Wetness detection with biometric sensor device for use in blood treatment

A device that allows for patient identification comprising a housing, a biometric sensor, coupled to the housing. the biometric sensor is configured to detect a biometric feature of a patient. The device further comprises a signal transmitter configured to transmit data related to the detected biometric feature to a medical treatment machine for carrying out a medical treatment on the patient. The patient identification device is configured to be secured to the patient during the dialysis treatment.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for patient identification and prescription retrieval, particularly during a dialysis treatment.

BACKGROUND

During dialysis treatment, arterial and venous access needles are typically inserted into a patient such that blood can be drawn from the patient through the arterial access needle, flown through a dialyzer to filter the blood, and then returned to the patient through the venous access needles. In some cases, the venous access needles may become dislodged. In the case that such an event goes unnoticed, an arterial access needle can continue to draw blood from the patient while the dislodged venous access needle does not return blood to the patient.

Additionally, prior to treatment the care technician must prepare the dialysis machine and the patient for dialysis treatment. Preparation involves disinfecting a wetness detector, setting up the dialysis machine with concentrates, priming the bloodlines, creating a blood connection with the patient, disinfect the ID card, insert the ID card, and confirming the treatment parameters. The described preparation also assumes that the ID card is not lost, damaged, or forgotten, otherwise the care technician must input the treatment parameters individually. The current dialysis preparation procedure is time consuming and prone to human error, resulting in a longer preparation time.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes systems, methods and devices that can identify a patient using a biometric feature of the patient. Furthermore, the systems, methods and devices disclosed are configured to retrieve and upload a prescription of the identified patient for dialysis treatment.

In one aspect, a device that allows for patient identification comprises a housing, a biometric sensor coupled to the housing, the biometric sensor being configured to detect a biometric feature of a patient, and a signal transmitter configured to transmit data related to the detected biometric feature to a medical treatment machine for carrying out a medical treatment on the patient, wherein the patient identification device is configured to be secured to the patient during the dialysis treatment.

In another aspect, a method comprises reading biometric information using a biometric sensor of a device connected to a patient; processing biometric data, related to the biometric information using a control unit, in a manner such that the processed biometric data can be used to identify the patient, identifying the patient based on the processed data, and transmitting prescription data of the patient to a medical treatment machine to carry out a medical treatment on the patient.

In a further aspect, a method comprises reading biometric information using a biometric sensor of a device connected to a patient, processing biometric data related to the biometric information using a control unit, in a manner such that the processed biometric data can be used to identify the patient, identifying the patient based on the processed data, retrieving prescription data assigned to the patient identity from a cloud database, and transmitting prescription data of the patient to a medical treatment machine to carry out a medical treatment on the patient.

In another aspect, a medical treatment system comprises a medical treatment machine for carrying out a medical treatment on a patient, the medical treatment machine comprising a signal receiver and a processor or a control unit, and the treatment system further comprising a device that allows for patient identification, the device comprising a housing, a biometric sensor, coupled to the housing, the biometric sensor being configured to detect a biometric feature of a patient, and a signal transmitter configured to transmit data related to the detected biometric feature to a medical treatment machine for carrying out a medical treatment on the patient; wherein the patient identification device is configured to be secured to the patient during the dialysis treatment.

