Methods, materials, articles, assemblies, systems, devices, kits and computer hardware/software for improving medical procedures, including, but not limited to, hemodialysis. Particular beneficial designs and uses of disinfecting patches, scab removal patches, hemostatic patches, healing patches and artificial scabs are included. For example, scab removal patches that avoid tenting, hemostatic patches with needle stabilizing elements, hemostatic patches applying pressure at a skin puncture site and a vessel puncture site, artificial scabs that release antimicrobial agents, etc.
