Tapping a rich vein

A team of researchers from the 

has developed a cheap, handheld device that uses Doppler ultrasound to detect veins quickly for administering injections.

Certain physical conditions such as dehydration, bruises, burns and cardiac complaints can make it difficult for medics to locate a vein. The device will make the process of giving an injection faster and more accurate, especially in time critical emergency situations.

The Doppler effect is an apparent change in the frequency of an electromagnetic or sound wave when the source and observer move in relation to each other. The device transmits acoustic ultrasound waves into the target area. As the waves are reflected off moving blood, the change in the characteristics of the reflected waves is used to generate 3D data on a vein’s location. It can also differentiate between blood moving towards the heart (in veins) or away from the heart (in arteries).

The device consists of two components; a reusable unit housing the electronics and signal processing components and a disposable coupler box holding a reflector and needle guide.