| abstract |
Monitoring apparatus 201 for a wound 206 comprises a substrate having a wound region 203 and a detection region 204 connected by one or more fluid channels 205. The detection region 204 comprises a plurality of distinct sensing markers 207a-d (e.g. a dye) each configured to undergo a detectable optical change (e.g. colour, absorption, reflectance, transparency etc.) in response to a different wound parameter (including e.g. temperature, pH, moisture, or a pathogen). The sensing markers are tethered, for example by electrostatic or chemical vapour deposition, within the detection region of the substrate to inhibit removal. The markers may be tethered to a cover configured to overlay the substrate. The fluid channels may have different volumes, cross-sections or tapering to provide different transfer rates. Reference markers for comparison, as well as light sources and photodetectors may be present. The monitor may facilitate early-warning of wound deterioration and avoid costly medical inspections. |