Wyeth launches haemophilia training tool

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has launched a new training tool to help people with haemophilia learn self-infusion techniques.

The Self-Infusion Training Kit features life-like hand and elbow models for people with haemophilia to practice their infusion techniques on. The hand and elbow models are representative of a ten-year-old boy.

“Learning the technical skills needed for self-infusion is a considerable challenge for many young people and their families,” said Dr Gary L Stiles, executive Vice-president and chief medical officer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

“Using the life-like models, individuals can feel for a vein, insert a butterfly needle and infuse liquid (mock product) into the model veins.”

Dr Stiles added that the tool will allow young haemophilia sufferers and their families to “gain confidence and experience” with the process of self-infusion.

The veins in the training kit are made from injection-moulded plastic and require disposal after five uses, whereas the ‘skin’ is designed for ten infusions.

According to the National Haemophilia Foundation, there are an estimated 400,000 people worldwide that suffer from haemophilia.