Skin Disinfectant Wipe

A skin preparation device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient that includes an applicator configured to absorb the antiseptic composition, the applicator comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of the patient, and a gripping portion configured to provide a portion of the skin preparation device that is gripped by a user when using the skin preparation device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is directed to a skin disinfectant wipe and, more particularly, is directed to a skin disinfectant wipe that reduces or eliminates contact between a user's skin surface and a patient's skin surface when applying the disinfectant to the patient's skin surface.

Description of Related Art

Proper cleansing and disinfecting a patient's skin, for example but not limited to, preparing for injection or aspiration through the patient's skin, or a surgery site is crucial to reduce the likelihood of adverse events, including infection, during and following the intervention. However, for many reasons ranging from pressure to rapidly prepare a patient for these procedures to distractions inherent in the environment, many clinicians and other staff do not engage in proper cleansing and disinfecting techniques, for example such as the suggested guidelines of 30 seconds of cleansing, followed by 30 seconds of drying for dry skin areas.

Further, a current method for patient skin preparation is dominated by the use of disinfectant wipes. These disinfectant wipes tend to lead to accidental touching of the patient's skin by the user applying the disinfectant wipe and improper aseptic technique, which both lead to contamination and increased rate of infection on the patient's skin surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disclosure, there is a current need in the art for a disinfectant wipe that reduces or eliminates contact between a user's skin surface and a patient's skin surface when applying the disinfectant to the patient's skin surface. A further need exists in the art for a disinfectant wipe that reduces or eliminates contact between a user's skin surface and a patient's skin surface when applying the disinfectant to the patient's skin surface and remains cost-effective for mass production.

In some non-limiting embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure, a skin preparation device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient may include an applicator configured to absorb the antiseptic composition, the applicator comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of the patient, and a gripping portion configured to provide a portion of the skin preparation device that is gripped by a user when using the skin preparation device.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the applicator and the gripping portion may be made of the same material. The gripping portion may be a ring-shaped structure. The gripping portion may be formed from opposing ends of the skin preparation device that are bent away from the applicator. The applicator and gripping portion may be formed from a single piece of material.

In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a skin preparation device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient may include an applicator configured to absorb the antiseptic composition, the applicator comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of the patient, and a holding portion that receives the applicator to provide a portion of the skin preparation device that is gripped by a user when using the skin preparation device.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the applicator and the holding portion may be made of a different material. The applicator may be made of a sponge material and the holding portion is made of a plastic material. The holding portion may include at least one reinforcing member to provide support to the applicator. The holding portion may define a cavity that receives at least a portion of the applicator.

In one configuration, a skin preparation device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient includes an applicator configured to absorb the antiseptic composition, the applicator including a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface configured to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of the patient, and a holding portion that receives the applicator to provide a portion of the skin preparation device that is gripped by a user when using the skin preparation device.

In certain configurations, the applicator and the holding portion are made of a different material.

In certain configurations, the applicator is made of a sponge material and the holding portion is made of a plastic material.

In certain configurations, the holding portion includes at least one reinforcing member to provide support to the applicator.

In certain configurations, the holding portion defines a cavity that receives at least a portion of the applicator.

In certain configurations, the applicator is at least one of a natural sponge and a synthetic sponge.

In certain configurations, the synthetic sponge includes at least one of a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose.

In certain configurations, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, comprising ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof.

In certain configurations, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds.

In certain configurations, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds.

In certain configurations, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol.

In certain configurations, the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol.

In certain configurations, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The figures accompanying this application are representative in nature, and should not be construed as implying any particular scale or directionality, unless otherwise indicated. For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

Provided herein is a device for applying an antiseptic composition to skin of a patient, for example for preparing an area of the patient's skin for example, for injection or aspiration through skin, or a surgical intervention. As used herein, the term “patient” is any animal, including humans, and a “human patient” is any human. As used herein, the term “antiseptic composition” is any composition that prevents or inhibits the growth of one or more microorganisms on the patient's skin surface.

