Project - M31 Rejection Countermeasures
Well, I'm seriously considering finally getting around to doing this project. I'm not sure whether or not SFM has the capabilities to do the analysis for this, not have I developed a proper protocol, but I think that it might be fruitful to collect samples of the microbes contaminating rejected magnet pockets, and seeing what sort of countermeasures we can devise. Perhaps by swabbing the magnet just prior to implantation, swabbing the implant site(or some comparable alternative), and periodically (not sure whether testing every day, every 2 days, or each time bandages are changed and antibiotics are reapplied would be better) swabbing the area around the implant scab/sutures.
It'd be best if I could find a local facility that would do the analysis for me, so I'll have to do some looking. Assuming I do find one before I get all of the supplies together to do my own implant (unless SFM or some other organization decides to do this analysis), I'll incorporate whatever study we devise here into my aftercare.
Comments
@SA_251 One of the big issues from the M31s is actually because of autoclaving. These are not designed to be autoclaved. For one, it significantly harms the magnetic field... but more importantly the underlying metals expand and contract at a different rate than the titanium nitride outer coating. This causes the cracks in the surface coating and destroys the biocompatibility. Despite warnings all over the M31s documentation, body mod artists keep running them through autoclaves and then implanting them. It's not good.
Second issue is that I hadn't figured out a method of testing the coating that could be applied to every single magnet, with really high reliability, to test for manufacturing defects. Lots of testing was done, but the high reliability tests inevitably destroy the magnet. I had delegated this and never really got the results I wanted. I've since worked with Amal @ DT and some biomed folks I know and we have some new testing methods we are using. Now, keep in mind.. I've only ever seen one magnet that I am sure was a result of an actual manufacturing defect. It was in a magnet I pulled out of Helyx. There are a few other reports that I find possible or likely but I haven't gotten the actual magnets and dont know anything about how they were implanted.
In terms of technique... this is my big whining point. A lot of people go to body mod artists. Although I known some who were definitely awesome.. I unfortunately also know many really really fail in terms of aseptic technique etc. I'm doing (the third) a rewrite of my blog on proper implantation technique. It started tiny but it's gotten large as I keep assessing issues that are arising. Believe it or not, I think the basics are what need the most attention like proper hand washing.
Other stuff: M31s aren't currently being shipped sterile but I believe that's going to be changed soon. Also, there are chemical sterilants that I'll be testing in like a couple months. Um.. SA_251... want to collab on the implant guide?
Ya. I think there's a few versions of the stuff. One contains ortho-Phthalaldehyde rather than glutaraldehyde. I haven't tested it yet with Titanium Nitride. Glutaraldehyde is great, but be careful with the OPA because some high levels disinfectants (example bleach or Hydrogen Perox) strip TiN right off the M31.
Let me know how it goes either way. I'm glad that autoclaving worked for you. How's the sensitivity?