In some embodiments, the device may have a signal transmitter that is wireless signal transmitter. In certain embodiments, the device may further comprise a signal receiver for receiving signals from the medical treatment machine. In certain embodiments, the device has a biometric sensor that creates biometric data related to a detected biometric feature of the patient. In certain embodiments, the data transmitted by the signal transmitter is or derives from the biometric data. In some embodiments, the biometric feature of the patient is a fingerprint. In an alternative embodiment, the biometric feature is an iris. In certain embodiments, the biometric feature is a heat signature. In some embodiments, the device comprises a control unit configured to process the biometric data in a manner, such that the processed biometric data can be used to identify the patient. In certain embodiments, the device is configured to transmit the processed biometric data to a signal receiver of the medical treatment machine using the signal transmitter. In certain embodiments, the device is a medical device used in extracorporeal dialysis treatment. In certain embodiments, the device is reusable. In some embodiments, the reusable medical device is a wetness detector. In an alternative embodiment, the reusable medical device is a blood pressure cuff. In some embodiments, the sensor extends along the outer surface of a housing. In certain embodiments, the sensor is a finger print reader and is positioned so the patient can place a finger on the sensor during the treatment. In certain embodiments, the sensor is connected to the processor, control unit, and power source of the wetness sensor. In certain embodiments, the device is a bracelet.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises confirming the identity of the patient. In certain embodiments, confirming the patient's identity requires physical or verbal action by the operator of the medical treatment machine or the patient. In some embodiments, the device comprises a microphone. In certain embodiments, processing the biometric data and identifying the patient, are executed on the device, using a control unit of the device. In certain embodiments, identifying the patient includes, identifying the patient from the processed biometric data, retrieving the prescription data assigned to the patient from a memory of the device, and producing a transmittable signal containing at least the prescription data. In certain embodiments, processing the biometric data includes, transmitting the biometric data from the device to the medical treatment machine, and processing the biometric data using a control unit of the medical treatment machine. In some embodiments, identifying the patient includes, identifying the patient using the processed biometric data and transmitting the patient identity to a signal receiver of the device. In certain embodiments, transmitting the prescription data of the patient comprises, retrieving the prescription assigned to the patient from a memory of the device and transmitting a signal from the device to the medical treatment machine, containing at least the prescription data.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises confirming the identity of the patient. In certain embodiments, confirming the identity of the patient requires physical or verbal action by the operator of the medical treatment machine or the patient. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a microphone. In certain embodiments, processing the biometric data comprises transmitting biometric data from the device to the dialysis machine, processing the biometric data using a control device of the medical treatment machine. In certain embodiments, identifying the patient includes identifying the patient using the processed biometric data and transmitting the identity of the patient from the medical treatment machine to the cloud database. In certain embodiments, processing the biometric data comprises processing the biometric data using a control unit of the device. In certain embodiments, identifying the patient includes identifying the patient using a memory of the device, transmitting the identity of the patient from the device to the medical treatment machine, and transmitting the identity of the patient from the medical treatment machine to the cloud database.

In some embodiments, the device is in electronic communication with the medical treatment machine. In certain embodiments, the device identifies a patient using the biometric data and a memory of the device. In certain embodiments, the device further comprises a signal receiver and the medical treatment machine further comprises a signal transmitter. In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a data storage location in which patient data can be stored, retrieved, and transmitted. In certain embodiments, the data storage location is a memory of the device. In certain embodiments, the data storage location is a cloud database that is in wireless communication with the medical treatment machine. In certain embodiments, the medical treatment machine uses a single transmitter of the medical treatment machine to transmit a signal containing the identity of the patient to the cloud database. In certain embodiments, the medical treatment device uses a signal receiver of the medical treatment device to receive a signal from the cloud database containing prescription data of the patient. In certain embodiments, the device uses the signal transmitter to send a signal containing prescription data to the electronically coupled medical treatment machine.

These systems, methods, and devices may streamline part of the dialysis setup process, allowing clinicians and nurses to attend to additional patients. Furthermore, the systems, methods, and devices disclosed may reduce human error in treatment parameter input and allow for a detailed digital record of a patient's healthcare.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Access to a circulatory system of the patient may require puncturing the skin of a patient using a needle, a catheter, or other devices to form an access. Procedures that can require access to the circulatory system can include dialysis, blood filtration, hemofiltration, blood donation, blood detoxification, apheresis, cardiac catheterizations, among other dialysis treatment procedures. During a dialysis treatment using a dialysis machine, the needle can place the circulatory system in fluid communication with an extracorporeal system. Blood circulates through the extracorporeal system and undergoes filtering within the extracorporeal system. Over the access site, a medical wetness sensor is placed. The medical wetness sensor is used to ensure that fluids within the extracorporeal system do not leak. The medical wetness sensor is designed to determine if a leak occurs at the access site. On the wetness sensor, a device for sensing and reading biometric information is used to identify the patient and upload a prescription of the patient to the dialysis machine, prior to treatment.

