OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - Universities across the country are pointing out the benefits of Johnson County Community College's newest and most unusual product -- fake fingers.
Health care students at JCCC are using the plastic fingers during simulation labs. The fingers hold liquid to simulate drawing blood for glucose testing, while protecting the patient’s hand from puncture.
Kathy Carver, a nursing professor at JCCC, said most patients admitted to the hospital for any reason will have their glucose tested.
Before the community college developed the plastic SAFinger, Carver said nursing students were unable to realistically learn to test a patient’s glucose.
“They really have to be serious and they have to have good technique, and to be able to fill the test strips adequately and to be able to get a number," Carver said.
The SAFingerStick was funded, developed and marketed by students and staff at the community college.
The product that was launched in July has sold nearly 100 kits. The University of North Carolina, Texas Tech University and the University of Kansas have purchased and are currently using the fake fingers.
