SBIR-STTR Award

The objectives of this project are to develop an inexpensive disposable undergarment device for early automatic detection of urination and to design a quantitative device for use in clinical research and other applications. The electronic output of the detector system will trigger a signal observed by the person wearing the garment and/or by others (for example, a nurse). The device will be useful as a research tool, clinical monitor, and personal health care item. It will be of particular benefit to the elderly who have skin problems. During Phase 1, undergarment materials (shields, absorbents, barriers) suitable for use with the urination detection system are being selected and evaluated, and the detector and electronic signal transmitter-receiver are being designed. Several prototypes of the undergarment detection system and two prototypes of the transmitter-receiver will be built and laboratory tested. After this step is successful, the device for quantitative measurement of the volume of urine will be redesigned, with the prototype to be built in Phase 11. Both devices should be evaluated on patients in Phase 11, when the types of output signals to best fit various needs of medical research and clinical, nursing, and personal care will be selected.National Institute On Aging

The objectives of this proposal are to field test two prototype devices for qualitative detection of urination (one for personal use, one with a remote alert) and to complete development and laboratory and field testing of a prototype device for quantitative urine detection. The qualitative device, an inexpensive disposable undergarment for use in home or geriatric care institutions, utilizes an automatic detection and alarm system for alerting the patient or attendant at a remote station. The quantitative device will use special disposable undergarments and will be used after surgery and as a research tool.During Phase I, the qualitative detection devices were developed and successfully tested in the laboratory. During Phase II, batch quantities will be manufactured and field tested at cooperating geriatric care institutions. The quantitative detection device was designed in Phase I; it will be completed, batch manufactured, and laboratory and field tested during Phase II. These devices will be useful for improving personal health care, reducing skin problems, helping in internal treatments and surgical procedures, and providing research data.The commercial applications are extensive potentially helping up to one million incontinent individuals in the United States. All three devices will reduce health care costs to individuals, institutions, insurance companies, and the United States government.National Institute on Aging (NIA)