FIG. 1shows a dialysis system100comprising a medical wetness device102removably attached to a patient104, and a dialysis machine106. The dialysis system100includes a dialysis machine106with a dialyzer108for performing a dialysis treatment on the patient104. The patient104is connected to the dialysis machine106using an arterial bloodline120and a venous bloodline122, in such a manner that the dialysis machine106and dialyzer108are a part of an extracorporeal blood circuit that removes and replaces blood via the bloodlines120,122. The dialysis machine106also comprises a power source114and a user interface116.

The dialysis machine106further comprises a processor110and a signal receiver112for receiving signals from connected devices, such as the wetness device102, and processing data sent in the received signal. The connected devices may be wirelessly connected to the dialysis machine106. The processor110is configured to receive biometric information, process the biometric information such that it could be compared to known biometric data, and determine an identification match based on the comparison. The dialysis system may also comprise a signal transmitter118that is capable of transmitting processed or unprocessed data.

The medical wetness device102is attached to the patient104using gauze. The wetness device102may be placed over a venous needle or an arterial needle (not shown) and is capable of detecting medical wetness, such as blood. In some embodiments, an arterial needle inserted into an arterial access site of the patient104places the circulatory system of the patient104in fluid communication with the arterial line120and thus the extracorporeal blood circuit. Similarly, a venous needle (not shown) inserted into a venous access site places the circulatory system of the patient in fluid communication with the venous line122and thus the extracorporeal blood circuit. The arterial needle and the venous needle112typically inserted into a forearm of the patient104, but other access sites can be used.

FIG. 2illustrates a wetness device102including biometric housing205and biometric sensor204. The biometric sensor204is configured to scan or measure biometric information from the patient. The sensor204is located on the face of the wetness device102, open to the environment during dialysis treatment. A section the housing205, on which the sensor204is located, is slightly raised from the body of the wetness device102. In some embodiments, the biometric sensor is a fingerprint scanner, and the biometric information is gathered by placing a finger of the patient onto the sensor. The housing is made of a resilient, biocompatible material and creates a protective housing for the electronic components of the sensor described inFIG. 3. The housing205supports the biometric sensor204and provides a flat surface suitable for accurate scanning or measuring.

FIG. 3shows electronic components of an embodiment of the biometric sensor204.FIG. 3illustrates a housing305, similar to the housing205inFIG. 2, and a signal transmitter306. The device102may also include a signal receiver307, a processor308, a memory309, or a combination thereof. The biometric sensor204shares electronic components with the medical wetness device102, such as a power source, housing, or signal transmitter306.

The wetness sensing device102shown inFIGS. 2 and 3is flexible, thereby allowing the wetness sensing device102to conform to the skin and to the venous needle (not shown). In particular, an inner surface of the wetness sensing device102(e.g., a surface of the wetness sensing device102facing the venous access site) conforms to the skin. Because of the flexibility of the wetness sensing device102, the geometry of the inner surface can closely match the geometry of the venous access site. Embodiments showing the flexible nature of the wetness sensor are shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown inFIG. 4in which the wetness sensing device102is placed on the patient104such that the base406of the wetness sensing device102bends along the contours of the patient104. The biometric sensor404is located on a raised platform from base406. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 5in which the wetness sensing device is disposed on the patient such that the base506of the wetness sensing device102bends along the contours of the patient104. The biometric sensor404is located on a raised platform from base506. Hinge portions of the wetness sensing device bases406,506enable the bending of the bases.

