Pressure injuries still occur in people assessed as not being high risk.
PU sensor identifies the risk in time—so fewer suffer!
For too long, pressure injuries have caused great suffering to many individuals. And cost healthcare both money and resources. Established methods need to be supplemented to find the risk group.
PU sensor has a method that evaluates microcirculation, is objective, is based on measurable physiological data, and is supported by both Swedish and international research.
A new way to identify individuals at risk of developing pressure injuries
Current risk assessment methods are not accurate enough. PU sensor has developed a solution and method to better identify the risk group by evaluating superficial blood flow.
Pressure injuries occur when there is insufficient blood flow in superficial tissues due to pressure on the skin while lying or sitting. When the microcirculation response to pressure, PIV, is examined, those at risk can be identified. PIV varies between individuals with 20% lacking satisfactory PIV. This group is particularly vulnerable to pressure injuries.
Weak Micorocirculation
Normal Micorocirculation
Pressure-induced vasodilation
The PIV indicator PU sensor can objectively determine which individuals have reduced superficial blood flow, microcirculation, when pressure is applied to the skin and therefore are at increased risk of developing pressure injuries. This is done by examining the body’s physiological defense mechanism under non-harmful pressure, PIV (Pressure-induced vasodilation).
People who lack PIV have weakened microcirculation when pressure is applied to the skin, for example when lying down. They are at greater risk of developing pressure injuries—PU sensor provides an answer as to whether the individual has PIV or not.
This helps to identify those at risk and to provide early prevention for those who need it most
Analysis of microcirculation with light
The method is optical and based on photoplethysmography (PPG). It illuminates the skin with light of different wavelengths and measures the reflected light. The PIV indicator, PU sensor, provides information about the individual’s microcirculation and the risk of developing pressure injuries. The method of analysing blood flow is based on the same technology as that used in heart rate monitors, smart watches and the research tool Laserdopler flowmetry
Two-step assessment
The assessment is carried out with and without pressure on the skin. The assessment with PU sensor is fully automatic after the sensor plate is attached to the skin.
First, the pad is inflated to relieve pressure where the sensor plate is positioned
After a few minutes, the air leaves the pad so that the skin is loaded by the individual’s own weight.
Instant response shows the risk of pressure injuries
The microcirculation assessment with PU sensor is done before the person has developed pressure sores, for example when admitted to hospital or to a nursing home. The result comes immediately after the assessment and can be read on the screen of the instrument.
The result from PU sensor is a complement to the scales and assessments in current use, which evaluate other important factors for pressure injury risk. The results should not be used to claim that an individual deemed as belonging to the risk group with current assessment methods is not at risk. It should only be used to add individuals to the risk group.
Green—the individual is at low risk of developing pressure injuries based on their PIV response
Red—the individual is at increased risk of developing pressure injuries based on their PIV response
PIV indictor parts
The main unit is the PU sensor's brain
The main unit has buttons and a color screen that are used to start the assessment, follow the its progress and read the results. It is robust, battery powered, saves data and is automatically updated. The unit can be wiped with most common surface disinfectants. It is wirelessly charged when not in use.
A soft and flexible sensor plate
A soft, flexible sensor plate is placed on the skin of the person to be risk-assessed. To keep it in place during the examination, a skin-friendly double-sided adhesive tape is used and is supplied with the product. The sensor plate contains light sources and light sensors.
Inflatable cushion relieves pressures on the skin
The PU sensor has an inflatable cushion that is placed under the person to be assessed.
The cushion allows the pressure on the skin to be varied so that the microcirculation response to the pressure can be analyzed.
The cushion inflates automatically as part of the examination.
Simple method gives immediate results
An assessment takes less than 5 minutes
Results are seen directly on the screen
History is saved and results can be printed
Battery-operated and easy to charge when not in use
Mobile, handy and easy to store
Support and updates
PU sensor is a connected product, which means high-quality support, continuous software updates and an automatic supply of consumables and spare parts when needed. The connection is encrypted, with a high level of security. No personal data is handled by PU sensor so the product and services are fully compliant with GDPR and healthcare confidentiality.