As used herein, the term “surgical intervention” means any percutaneous treatment (e.g., catheterization, angioplasty, needle biopsy, and the like), open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and/or minimally-invasive surgery that involves puncturing the skin or creating one or more incisions of varying size in the skin of the patient.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, as shown inFIGS.1-4, a skin preparation device2according to the present disclosure is shown and described in detail. The skin preparation device2may include an applicator4, such as a sponge or other porous, absorbent material that is configured to hold an antiseptic composition, and to allow a user to apply the antiseptic composition to the patient's skin at the site of the surgical intervention and, optionally, one or more areas adjacent to the site of the surgical intervention. The applicator4can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition. The applicator4may have a top surface6and a bottom surface8. Either surface can be used to apply the antiseptic composition to the patient's skin; however, for simplicity, the device2will be described herein with reference to the bottom surface8as the surface that is configured to come into contact with the patient's skin. In one example, the applicator4may be a disinfectant wipe.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds, such as iodine, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, bis-biguanides such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorhexidine diacetate or quaterium class compounds such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophenes, octenidine, diazolidinyl urea, methyl chloro isothiazoline, methyl isothiazoline, triclosan, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of any of the aforementioned, including mixtures of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol, for example isopropyl alcohol. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the skin preparation device2may include a holding member10to allow a user to apply the antiseptic composition to the skin of a patient, while maintaining aseptic technique (e.g., by not directly contacting the applicator or the patient's skin surface). In one example, the holding member10may be a looped member that allows a user to insert his/her finger therethrough to use the skin preparation device2or to permit a user to grip the holding member10to use the skin preparation device2. In one example, the applicator4and the holding member10may be made of the same material. The holding member10can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition. By using the same material for both the applicator4and the holding member10, the skin preparation device2ensures that both the user's skin surface and the patient's skin surface are disinfected. Further, the holding member10will cover the user's finger(s) with the material so that, in the event the user's finger(s) touch the patient's skin surface, the material contacts the patient's skin surface instead. In one example, the holding member10may be a monolithic piece of material that defines a passageway therethrough to receive the user's finger(s). In another example, the holding member10may be a piece of material that includes ends bonded to one another to form the passageway to receive the user's finger(s). In one example of the present disclosure, the material of the holding member10may be thinner than the material of the applicator4.

As shown inFIGS.3-5, according to non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure, the skin preparation device2may be provided in a packaging12. The packaging12may be made of at least two pieces of material that receive the skin preparation device2therebetween. The packaging12may be opened by pulling a tab14that causes the two pieces of material to be pulled apart. As shown inFIG.4, when the skin preparation device2is held in the packaging12, the holding member10may be flattened to fit within the packaging12. After the skin preparation device2has been removed from the packaging12, the holding member10may spring into a use position or may be pulled in to a use position by the user so that a user may insert his/her finger through the holding member10.

With reference toFIGS.6-9, according to some non-limiting embodiments and aspects, a skin preparation device20is shown and described in detail. The skin preparation device20may include an applicator portion22and a handle portion24. In one example, the applicator portion22and the handle portion24are formed as a monolithic structure and are formed integral with one another from a single piece of material. In other examples, the applicator portion22and the handle portion24may be two pieces of material operatively connected to one another. The applicator portion22and the handle portion24may form a ring-like structure that has a passageway defined therethrough.

The applicator portion22can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition. In one example, the handle portion24may be made of the same material as the applicator portion22. In one example, the applicator portion22may be a disinfectant wipe.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds, such as iodine, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, bis-biguanides such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorhexidine diacetate or quaterium class compounds such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophenes, octenidine, diazolidinyl urea, methyl chloro isothiazoline, methyl isothiazoline, triclosan, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of any of the aforementioned, including mixtures of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol, for example isopropyl alcohol. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

In some non-limiting embodiments and aspects, the handle portion24may include the two opposing ends of the skin preparation device20. The handle portion24may bend upwardly from the applicator portion22to form gripping portions for the user to grasp when using the skin preparation device20. In one example, the opposing ends of the skin preparation device20may be bonded together to form the handle portion24. In some examples, the opposing ends of the skin preparation device20may be adhesively bonded or heat bonded. In order to signify to the user the location of the handle portion24, the handle portion24may be colored differently from the applicator portion22. In another example, the handle portion24may include written instructions or pictorials to indicate to the user that the handle portion24should be grasped. As shown inFIGS.7and9, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle portion24may be folded over the applicator portion22when held in a packaging (not shown) to reduce the overall size of the skin preparation device20when held in the packaging. When in use, the user may squeeze the handle portion24between his/her thumb and index finger to grip the skin preparation device20.

With reference toFIGS.10-13, according to some non-limiting embodiments and aspects, a skin preparation device30is shown and described in detail. The skin preparation device30may include an applicator portion32and a clasping portion34. In one example, the applicator portion32and the clasping portion34are formed as a monolithic structure and are formed integral with one another from a single piece of material. In other examples, the applicator portion32and the clasping portion34may be two pieces of material operatively connected to one another. In some examples, the opposing ends of the skin preparation device30may be adhesively bonded or heat bonded together. The applicator portion32and the clasping portion34may form a ring-like structure that has a passageway defined therethrough, in which the user can insert his/her finger to use the skin preparation device30.