FIG. 6Ashows internal components of wetness device102beneath the biometric sensor204(shown inFIG. 2). The view inFIG. 6Ashows a separation plate602that separates the biometric sensor electronics shown inFIG. 3from the electronics of the wetness device102show inFIG. 6B. InFIG. 6A, the separation plate602includes openings to provide access for wired electrical connections between the control circuitry of the biometric sensor204and the control circuitry of the wetness device102. Often, electronic components are shared between the wetness device102and the biometric sensor204to minimize the number of parts, for example the biometric sensor204and the wetness device102may share an internal power source. Control circuitry of the wetness device102is contained within the housing605. The control circuitry can include appropriate electrical components to control operations of the control circuitry.

FIG. 6Billustrates control circuitry of the wetness device102housed within housing605. The control circuitry includes an internal power source604and a microcontroller606to process, generate, transmit, and receive electrical signals. The control circuitry is electrically connected to a first electrical conductor608and a second electrical conductor610used for sensing medical wetness on the base of the wetness device102.

The control circuitry can detect electrical continuity between the first and second electrical conductors608,610by transmitting electrical test signals through the first and second electrical conductors608,610. For example, the control circuitry can transmit the test signals through one of the first and second electrical conductors608,610and determine whether the test signals propagate through the other electrical conductor.

The control circuitry of the wetness device102is configured to detect a presence or an absence of a medical fluid electrically connecting the first and second electrical conductors608,610. In the absence of medical fluid, such as blood, the control circuitry can detect that the first and second electrical conductors608,610do not form a closed electrical loop. In the presence of medical fluid, the control circuitry of the wetness device102can detect that the first and second electrical conductors608,610form a closed electrical loop (e.g., are electrically continuous). In particular, the medical fluid can contact both the end portions of the first electrical conductor608and the end portions of the second electrical conductor610to form the closed electrical loop. In the presence of the medical fluid, the electrical test signal transmitted through the first and second electrical conductors608,610indicate electrical continuity between the first electrical conductor608and the second electrical conductor610.

The control circuitry of the wetness device102can determine that an electrical resistance below a predetermined threshold indicates that the first and second electrical conductors608,610form the closed electrical loop or are electrically continuous. Electrical resistances below a threshold between, for example, 500 Kohms and 1 Mohm can indicate electrical continuity between the first and second electrical conductors that could occur in the presence of medical fluid.

In response to detecting electrical continuity through the first and second electrical conductors608,610, the control circuitry of the wetness device102can generate an electrical signal indicating the presence of medical fluid along the inner surface of the base612. Similarly, in response to detecting electrical isolation between the first and second electrical conductors608,610(e.g., the first and second electrical conductors608,610are not electrically connected), the control circuitry can generate an electrical signal indicating the absence of medical fluid along the inner surface612. In some cases, in response to detecting the electrical isolation, the control circuitry can simply not transmit an electrical signal. The first and second electrical conductors608,610are thus configured to cause the control circuitry of the wetness device102to generate a signal indicating the absence or presence of medical fluid on the inner surface.

The control circuitry can include a wireless transceiver614, which can, based on the electrical signal, generate a wireless signal indicating the absence of medical fluid or the presence of medical fluid. The wireless signal can be transmitted to a wireless transceiver of an extracorporeal system, a dialysis machine, or other treatment device (e.g., the wireless receiver112ofFIG. 1). The wireless transceiver616can transmit the wireless signal until the wireless transceiver616receives a wireless stop signal including instructions to stop transmitting the wireless signal. For example, the treatment device can transmit a wireless stop signal to the wireless transceiver616after the medical fluid leak causing the presence of the medical fluid has been resolved.

The control circuitry receives power from a power source604to execute various electrical operations. The control circuitry can use the power to transmit the test signals to detect an absence or presence of electrical continuity that can be caused by the absence or presence of medical fluid on the inner surface of the base612. The control circuitry of the biometric sensor204may also receive power from power source604. In some implementations, the power source604is removably housed in the housing605. An upper housing portion may be removable from the lower housing portion so that the power source604can be removed and inserted. As a result, the power source604can be replaceable in an event that the power source604does not have sufficient power to energize the control circuitry of the wetness device102and the biometric sensor204.

