Sensiband
Modernizing Metal Allergy Detection with Simplicity

In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged the occurrences of adverse reactions linked to metal implants in patients. Consequently, a call to action was issued, prompting the medical community to explore innovative solutions.

In response to this issue, doctors Mitchell Reiter and Mark Drzala, two of the East Coast’s most respected spinal surgeons, stepped forward with a groundbreaking solution—the Sensiband metal allergy test kit. Prior to the widespread awareness of metal allergies, they had already conceptualized this proactive tool that individuals could use to detect potential skin reactions to commonly used metals in medical procedures, helping them make informed decisions before surgery or implants.

“We invented a way to easily test for metal allergies without requiring a doctor’s prescription, enabling people to ensure they get the right implant without the hassle of traditional allergist visits and expensive, complex tests,” says Dr. Reiter.

The Journey to Understanding Metal Implant Reactions

From the outset of their careers, Dr. Reiter and Dr. Drzala were concerned about the unexpectedly poor outcomes observed in patients after routine metal implant procedures. Despite the technical success of these operations, many patients experienced persistent postoperative symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and weakness. This prompted them to investigate the root cause of these issues.

While the medical community often attributed such symptoms to conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease or psychological issues such as depression, the doctors suspected a different culprit. Their search for answers became more personal when they both experienced severe allergy issues in their own lives.

Dr. Drzala suffered from unexplained fatigue and burning pain in his extremities. After consulting with a dozen specialists, he was diagnosed with metal allergy and metal toxicity due to mercury in his silver dental fillings. Dr. Reiter, on the other hand, was grappling with his children’s food allergies, who suffered anaphylaxis due to peanuts and tree nuts ingestion.

The turning point in their investigation came when a patient developed extensive skin rashes and severe itching a week after receiving a cervical disc replacement. Tests revealed the patient to be suffering from cobalt allergy, and the symptoms subsided once the implant was removed. This confirmed the doctors’ suspicions, underscoring the urgent need for pre-surgical metal allergy testing to prevent such severe reactions.

The Birth of Sensiband

Motivated by their findings, they delved into research on existing metal allergy testing methods. They found that skin patch tests, while diagnostic, were costly, uncomfortable and required multiple doctor visits, making them impractical for many patients. Blood tests showed promise but were not widely accessible and often prohibitively expensive.

These obstacles inspired the conceptualization of Sensiband, a testament to the idea that every challenge presents an opportunity. Sensiband was designed to allow easy, affordable testing for metal allergies without a doctor’s prescription, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their implants. This innovation marked a significant advancement in patient care, transforming the approach to pre-surgical planning and setting a new standard in personalized medicine.

What is the Sensiband Test?

Sensiband is a patented, affordable, and user-friendly kit for simple and non-invasive tests to detect metal allergies. It requires the patient to wear a silicone band with a metal test disc on their skin for seven days. If they develop rashes, known as contact dermatitis, it indicates a potential allergy to that metal. This process is repeated with different metal discs, allowing patients to identify specific metal sensitivities. Once a metal allergy is detected, patients can inform their doctors, who can then select alternative implant materials to avoid allergic reactions.

For patients who already have implants and test positive for a metal allergy, Sensiband offers a clear explanation for their distress. This diagnostic insight is invaluable, as it guides future surgical decisions, ensuring that problematic metals are avoided in subsequent procedures.

Versatile Testing Kits for Personal Health Assessment

The company expands beyond its flagship test to offer a range of testing kits for different needs. The primary kit includes test discs for seven commonly used implant metals— aluminum, titanium, nickel, chromium, copper, cobalt and molybdenum. It is particularly beneficial for those undergoing various medical procedures, including joint replacement, arterial stents, orthopedic plates and screws, cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, sternal wires, IUDs, and dental implants.

Not every doctor is fully allergy-aware; some are simply too busy. Our focus is on helping our customers take control of their health through an affordable, easy-touse solution.

For those undergoing dental procedures, Sensiband offers a kit specially designed to test for titanium and three other metals frequently used in implants. This targeted approach helps patients determine their compatibility with dental implant materials, enhancing safety and preventing post-procedural complications.

Recognizing the diverse applications of its technology, Sensiband also provides a kit for individuals looking to assess their sensitivity to metals often found in jewelry, which can present issues with piercings. Priced affordably, this kit serves as a practical solution for those considering body modifications and wishing to avoid allergic reactions.

Sensiband’s founders are not content with resting on their laurels; they are actively exploring more ways to expand testing capabilities besides metals. The inclusion of substances like latex in the testing spectrum is particularly promising because it addresses the need to identify allergies to non-metal materials, expanding Sensiband’s utility in medical and personal care contexts.

“Not every doctor is fully allergy-aware; some are simply too busy,” says Dr. Drzala. “Our focus is on helping our customers take control of their health through an affordable, easy-to-use solution.”

The Architects of Healthcare Transformation

The Sensiband team comprises a dynamic diversity of experts, with each member playing a pivotal role in the company’s journey to redefine healthcare solutions.

Dr. Reiter has extensive experience as a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in spinal surgery. Recognized as a top doctor by New Jersey Monthly for over a decade, his academic and professional journey is impressive. He embarked on his medical career through a rigorous six-year combined B.S.-M.D. Honors Program at the University of Miami School of Medicine, followed by comprehensive training at the University of Miami and Emory University.

Dr. Drzala equally complements the team with his expertise in orthopedic spinal surgery. Also acknowledged as a top doctor in New Jersey, for nine consecutive years, he has made significant contributions through extensive publications and lectures in the field. His educational background includes studies at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, culminating in a spinal surgery fellowship at the San Francisco Combined Orthopedic Residency Training Program.

Michael Campagna, serving as the COO and equity partner of Sensiband, brings a strategic edge to the team with over 25 years of experience in the medical device market. A seasoned inventor with patents in medical devices, Campagna’s expertise covers various critical areas, including patent prosecution, trademarks, biomedical engineering, manufacturing and regulatory affairs. An artist as well, Campagna designed the Sensiband logo, packaging, IFU, and most of the graphics used by Sensiband. His commitment drives the company’s vision and market positioning.

Together, the knowledge, experience and dedication of Dr. Reiter, Dr. Drzala and Campagna propels Sensiband to redefine healthcare solutions with innovative and accessible technology.

“Sensiband has the potential to reach every household and offer a proactive approach to healthcare. Before committing to implants, why not know if you’re allergic? Our kits provide that crucial insight,” says Campagna.

Widening Sensiband’s Reach

Sensiband aims to expand its reach and impact in several strategic directions. Dr. Reiter, along with the newly appointed Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alexander Sah, is spearheading efforts to further validate Sensiband’s effectiveness through comprehensive studies. These studies, including comparisons with existing testing methods, will provide valuable data to support Sensiband’s efficacy and broaden its acceptance among medical professionals and patients.

The team recognizes the importance of marketing and outreach in achieving widespread adoption. Dr. Drzala follows a proactive approach that includes attending national medical conferences, engaging with healthcare providers across various specialties, and partnering with medical device companies.

In addition, Dr. Reiter is discussing with potential partners, including healthcare systems and insurers, to leverage their networks to increase Sensiband’s distribution and adoption. Engagements with government agencies, like the Department of Defense, highlight the potential for Sensiband’s in military settings, where early detection of metal allergies is crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

The trajectory of Sensiband points toward a future marked by continuous innovation and adaptability. Going beyond traditional patient care, it seeks to amplify awareness of metal allergies, enhance diagnostic protocols and improve overall patient well-being.