Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
10
Electroconductive textile electrodes for
detection and analysis of sweat and urine
P. WESTBROEK, G. PRINIOTAKIS AND
P. KIEKENS
10.1
Introduction
The electrode setup described in Chapter 9, section 9.2.2 is, in principle, very
useful for detecting the resistance of an electrolyte solution. This also means
that liquids such as sweat and urine can be analysed in this way, because
they contain a relatively high level of salts - species that dissociate into ions
when dissolved in a solvent. These ions contribute to the conductivity of the
solution so, indirectly, unknown ion concentrations can be ascertained from
measurement of the electrolyte resistance. The principle described above
can be used for applications in the field of incontinence detection, diabetes
early-warning systems and in diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (muco-viscidosis).
Prompt detection of urine for elderly people suffering from incontinence
in a hospital environment will improve the comfort of the patient drasti-
cally. When a patient has urinated, this is detected by a large increase in the
conductivity between the electrodes (or a decrease in the cell resistance);
a signal can then be sent to the nurses' room to relieve the patient from his
or her discomfort. A patient suffering from diabetes often starts to sweat
heavily when the blood sugar level drops. If nothing is done, the patient will
collapse and, in worst case, fall into a coma. A textile electrode system,
carried by the patient as part of regular clothing (textile electrodes incor-
porated in clothing), can be able to detect the sweat formation, which is
useful as an early warning system to avoid more harm for the diabetes
patient.
Muco-viscidosis is one of the most underestimated genetic diseases. In
contrast with the fact that about 0.02% of the world's population suffer
from this disease, more than 5% of the population are carriers of damaged
genes causing muco-viscidosis
1
. Moreover, the physical and psychological
discomfort that accompanies this disease is considerable and affects the
quality of life not only of the patient but also of those in their direct sur-
roundings. Mainly, the mucus present in the lungs and the colon is respon-
sible for moistening and cleaning these organs, but for children with
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