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate) and you can create living hinges within a moulding. One disadvantage it has always had, is that optically transparent products could not […]
As environmental concerns rise ever higher up the agenda, innovation in packaging is taking place within the packaging industry. Additives can be added which causes polythene to degrade harmlessly upon exposure to sunlight. Biothene causes a catalysed reaction which breaks down the long molecular chains in the material, allowing polythene products to degrade harmlessly in […]
Occurrences of MRSA and other hospital infections are mentioned everyday in the media. Clearly, cleaning plays in big role in reducing the chance of infection, along with good personal hygiene, however material technology is also playing its part. A huge amount of development has taken place in materials with antibacterial properties. The additive is added […]
Many of the medical and healthcare products we use require the use of specific medical-grade elastomers. The elastomers often need to be odourless, be latex-free, and contain no phthalates. Phthalates have primarily be used to help soften Polyvinyl Chloride, but are being phased out in the United States, Canada and EU due to health concerns. […]
How Selective Laser Melting and other rapid manufacturing technologies are affecting medical design.
