GB855916A - Salivation testing devices - Google Patents

Abstract

855,916. Saliva detection. SCHWERIN, P. March 7, 1957 [March 29,1956; Jan. 14,1957], No. 7628/57. Class 97(3) [Also in Group VI] A device for use in testing salivation response to a stimulus comprises a body 10 the surface of which is moisture resistant except for a small portion 22a, the body comprising a plurality of layers of absorptive sheet material containing a non-toxic, water-soluble dye which colours when moistened by saliva. A length of gauze is dusted with powder consisting of can starch or white wheat flour and a pure food dye and is rolled up to form a pad 10. The pad 10 is given a coating of latex cement, a portion 22a being left uncovered, and is mounted on a handle 14. The pad is inserted in the mouth with the uncovered portion facing downwardly. Saliva entering the uncovered portion causes the dye to colour so that, when the pad is unrolled, a number of dyed areas are visible along the length of the gauze, the number of dyed areas giving an indication of the depth of penetration and the amount of saliva secreted. The pad may be made from a folded length of gauze or separate gauze layers. The depth of penetration of saliva in the pad may also be measured by placing the pad on a conducting plate (not shown) connected by a battery and a galvanometer with a probe, the probe being projected into the pad until the circuit is completed by the absorbed saliva. The number of dyed areas produced in a rolled length of gauze may be counted by unrolling the gauze and passing it between conducting rollers (not shown) in series with a galvanometer and a battery, the number of deflections of the galvanometer pointer indicating the number of dyed areas.