While in the absence of medical fluid, the wetness sensing device102can operate in an idle state in which the control circuitry transmits the electrical test signals without generating the electrical signal and the wireless signal. The idle state has a reduced power requirement, as the control circuitry does not operate the wireless transceiver614during the idle state.

FIGS. 7A-7Cshow a procedure for applying and using the wetness sensing device102coupled with a biometric device204. During use, the wetness sensing device102is disposed on the patient with gauze105positioned between the wetness sensing device102and the skin of the patient104. The wetness sensing device102is positioned over the venous needle, and a cloth or gauze702is wrapped around the wetness sensing device102to the fix wetness sensing device102in place.FIG. 7Ashows the patient104with the wetness device102on the forearm of the patient104. The forearm is a common placement for the arterial and venous bloodline attachment sites, however another location on the body of the patient104is acceptable. The base of the wetness device102is flexible and is wrapped around the forearm on top of the bloodline attachment site.FIG. 7Bshows the device wrapped in cloth or gauze702in order to fix the device102to the forearm. The gauze702covers the base of the device102but does not cover the biometric sensor704, allowing the patient104access to the biometric sensor. Alternatively, the device can be secured onto a patient using a cuff with an opening in the shape of the biometric sensor. The cuff is placed on the arm of the patient so that the biometric sensor extends through the opening, allowing the patient access to the biometric sensor. The cuff diameter can be adjustable and secured using Velcro. In some embodiments, the gauze is wrapped around the forearm, creating a first layer. The wetness device102is then placed on top of the first layer of gauze and is secured to the patient using a second layer of gauze.FIG. 7Cillustrates a patient using an opposite hand to place a finger onto the biometric sensor704. The biometric sensor704, in this case a finger print reader, scans the fingerprint and the patient104is identified. The identification method is described in more detail inFIGS. 8 and 9.

After patient identification, the wetness sensing device102is primarily used to sense medical wetness. In response to detecting leakage of blood, the wetness device102can transmit wireless signals to alert external systems of the leak. The wetness sensing device102includes a wireless transceiver306(shown inFIG. 3) that can communicate with a wireless receiver112(shown onFIG. 1) of the dialysis machine106. Upon detection of a leak, the dialysis machine106can alert the patient or a care technician to resolve the leak, stop the treatment, or otherwise change the course of treatment in response to the leak. The wetness sensing device102can be flexible and therefore conformable to the skin of the patient so that the wetness sensing device can be disposed on contours of the patient's body while maintaining close contact with the skin. Blood leakages from the access site can accordingly be quickly and reliably detected.

FIG. 8andFIG. 9illustrate procedures for two embodiments of the device. The embodiment described inFIG. 8is a procedure800for a dialysis system, with a biometric sensor coupled to a medical wetness sensing device and a dialysis machine. The coupled sensor includes a power source, a housing, a signal transmitter, processor, a memory, and a confirmation mechanism. The confirmation mechanism may be located on or within the coupled device and requires the patient to confirm a determined identity using a physical or verbal action. In an embodiment for which the patient gives verbal confirmation, the coupled device includes a microphone. The memory of the biometric sensor stores prescription data of the patient. The dialysis machine comprises a signal receiver and a processor.

The patient and dialysis machine are prepared for dialysis treatment by connecting the venous and arterial bloodlines to the patient and to the dialysis machine. A first layer of gauze is wrapped around the needle and the wetness sensor is placed above the first layer of gauze. The coupled sensor is secured by wrapping additional gauze around the housing of the wetness sensor, but leaving at least the biometric sensor exposed. The patient scans the desires biometric feature onto the biometric sensor802, producing biometric information related to the biometric feature. The biometric information is processed into biometric data. The biometric information gathered by the biometric sensor, is changed into biometric data using a processor and is compared to a known packet of biometric data assigned to a patient identity. If the measured biometric data is significantly similar to the control biometric data, the patient identity is confirmed806within the biometric sensor and a user confirmation is prompted808. If the user confirmation is rejected, the device returns to step802and prepares to measure a biometric feature. Otherwise, the user confirms the patient identity and the coupled device retrieves the patient prescription assigned to the patient identity from the memory of the biometric sensor810. The memory may also include additional patient data for example, previous treatment data, additional biometric data, medication allergies, or other information useful for dialysis treatment. The coupled device then sends the patient prescription to a wirelessly connected dialysis machine812configured to upload the prescription based on the transmitted prescription data814.

