Venipuncture training assists using electrical sensors in a rubber arm system

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to implement a sensor system to help improving the venipuncture accuracy for medical technology students using a rubber arm system. The rubber arm simulated human arm having veins with a pump circulated fluid inside. The fluid represented human blood which is usually withdrawn at three areas of vein in the arms, i.e., median cephalic, median basilic, and median cubital veins. The venipuncture sensing system consists of the electrical sensors connected to the rubber arm, a needle and a control box. The arm sensor was designed to detect electric quantities derived as the result of different resistances of needle tip in different materials. Three testers performed ten venipuncture tests at each at the three locations by using the sensor system. During the test, the numbers of venipuncture and various types of venipuncture output were collected by the sensor. Based on the results, the accuracy of the venipuncture was determined. It was found that the average accuracy was 76±10%. Moreover, the training effectiveness of the system was evaluated by divided the accuracy results into two parts i.e., the first half and the second half of the tests. Accuracy comparisons was made between these parts. It was found that the accuracy was improved at all three areas along with the reduced through venipuncture percentage. This research provided an optional possibility of using a venipuncture sensor for medical technology students.