Methods for detecting dehydration of a biomedical hydrogel

摘要

A visual (as opposed to mechanical or electronic) method for detecting the state of dehydration (or hydration) of a biomedical hydrogel is disclosed. The method contemplates incorporating a pH sensitive indicator into the hydrogel as it is prepared and applying the hydrogel to the skin-contacting surface of a biomedical device such as an electrode. Shortly before the biomedical device is to be used, the color of the hydrogel on the device is visually compared with its freshly-prepared color to determine the approximate state of dehydration of the gel.