Go freestyle
Abbott Diabetes Care has launched the Free Style Lite blood glucose monitoring system, following its approval for marketing. The new system has an automatic calibration feature that eliminates the need for manual coding before starting a new vial of test strips. Providing rapid, accurate blood glucose results in an average of 5 seconds, it offers virtually pain-free testing because of the small blood sample size (0.3 microliter) required. The meter has a large, high-contrast display and a backlight for easy testing and viewing. And like the other meters in the Free Style line, the Free Style Lite allows the patient to test on alternate parts of the body, such as the forearms, thighs, and palms.
Information:http://www.nursingcenter.com/nmie/upfront.
Expert infection detection
Cepheid offers the FDA-approved Xpert MRSA test for the rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Delivering results in just over 1 hour, the Xpert MRSA test facilitates the rapid identification of MRSA carriers, which allows health care providers to implement proper infection-control measures and reduce hospital-acquired infection rates while improving patient care. Cepheid is working with a cross-section of health care organizations to use the test in active MRSA surveillance programs nationwide.
Information:http://www.nursingcenter.com/nmie/upfront.
Giving nature a helping hand
The FDA has approved the Conceivex Conception Kit by Conceivex, Inc., the first at-home conception kit that can help women increase their chances of becoming pregnant without invasive procedures or expensive medications. The kit includes fertility prediction tools, semen collectors, and the only FDA-approved cervical cap for conception, which brings the semen into direct contact with the cervix for 6 to 8 hours, increasing the opportunity for fertilization. When used for up to 3 months, the elements of the kit work together to address the more common issues that interfere with conception, according to the manufacturer. The kit can be purchased with a prescription or made available from health care providers.
Information:http://www.nursingcenter.com/nmie/upfront.
Dermal analgesia in a patch
New from Endo Pharmaceuticals, the lidocaine 70 mg/tetracaine 70 mg topical patch Synera is indicated for use in adults and children age 3 and older to provide local dermal analgesia for superficial venous access and superficial dermatologic procedures. The patch has a self-warming feature that's intended to facilitate drug delivery. Clinical studies demonstrate that local reactions to the patch are generally mild, resolving spontaneously soon after treatment.
Information:http://www.nursingcenter.com/nmie/upfront.
A dressing with attitude
Smith & Nephew Wound Management recently unveiled Acticoat Site, a silver-coated antimicrobial barrier dressing specifically designed to help manage infection risks around I.V. lines, central venous catheters, and external fixation sites, especially multiple strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogens. Acticoat Site features a circular shape, central opening, and slit, and can be easily placed around percutaneous insertion sites. The dressing can be left in place for up to 7 days for continuous antimicrobial activity throughout the entire wear time.
Information:http://www.nursingcenter.com/nmie/upfront.
Fits like a glove
Ansell Healthcare introduces the latest addition to its family of nitrile exam gloves: the Micro-Touch NitraTex Sterile examination glove. Latex- and powder-free, this glove offers textured fingertips, an extended 12-inch cuff, and high elasticity. It also conforms to the shape of the wearer's hand, allowing for better dexterity, a comfortable fit, and less hand fatigue, according to the manufacturer. The glove is made from 100% nitrile, which addresses type 1 (latex-sensitive) allergy concerns. In addition, the glove's nitrile film has excellent puncture and chemical resistance, providing additional protection for health care staff.
Information:http://www.nursingcenter.com/nmie/upfront.
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The FDA and ResMed have notified consumers and health care practitioners of a worldwide recall of approximately 300,000 S8 flow generators used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. A potential for a short circuit in the power supply connector exists in Model S8 devices manufactured between July 2004 and May 15, 2006.
ResMed is working with its distribution partners to provide a replacement device to patients who have a Model S8 affected by the recall. Patients may continue to use their S8 devices until they receive a replacement device. They should make sure that it's placed on a hard, clean surface and that the area around the device is clear during use. Patients shouldn't use supplemental oxygen with this device and should stop using it at the first sign of electrical failure.