Medical tube position confirmation device

A method of manufacturing a feeding tube position confirmation device, the feeding tube position confirmation device being operable to confirm the position of a predetermined portion of a medical feeding tube in a predetermined portion of a human or animal body, the position confirmation device comprising an optical waveguide dimensioned to be insertable into the lumen of said feeding tube, the optical waveguide having a sensing distal end comprising a sensing material operable to provide a change in optical properties at the distal end of the optical waveguide dependent on the environment to which the sensing distal end of the waveguide is exposed, wherein the sensing material comprises an optical indicator and a reflective material mixed within the same polymer matrix, the method comprising:

• providing a length of optical waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end;
• providing a quantity of sensing material and treating the distal end of the optical waveguide to mix the sensing material with the distal end material of the optical waveguide, wherein treating the distal end of the optical waveguide to mix the sensing material with the material of the optical waveguide comprises:
• a. contacting the distal end of an optical fibre with a fluid coating composition, the fluid coating composition comprising the sensing material dispersed or dissolved in a solvent, wherein the solvent is capable of at least partially fluidising or swelling the distal end material of the optical fibre such that at least some mixing of the distal end material and sensing material occurs;
• and
• b. removing solvent from the fluid coating composition in contact with the distal end and solidifying the sensing distal end to provide an optical fibre having a sensing distal end comprising a distal end material and a sensing material mixed with the distal end material.