InFIG. 8, the coupled sensor processes the biometric information into biometric data, however,FIG. 9illustrates a procedure900in which the dialysis machine processes the biometric information. The patient and dialysis machine are prepared in the same manner. The coupled biometric sensor and wetness device may comprise a power source, a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, and a memory. The memory contains at least the prescription data of the patient identity. The dialysis machine comprises a processor, a signal receiver, and a signal transmitter.

The venous and arterial bloodlines are connected to the patient and to the dialysis machine. A first layer of gauze is wrapped around the needle and the wetness sensor is placed above the first layer of gauze. The coupled sensor is secured by wrapping additional gauze around the housing of the wetness sensor, but leaving at least the biometric sensor exposed. The patient scans the desires biometric feature onto the biometric sensor, producing biometric information related to the biometric feature902. The biometric information is transmitted from the coupled sensor using the signal transmitter and is received by the dialysis machine using the signal receiver of the dialysis machine. The biometric information is processed into biometric data using the processor of the dialysis machine and is transmitted back to the coupled sensor using a signal transmitter of the dialysis treatment device904. The coupled sensor receives the biometric data using the signal receiver of the coupled sensor and compares the biometric data with a known packet of biometric data assigned to a patient identity. If the measured biometric data is significantly similar to the known packet of biometric data, the patient identity is confirmed within the sensor908and a user confirmation is prompted910. If the user rejects the identity, the sensor returns to step902and prepares to read a biometric feature of a patient. If the used confirms the identity, the coupled sensor retrieves the patient prescription assigned to the patient identity from the memory of the biometric sensor and sends the patient prescription to a wirelessly connected dialysis machine912. The memory of the biometric sensor may also store additional patient data for example, previous treatment data, additional biometric data, medication allergies, or other information useful for dialysis treatment. The dialysis machine is configured to upload the prescription914based on the transmitted prescription data.

FIG. 10shows an alternative embodiment of the dialysis system1000. The dialysis system1000includes a patient1004connected to a dialysis machine1006. The dialysis system1000further comprises a wetness detector with a biometric sensor1002and an electronic cloud1008used for storing patient information and prescription data. The electronic cloud1008and dialysis machine1006are in electronic communication. The dialysis machine1006is comparable to the dialysis machine ofFIG. 1in that the dialysis machine1006also comprises a processor1010, for processing data sent in the signal, a dialyzer1020, and a signal receiver1012, for receiving signals from connected devices, such as the wetness sensor1002.

The electronic cloud1008is configured to store patient data, including the prescription for a dialysis treatment. The patient data can be retrieved from the cloud1008and transmitted to a connected device, such as the dialysis machine1006. In some embodiments, the cloud1008is capable of identifying a patient using biometric data and retrieving the prescription of the identified patient.

The wetness sensor with a biometric sensor1002is wirelessly connected to the dialysis machine1006. The processor1010of the dialysis machine1006, may be configured to receive raw biometric information and process the biometric information such that it could be compared to known biometric data. Alternatively, the processor1010of the dialysis machine1006may be configured to receive and transmit processed data or identification data, acting as a pathway from the sensor1002and the electronic cloud1008. The dialysis machine1006may also comprise a signal transmitter1018that is capable of transmitting unprocessed data, processed data, or identification data to the cloud1008. Similarly, the electronic cloud1008is configured to receive unprocessed biometric information, processed biometric data, or identification data. Regardless of the received signal, the electronic cloud1008sends the prescription data for an identification match to the dialysis machine1006, unless no identity match was found. In the case that the electronic cloud1008receives unprocessed biometric information, the electronic cloud1008will process the biometric information into biometric data, compare the newly processed biometric data to known biometric data, identify the patient, retrieve the prescription data of the identified patient, and return the prescription data and the identified patient data to the dialysis machine1006. In the case that the electronic cloud receives processed biometric data the electronic cloud1008will compare the processed biometric data to known biometric data, identify the patient, retrieve the prescription data of the identified patient, and return the prescription data and the identified patient data to the dialysis machine1006. In the case that the electronic cloud1008receives information data, the electronic cloud1008will retrieve the prescription data of the identified patient in the identification data, and return the prescription data to the dialysis machine1006.

