NHS Supply Chain has introduced an innovative disposable tourniquet, called Tournistrip, to combat the risk of healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs).
Dr Ryan Kerstein, co-founder of ASEP HEALTHCARE, said: “Reusable tourniquets (the strap used around a patient’s arm in blood taking) are used for around 40 million procedures each year in the NHS, and we found from our own investigations that a considerable amount of harmful bacteria was growing on them. “If Tournistrip was adopted by the NHS, it could reduce the risk of infections from soiled re-usable tourniquets as some had been in circulation between two and 104 weeks, and used up to 11 times a day.” Tournistrip is a viable alternative made from plasticised paper. The flexibility of the material means that it is comfortable for the patient, and its adhesive fastening strip means that it can be applied with minimal effort. A recent clinical study by Chelsea and Westminster Hospital found that 72% of patients found Tournistrip comfortable during use and 94% of phlebotomists found it easier to use than standard reusable tourniquets.
