Thuringian research shows textile sensor against blood loss

The blood sensor developed is based on conductive threads that are woven directly into textile structures. Chemically modified materials react to various bodily fluids and reliably detect whether blood is leaking. The basis is a multipotential sensor that, like an electronic tongue, can differentiate between different fluids based on their chemical properties. The sensor data is continuously recorded and transmitted wirelessly to a communication system. If blood loss is detected, the system automatically sends a warning message. This enables rescue workers or emergency services to assess how seriously injured a person is and what treatment should be prioritised, even from a distance. The technology was developed in collaboration with the aviation and defence technology company Autoflug as well as military research institutes and a Bundeswehr hospital. It was developed for extreme situations, such as disasters, military operations or serious accidents. In the long term, the researchers also see applications in the civilian healthcare sector, for example in emergency medicine or patient monitoring. This shows that smart textiles are increasingly becoming an important field of medical technology.