In some embodiments the biometric sensor may be coupled to a reusable device.FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate alternative embodiments for the biometric sensor. The biometric sensor can be coupled with any reusable device used in dialysis treatment.FIG. 11illustrates a biometric sensor1102coupled to a blood pressure cuff1104. The coupled device is in communication with a dialysis machine. The biometric sensor1102comprises a memory, a signal receiver, a signal transmitter, a processor, a microphone, and/or a power source. If the blood pressure cuff is connected to the dialysis machine, the biometric sensor may connect to the dialysis machine in the same manner. For example, if the blood pressure cuff is connected to the dialysis machine using a connection wire, the biometric sensor may also use the connection wire to communicate with the dialysis machine. Alternatively, if the blood pressure cuff is connected wirelessly, the biometric sensor1102may communicate with the dialysis machine wirelessly. The biometric sensor1102acts similarly to wetness device embodiment, in that the biometric sensor1102is configured to read a biometric feature and send unprocessed data, processed data, or identification data to a dialysis machine. An additional similarity is that that biometric sensor may share electronic components with the blood pressure cuff to reduce the number of moving parts.

FIG. 12illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the biometric sensor1202is coupled to a bracelet1212. The bracelet may be used specifically for identification purposes, and comprises a memory, a signal receiver, a signal transmitter, a processor, a microphone, and a power source. In an exemplary embodiment, the biometric sensor is located on an outward facing housing of the bracelet, however the sensor may also be facing inwards if the biometric feature is easily measured with an inward facing sensor. The biometric sensor1202acts similarly to wetness device102in that the biometric sensor1202is configured to read a biometric feature and send unprocessed data, processed data, or identification data to a dialysis machine. The bracelet is wirelessly connected to a dialysis machine.

The biometric sensor embodied in the described figures is finger print scanner, designed to measure a fingerprint as the biometric feature. The biometric sensor may also be configured to sense other biometric features, including but not limited to a heat signature or an iris. A heat signature is an infrared signal emitted by all humans due to their emitted heat, specifically from blood vessels. Capillaries create a pattern beneath a person's skin, unique to individuals. The pattern of the heat emitted by the capillaries or larger blood vessels can be used as a unique biometric identifier. The biometric sensor may also be configured to sense proximate RFID chips, using the signal receiver. For example, the RFID chips could be housed in a clinician ID card, a patient ID card, or a blood pressure cuff.

FIG. 13andFIG. 14show procedures for identifying a patient and uploading a prescription for a dialysis system with a biometric sensor coupled to a medical wetness detector, a dialysis machine, and a cloud database. The cloud database stores prescription data of a patient or multiple patients. The patient and dialysis machine are prepared in the same manner as in the description ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 13shows a procedure1300that includes a dialysis system with a wetness device coupled to a biometric sensor and a dialysis machine in communication with the coupled sensor. The dialysis further comprises an electronic cloud in wireless communication with the dialysis machine. The coupled biometric sensor and wetness device contains a power source, a signal transmitter, processor, a memory, and a confirmation mechanism. The memory stores a patient identity data and prescription data that can be accessed by comparing a known biometric feature to a measured biometric feature. The confirmation mechanism may be located on or within the coupled device and requires the patient to confirm a determined identity using a physical or verbal action. In an embodiment for which the patient gives verbal confirmation, the coupled device includes a microphone. The dialysis machine comprises a signal transceiver, and a signal transmitter. The cloud database and dialysis machine are in wireless communication.

