Study 1: A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF TAPELESS PRODUCTS FOLLOWIING RINSING AND PROCESSING PROCEDURES.
Mr. Dan Bader
Professor of Mechanical Engineering Westfield College
Queen Mary and December 1999
BACKGROUND:
It is important to assess the effects of cleaning procedures on the performance of the Tapeless products. In particular, the extensibility of the laminated products needs to be independently assessed and results reported for the dissemination to the Department of Health. The experimental work was performed
by Ms. Y‐N Wang and Professor Bader.
TEST METHODS:
A test plan was developed involving the repeat testing of five airs of specimens, which were rinsed as described below on four occasions.
Rinsing
- Rinse in cold water
- Wring out gently water
- Rinse under warm water (40 degrees C)
- Wring out gently
- Air dry
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
1. After cycle 4 of both rinsing and/or processing procedures, all the specimens from the dressings remained intact and in good condition and yielded properties of high extensibility in both test conditions. In addition, the Velcro attachments remained functional and secure on the substrate material.
2. In some of the test specimens, there was a change in mechanical properties after the first cycle of rinsing and/or processing procedures. However, there were no or only small subsequent changes up to and including cycle 4.
3. The rinsing procedure generally produced a smaller effect on the mechanical properties of the test specimens than if detergent was used in the processing procedures. ( added detergent is the “processed” procedure)
CONCLUSIONS:
Tapeless dressing retention product materials and Velcro fixation components remain effective3 after having been washed according to9 instructions and air‐dried. Whilst some change in properties of materials is noted after the first wash cycle, further washes up to a maximum of five washes show very little change in material performance, which remains patent and functions effectively as a dressing retention product.
Please note that actual data of the study may be obtained by contacting Tapeless Medical, 350 North Center, Brandon, Wisconsin, 53919.