The applicator portion32can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition. In one example, the clasping portion34may be made of the same material as the applicator portion32. In one example, the applicator portion32may be a disinfectant wipe.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds, such as iodine, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, bis-biguanides such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorhexidine diacetate or quaterium class compounds such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophenes, octenidine, diazolidinyl urea, methyl chloro isothiazoline, methyl isothiazoline, triclosan, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of any of the aforementioned, including mixtures of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol, for example isopropyl alcohol. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

In one example, the opposing ends of the skin preparation device30may be bonded together to form the clasping portion34. As shown inFIGS.11and13, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the skin preparation device30may be folded to deflate the ring-like structure to reduce the overall size of the skin preparation device30when packaging the skin preparation device30.

With reference toFIGS.14-19, according to some non-limiting embodiments and aspects, a packaging40for the skin preparation device20is shown and described. The packaging40may define a cavity to receive the skin preparation device20. A tear-off portion42may be provided on one end of the packaging40to permit a user to tear off a portion of the packaging40to remove the skin preparation device20therefrom. The tear-off portion42may be precut to allow for an easier removal of the tear-off portion42from the packaging40.

As shown inFIGS.15and16, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the handle portion24of the skin preparation device20may be folded over onto the applicator portion22to reduce the overall size of the skin preparation device20. The handle portion24may be folded towards the tear-off portion42of the packaging40so that, after the tear-off portion42has been removed, the user may grip the handle portion24and pull the skin preparation device20from the packaging40without contaminating the applicator portion22. In one example, a tip26of the handle portion24may be bent over the remaining portion of the handle portion24. After the tear-off portion42has been removed from the packaging40, the tip26may flex away from the handle portion24and out of the packaging40for easy gripping by the user.

With reference toFIGS.20-24, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a skin preparation device50is shown and described in detail. The skin preparation device50may include an applicator52and a holding portion54. In one example, the holding portion54is configured to receive the applicator52.

The applicator52can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds, such as iodine, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, bis-biguanides such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorhexidine diacetate or quaterium class compounds such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophenes, octenidine, diazolidinyl urea, methyl chloro isothiazoline, methyl isothiazoline, triclosan, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of any of the aforementioned, including mixtures of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol, for example isopropyl alcohol. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the holding portion54may include a base member56that defines a cavity58to receive at least a portion of the applicator52and at least two reinforcing members60,62that extend from the base member56. In one example, the cavity58may have a round cross-sectional shape that corresponds to a round cross-sectional shape of a portion of the applicator52. The applicator52may be held in the holding portion54using a friction fit, using an adhesive, by welding, or by any other methods of operatively connecting two components. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the applicator52may be made of a material different from the material used to make the holding portion54. In one example, the applicator52may be a sponge material, such as Polyester Polyurethane Foam Z-100ME, and the holding portion54may be a plastic. In one example, the holding portion54may be made of a rigid plastic that supports the applicator52. In one example, the holding portion54is made of Polyethylene-CPChem Marlex 9018. In one example, the holding portion54may be a different color than the applicator52to signal to a user that the holding portion54should be gripped instead of the applicator52. In one example, the holding portion54may include written instructions or pictorials to indicate to the user that the holding portion54should be gripped instead of the applicator52.

During use of the skin preparation device50, a user may grip the holding portion54to press the applicator52against a patient's skin to apply the antiseptic composition to a surgical area on the patient's skin. By gripping the holding portion54, the user may not contact the applicator52or the patient's skin surface. The reinforcing members60,62may also act as guards that prevent the user's fingers from contacting the applicator52when gripping the skin preparation device50to maintain the sterility of the applicator52.

With reference toFIGS.22and23, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the skin preparation device50may be stored in a packaging64. In one example, the packaging64may be a blister pack. The packaging64may include a body66to receive and store the skin preparation device50and a removable lid68that seals the body66to keep the skin preparation device50sterile before use. The lid68may be peeled off of the body66to open the packaging64to remove the skin preparation device50therefrom. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a plurality of blister packs may be connected together to form a strip70of blister packs that holds a plurality of skin preparation devices50.

With reference toFIGS.25-27, according to a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure, a skin preparation device80is shown and described in detail. The skin preparation device80may include an applicator82and a holding portion84. In one example, the applicator82and the holding portion84are formed as a monolithic structure. In one example, the applicator82and the holding portion84are made of the same material.

The applicator82can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds, such as iodine, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, bis-biguanides such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorhexidine diacetate or quaterium class compounds such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophenes, octenidine, diazolidinyl urea, methyl chloro isothiazoline, methyl isothiazoline, triclosan, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of any of the aforementioned, including mixtures of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol, for example isopropyl alcohol. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the holding portion84may be a T-shaped member that permits a user to grip the holding portion84to press the skin preparation device80against a patient's skin surface. As shown inFIG.27, in one example, the skin preparation device80may be stored in a packaging86that includes a removable lid88to seal the packaging86to maintain a sterility of the skin preparation device80before use.

