Touch in MedTech: Handling gloves, blood, and hygiene

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May 17, 2024

Touch technology has revolutionised interface design across many industries, and medical devices are no exception. In the medical field, where efficiency and hygiene are paramount, the integration of touch technology presents unique challenges and opportunities.

For example, medical professionals may need to carry out their procedure with gloved hands. Or need to operate a touchscreen through moisture on the screen, including blood.

On the flip side of this scenario is the need for touchless technology, which, although still in is infancy, is seeing increased interest, particular the medical market as safety considerations has forced us all to rethink our interactions.

Medical devices need to be used with gloved hands

But it’s safe to say that in whatever way you need your medical devices to operate the need for accurate touch and the quick recording of data is forever present.

Reliable Gesture Control using Different Glove Types

Picture this… how many times a day do you think medical practitioners put on gloves and then take them back off again? 

How many different pairs of gloves do you think they use in their day-to-day procedures? How many different types of gloves do you think they need to have that may be job specific? 

We don’t know the exact answers to these questions either, but we can imagine that it will be a lot.

To carry out many of these routines, they will use a medical device with display technology, which is why we customise our medical touchscreens to adapt to the use of varying glove styles.

medical gloves can be used with Anders touchscreens

Touchless Technology

We are seeing more and more interest from our medical customers in relation to touchless technology. Everyone is aware that the main benefit of a touchless user interface (UI) is the creation of a non-touch environment, and the reduction in physical contact points. 

There have already been advancements in areas such as voice-controlled UI’s, retinal scanners, and palm recognition (hover) technologies, that all help to reduce physical contact points for many medical functions.

It is certainly an exciting time for touchless UIs, which promise increased accuracy, sensitivity, and enhanced useability.

We are working with our manufacturing partners on the newest developments in hover touch technology, so if you want to know more, please contact us.

Single Wipe Clean Surface for Infection Control

In medical settings, the need for constant cleaning of equipment is vital to prevent the spread of infection. Displays must have a single wipe clean surface that is safe to use with chemical agents. This feature ensures that devices can be thoroughly sanitised without compromising their functionality or longevity.

As we continue to innovate, the goal remains clear: to make medical devices that are not only easy to use but also meet the highest standards of hygiene and safety. With each technological breakthrough, we come closer to achieving devices that enhance healthcare delivery, making treatments quicker and safer for everyone involved.

Want to discuss your Medical design requirements? Get in touch!