A-Lite Vein Locator

Target Countries

Uganda

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$40.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Community, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

A-Lite Uganda LTD

Manufacturing/Building Method

Vein Locator is working with UIRI (Uganda Industrial Research Institute) to help manufacture the product.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

Hospitals or clinicians will be able to procure a Vein Locator through a distributor of the product. Vein Locator is also targeting medical device companies with functional distribution channels to distribute the device. Vein Locator plans to reach out to private hospitals, clinics, and institutions in addition to public hospitals.

Distributions to Date Status

None

Design Specifications

The Vein Locator is a solution that uses red light as a mechanism for locating veins. When switched on and held it close to the skin of the target area of the patient, the device is able to make veins visible. No image processing is required. The Vein Locator runs on rechargeable batteries. A charger is included with the product. (Interview with representative) The Vein Locator uses the principle of red light absorption by deoxy-hemoglobin content in the patient’s vein. Deoxy-hemoglobin in the vein absorbs red light and veins therefore show up clearly on the patient’s skin against the brighter red background of the surrounding tissues. In addition, red light is non-ionizing in nature, harmless to human skin and does not need extra equipment to process the image.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

The user can bring the Vein Locator back to the location of purchase. It is possible that an engineer in the hospital will be able to fix the device.

Replacement Components

Battery- smart phone battery.

Lifecycle

Device lifetime is 2-4 years. The battery lasts 1-2 days on a single charge. The Vein Locator will have a one year warranty.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

To reduce vein damage and wasted medicine due to difficulty finding veins for cannulation.

Vetted Performance Status

Unknown

Safety

Disinfect and sterilize Vein Locator after each use using alcohol pads.

Complementary Technical Systems

Materials for cannulation and medication.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

IRB (Institutional Review Board) Approval, seeking UNBA (Uganda National Board) approval.

Evaluation methods

IRB-approved research study, feedback from clinicians

Other Information

• Won admission into the CAMTech Accelerator program
• ASME ISHOW Finalist 2017 Kenya
• Obtained investment from NIISP in 2019 (~20k USD grant)