Conductive Gel Improves Performance of EKGs Without Skin Abrasion

Battelle researchers started with a literature review in order to find the latest research on how the structure and chemical makeup of materials impact ionic transport. This information was used to develop a model for understanding how different variables impact the ability of materials to transport ions across the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin). Because the final product would involve human contact, we narrowed down potential materials to those that have been generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Using these criteria, we developed a list of potential materials that are safe for human contact, provide rapid penetration of the skin and good electrical contact, and are able to maintain that contact for an extended period of time. After testing several variations, researchers developed a gel mixture that incorporates commercially available GRAS compounds already in common use in the cosmetics industry. The final formulation was optimized through several rounds of testing using human subjects.