The patient and dialysis machines are prepared for dialysis treatment, such that the venous and arterial bloodlines are connected to the patient and to the dialysis machine. A first layer of gauze is wrapped around the needle and the wetness sensor is placed above the first layer of gauze. The coupled sensor is secured by wrapping additional gauze around the housing of the wetness sensor, but leaving at least the biometric sensor exposed. The patient scans the desires biometric feature onto the biometric sensor, producing biometric information related to the biometric feature1302. The biometric information can be processed into biometric data. The biometric information gathered by the biometric sensor is changed into biometric data using a processor and is compared to a known packet of biometric data assigned to a patient identity1304. If the measured biometric data is significantly similar to the control biometric data, the patient identity is confirmed within the sensor1306and a user confirmation is prompted1308. The user confirms the identity and identity information is sent to the dialysis machine1310. Alternatively, the patient identity can be confirmed within the coupled device and transmitted to the dialysis treatment device for confirmation. The confirmed identity data is transmitted to the cloud database1312. The cloud database receives the confirmed patient identification data and retrieves the patient prescription data1314. The cloud database may also store additional patient data for example, previous treatment data, additional biometric data, or other information useful for dialysis treatment. The cloud database transmits at least the prescription data to the dialysis machine and the dialysis machine is able to upload the prescription based1316on the transmitted prescription data.

FIG. 14discloses an embodiment that uses a system comprising a biometric sensor coupled to a medical wetness detector, a dialysis machine, and a cloud database, wherein the couple database comprises prescription data of a patient or multiple patients. The coupled device may comprise a signal transmitter and a memory. The memory contains a patient identification linked to a biometric data of a known biometric feature. The dialysis machine may comprise a signal transmitter, a signal receiver, and a processor. The cloud database stores prescription data of patients linked to known identification data, and may also include additional patient data for example, previous treatment data, additional biometric data, or other information useful for dialysis treatment.

The patient and dialysis machines are prepared for dialysis treatment, such that the venous and arterial bloodlines are connected to the patient and to the dialysis machine. A first layer of gauze is wrapped around the needle and the wetness sensor is placed above the first layer of gauze. The coupled sensor is secured by wrapping additional gauze around the housing of the wetness sensor, but leaving at least the biometric sensor exposed. The patient scans the desires biometric feature onto the biometric sensor, producing biometric information related to the biometric feature1402. The biometric information is transmitted from the coupled device using the signal transmitter and is received by the dialysis machine using the signal receiver of the dialysis machine1404. The biometric information is processed into biometric data using the processor of the dialysis treatment and returns the biometric data to the sensor. The sensor receives the biometric data and compares the biometric data with a known packet of biometric data assigned to the patient identification. If the measured biometric data is significantly similar to the control biometric data, the patient identity is confirmed within the sensor1408and a user confirmation is prompted1410. The confirmed identity data is transmitted to the dialysis machine and the dialysis machine transmits the confirmed identity data to the cloud database1412. The cloud database receives the confirmed patient identification data and retrieves the patient prescription data1414. The cloud database may also store additional patient data for example, previous treatment data, additional biometric data, or other information useful for dialysis treatment. The cloud database transmits at least the prescription data to the dialysis machine1416. The dialysis machine is able to upload the prescription based on the transmitted prescription data1418.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments inFIGS. 1-14are illustrative of the device but are not limiting. A combination of the procedures or a combination of part of the procedures described in the figures are considered within the scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments the dialysis machine may contain a memory in which patient data is stored, as opposed to the sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the biometric information may be processed in the cloud rather than in the dialysis machine or the sensor. In certain embodiments, the dialysis machine may facilitate a user confirmation using a user interface. In an alternative embodiment in which the biometric sensor comprises a microphone, the microphone may be used by the clinician and/or patient to record notes during treatment that can be saved with the patient data.