Innovative Scanner Enables Early Detection of Bedsores, Enhancing Patient Care and Reducing Healthcare Costs

Recent advancements in wound assessment technology have led to the development of a groundbreaking handheld scanner that detects pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores, at an earlier stage than ever before. This innovation promises to save lives and significantly cut healthcare expenses associated with the treatment of these preventable wounds.

The scanner was inspired by a challenging case in 2010, when UCLA nursing professor Barbara Bates-Jensen traveled to Haiti to provide wound care following a devastating earthquake. There, she encountered patients suffering from severe pressure injuries, many of which had been untreated for weeks. Recognizing the limitations of traditional visual inspection— which often detects damage only after visible skin discoloration appears— Bates-Jensen and her team sought a more reliable and equitable method.

Each year, approximately 2.5 million individuals in the U.S. develop bedsores, with some 60,000 succumbing to related complications. The healthcare system spends over $11 billion annually managing these wounds, which are 95% preventable through proper care. Traditional detection relies heavily on identifying skin discoloration; however, this approach is subjective and less effective for patients with darker skin tones, who are at higher risk of severe pressure ulcers.

The new device, known as the SEM Scanner, measures moisture levels within tissues—a biophysical marker of early tissue damage—indicating the onset of pressure injuries up to 10 days before visible signs emerge. Unlike visual assessments, it doesn’t depend on skin color, making it a more equitable tool for diverse patient populations. Developed through collaboration with UCLA computer scientists and engineers, the SEM Scanner has been adopted in hospitals across Europe, the U.K., Canada, and the U.S., with over a million patients benefiting from the technology and an estimated 50,000 pressure injuries prevented.

Currently, UCLA researcher and associate dean Barbara Bates-Jensen is involved in studies aiming to expand the use of this device beyond hospitals—for instance, into nursing homes—enhancing care for vulnerable residents. The goal is to improve early detection, streamline interventions, and address disparities related to skin tone, ultimately fostering more equitable healthcare outcomes.

The SEM Scanner's success exemplifies how innovative medical technology can transform wound care by enabling earlier diagnosis, reducing suffering, and improving health equity. As it continues to spread globally, this device represents a significant step toward more proactive and inclusive patient care.

For further information, source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-scanner-bedsores-earlier.html