Continence technology lab now complete

Some of the equipment will be installed in a specially designed room which enables experiments to be done under controlled temperature, humidity and air flow conditions. The room was upgraded in 2001 using money raised through the UCL Friends Programme and this latest award completes the project.

The majority of the group's work focuses on incontinence pads and appliances. Dr Cottenden explains: "We produce evaluation reports to help purchasers make informed choices, and identify the failings of existing products. We also study the materials used in products; a major current effort is to build mathematical models to describe how urine, skin and absorbent materials interact. A better understanding should yield more effective products."

The Incontinence Technology Group already hold around 20 patents and have successfully designed their own products. Their most successful, Kylie Pants - washable absorbent underwear for lightly incontinent men, women and children - has been marketed in 15 countries. The new equipment will help further research and development into a problem which is shared by around 6% of the adult population and more than half of nursing home residents.

For more information into incontinence research use the link below.

Link: Incontinence research