Device with enhanced indication of use and prevention of re-use

Abstract

In one aspect, the present invention is a medical device that reduces the likelihood of an operator improperly reusing it. The medical device includes (a) a device body; (b) a substrate comprising a contrast material that covers at least a portion of the device body; and (c) an outer layer comprising a hydrophilic material that covers at least a portion of the substrate. The outer layer comprising hydrophilic material is capable of absorbing water-soluble contaminants during clinical use that, once absorbed, are visible against the background of the substrate comprising the contrast material. In another aspect, the device includes (a) a device body and (b) an outer layer comprising a usage indicator reagent. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of preventing re-use of a single use medical device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.