News / Health
Colour changing bandage trial in Bristol
A bandage which changes colour when it detects infection could revolutionise patient treatment has been developed by scientists at the Univeristy of Bristol and is being trialed at hospitals in Bristol
The technology is being tested at Southmead Hospital and the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children and it could detect infection earlier, improve treatment for burns patients, as well as reducing the use of antibiotics.
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Professor Toby Jenkins, who is leading the study, said: “We believe our bandages have great potential to improve outcomes for patients, reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics and save the NHS money.”
Scientists say the bandages are particularly useful for treating burns wounds which can show signs of infection which is not there. A colour-changing bandage could provide an early-warning if a true infection is developing, allowing better treatment for patients.
Dr Amber Young, consultant paediatric anaesthetist at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children’s hospital and the lead clinician on the trial, said: “Diagnosing wound infection at the bedside in patients with burns will allow targeted treatment of those with true infection; allowing earlier healing and reduced scarring as well as preventing overuse of antibiotics and unnecessary dressing removal in those patients with no infection.”
If the trials demonstrate that the bandages are effective then manufacturing could begin as early as next year.