With reference toFIGS.28-30, according to one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, a skin preparation device90is shown and described in detail. The skin preparation device90may include a cap92, an applicator94, and a barrel96. The applicator94may be operatively connected to the cap92. In one example, the applicator94may be attached to the cap92using a fixing agent, such as a primer. The cap92may define a cavity that receives a portion of the applicator94. A portion of the applicator94also extends away from the cap92to permit a user to press the applicator94against a patient's skin surface.

The applicator94can be a natural sponge, a synthetic sponge including, for example and without limitation, a polyurethane, a polyester, and/or a vegetal cellulose, or other suitable material, so long as the material is capable of absorbing and/or dispensing the antiseptic composition.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-propanol, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes one or more non-alcohol based compounds, such as iodine, para-chloro-meta-xylenol, bis-biguanides such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), chlorhexidine diacetate or quaterium class compounds such as benzethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, chloroxylenol, triclosan, hexachlorophenes, octenidine, diazolidinyl urea, methyl chloro isothiazoline, methyl isothiazoline, triclosan, and/or mixtures thereof. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes a mixture of any of the aforementioned, including mixtures of alcohol and non-alcohol based compounds. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes CHG and an alcohol, for example isopropyl alcohol. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the antiseptic composition includes about 2% (w/v) CHG and about 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol.

The antiseptic composition may be directly applied to the applicator94before insertion into the barrel96or the antiseptic composition may be held in the barrel96and the applicator94is dipped or inserted into the barrel96to soak in the antiseptic composition. After the antiseptic composition has been applied to the applicator94, the cap92may be locked to the barrel96. In one example, the cap92may include a helical locking thread on an inner surface thereof and the barrel96may have a corresponding helical locking thread on an exterior surface thereof so that the cap92can be rotated into a locking position on the barrel96. In one example, the cap92seals to the barrel96to maintain the sterility of the applicator94and the antiseptic composition held in the barrel96. In one example, a shape of the applicator94corresponds to a shape of a cavity defined by the barrel96so that the applicator94can be inserted into the barrel96.

When using the skin preparation device90, a user may grip the outer surface of the cap92and twist the cap92to remove the cap92from the barrel96. Once the cap92is removed from the barrel96, the user may press the applicator94against a surgical site on the patient's skin surface to apply the antiseptic composition thereto. When using the skin preparation device90, the user grips the outer surfaces of the cap92, thereby reducing the risk of contact with the applicator94, which could potentially contaminate the antiseptic composition. Further, when removing the cap92from the barrel96, the user need only grip the cap92and the barrel96.

In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the cap92is made of a PPA material (Polyphthalamide, which is good for maintaining sterility) and may have serrations on the outer surface thereof. The serrations are provided so that a user can hold the cap92easily and then the applicator94and the cap92as a unit may move on the patient's skin surface where site preparation is required. In one non-limiting embodiment or aspect, the barrel96may be made of PPA or Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

The skin preparation devices2,20,30,50,80,90of the present disclosure enable aseptic non-touch skin preparation for intravenous (IV) line insertion, especially for peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC). Furthermore, the skin preparation devices2,20,30,50,80,90and the packaging40,64,86result in low cost device and adequately treat patients in a price-conscious market. The skin preparation devices2,20,30,50,80,90provide improved gripping arrangements for the disinfectant wipes to avoid accidental touching of the active surface of the wipe intended for skin preparation. In addition, the packaging40,64,86is also be optimized to aid in the aseptic non-touch technique. The present disclosure adds minimal cost to the current low cost wipes in terms of providing handles for aseptic non-touch holding of the wipes and adjusting rigidity of the wipe for easy grabbing of the handle.

The current disclosure utilizes the device design (creatively making the gripping portion of the same material as the wipe for aseptic use of the skin preparation), material science (optimized rigidity of the wipes for the gripping portion for easy access and optimized porosity of the wipe to retain the required amount of disinfectant liquid and at the same time not dripping when taken out from the packaging), and packaging features (packaging direction for opening the packaging with the gripping portion directed towards the user and tear pattern perpendicular to the gripping portion for the gripping portion to spring outwardly when the package is teared to enable easy gripping portion access).

The device material property is one important factor in this disclosure. Optimized rigidity of the wipe material enables the gripping portion to spring out when the packaging is opened and at the same time remain inside the packaging without damaging it over the shelf life. Optimized porosity of the packaging material results in the required amount of disinfectant liquid incorporated into the device and at the same time not dripping when the device is taken out of the packaging over the product shelf life.

The present disclosure provides an improved combination of device design, material properties, and packaging features to address the shortcomings of wipes in skin preparation, i.e. being able to aseptic non-touch application of skin preparation device. A gripping portion made of the same material as the wipe provides cost effective means to incorporate this feature for a price sensitive market.

While the present invention has been described in terms of the above detailed description, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that alterations may be made within the spirit of the invention.