SPECIFICATIONMedical measuring gaugeThis invention relates to a medical measuring gauge for the measurement of pressure sores, lesions and the like.
For many years the treatment of pressure sores has been discussed within the nursing profession and it is generally understood that the most effective preventive measure which can be undertaken is the frequent turning of patients to relieve pressure.
Between 4% and 8% of all hospital patients suffer from pressure lesions and this percentage rises with increasing age and particular diagnosis.
It is generally known to describe pressure sores by depth in four categories:1. Blister only2. Skin broken (no crater underlying)3. Skin broken (crater underlying)4. Blackened tissueWhilst not precise, the above description of categories is reasonably informative but there is a need for more information regarding the identification of sores.
It is an object of this invention to provide a simple measuring gauge for obtaining an additional dimension of description to that described above.
A further object of the invention is to provide an easily carried gauge which enables nurses or other members of the medical profession to efficiently detect changes in size and/or shape of a sore and so assist in evaluating the effectiveness of any treatment being given.
According to the present invention there is provided a medical measuring gauge for the measurement of pressure sores, lesions and the like, comprising of a transparent sheet having markings indicative of selective measurements whereby the gauge can be placed on or near the patients skin in order to ascertain the size and/or shape of the sore or lesion.
Repetitive use of the gauge will therefore enable the user to detect change in size and/or shape of the sore or the like.
A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Referring to the drawing, the measuring gauge comprises a substantially flat transparent sheet 10 for example of plastics material such as polyester hearing circular markings12, 14, 16 & 18 indicative of selective measurements which in this particular example measure respectively 5mm, 15mm, 30mm and 50mm in diameter. The markings 12-18 are co-axially disposed. The markings need not, of course, be restricted to a circular shape, as for example a series of quadrangular, for example, square makings having a common centre will also indicate the size and shape of the sores or lesions.
The advantage of the gauge is that it enables precise measurement of the sore to be recorded regularly and thus enable the user to detect change in size and/or shape thereof. It is small enough to be carried by nurses and is calibrated so that measurement can be undertaken from say 2 away from the sore, thus preventing contamination of the gauge.
Since the gauge can be manufactured at low cost it can readily be replaced if and when necessary.
The combination of categorisation of sores or lesions by depth and external dimension allows close monitoring and enables an accurate record of change to be made.