Development of a Repairable Dermal Layer for Venipuncture Phantoms

Abstract

This article presents the results of an interdisciplinary project between the School of Design and the School of Nursing, both at the University of Chile. The project seeks to develop a biodegradable and repairable skin-like material for use in venipuncture phantoms. To this end, a material similar to human skin was developed with a hydrocolloid matrix rich in calcium carbonate. Four formulations were defined with the selected hydrocolloid binder, varying the percentages of each component and organic load. To characterize the materials, their density and moisture content were evaluated, as well as their repairability. Subsequently, the perception of users (nursing students and teachers) was tested. After testing the material, it was used in the phantom developed for the University of Chile School of Nursing, thus verifying the user's perception of the complete phantom. This testing was carried out in a real teaching experience and consisted of venipuncture simulation rotations. The results of the verification showed that the developed dermal layer is even more similar to human skin than the current practice with rubber silicone, in addition to being repairable by dilution with water and biodegradable.