Innovative Flomark IV Bags Enhance Precision in Managing Hospital Patient Fluid Balance

In hospitals worldwide, maintaining an accurate balance of fluid intake and output for patients is vital to prevent complications such as dehydration or fluid overload. Traditionally, measuring IV fluid flow relies on counting drips, a method prone to human error and variability. Addressing this critical need, Imperial College London researchers, led by industrial designer Jonathan West and surgeon James Kinross, have developed the Flomark—a revolutionary sterile, single-use flow meter designed to seamlessly integrate with standard gravity IV setups.

The Flomark device features a simple yet effective visual indicator comprising a floating ball and a graduated scale displaying milliliters per hour. This innovative tool provides healthcare professionals with an instant, reliable visual cue of fluid flow rates, significantly reducing the risk of measurement inaccuracies. This advancement is especially crucial given that current technology only estimates flow rates and is often error-prone.

This technological breakthrough has garnered substantial investment, securing £300,000 to support the product’s commercial launch and distribution. Inspired by the need for better fluid management tools, the Flomark aims to improve patient safety and clinical outcomes. James Kinross emphasizes that precise fluid management is essential to avoid serious issues like hypovolemia or pulmonary edema, and the new device offers clinicians enhanced control and response to patient needs.

Building upon this innovation, the company received an Innovate UK Smart Grant in 2024 to develop a prototype electronic regulator. This device tracks the float’s position within the flow meter, providing real-time, accurate control of flow rates by adjusting for pressure and resistance changes. CEO Jonathan West envisions a future where combined data from flow meters and urine output monitors will deliver comprehensive real-time fluid management, further safeguarding patient health and easing staff workload.

The development of the Flomark signifies a significant leap towards safer, more precise fluid therapy in hospitals, reducing complications and enhancing patient care quality. It underscores the importance of technological innovation in clinical settings, aligning engineering solutions with vital healthcare needs.

(Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-flomark-iv-bags-accurately-inpatient.html)