SEM Scanner 200 for preventing pressure ulcers

Technology

SEM Scanner 200 is a portable, hand-held skin assessment device. It detects an increased risk of pressure ulcers developing by identifying early pressure-induced tissue damage at the heel and sacrum. Published evidence suggests that damage to underlying soft tissues can happen 3 to 10 days before tissue damage shows at the epidermis (Moore et al. 2017). Tissue inflammation is the first response to damage and causes increased dilation and permeability of surrounding blood vessels. This leads to leakage of plasma and fluid, creating a layer of subepidermal moisture. As damage increases, so does the level of subepidermal moisture. SEM Scanner 200 measures variation in subepidermal moisture. Healthy tissue has little variation and will give a low numerical reading whereas inflamed or dead tissue has increased variance in subepidermal moisture and will give higher numerical readings. Readings are taken across a small area, the variance in subepidermal moisture between these readings reflects tissue damage. The variation is reported as a 'delta' value, with a subepidermal moisture delta value of 0.6 or more thought to represent clinically significant levels of tissue damage.

Innovative aspects

2.1 SEM Scanner 200 uses a novel method of identifying subepidermal moisture in the tissue of the heels and sacrum. The method is proposed to identify an increased risk of pressure ulcer formation before visible signs of pressure-induced damage are present.

Intended use

2.2 SEM Scanner 200 is intended to be used on the heels and sacrum of people who are at risk or at high risk of developing a pressure ulcer, as defined in NICE's guideline on pressure ulcers: prevention and management.

2.3 SEM Scanner 200 is used by healthcare professionals on admission, during the patient's stay and on discharge. Users need training to use the device and interpret the results. For full information on how to use the technology please refer to the SEM Scanner 200 information for use document.

Costs

2.4 The cost of purchasing the SEM Scanner 200 is £5,835 per device.

For more details, see the website for SEM Scanner 200.