Point of care immunization testing system

Abstract

A point of care immunization system based upon microfluidics and micro-titration technologies to rapidly test a patient in order to ascertain an immunization profile so that vaccinations can be administered to address identified gaps. A point of care system comprised of uniquely shaped and color distinguishing sample and test cartridges, with said test cartridges configured to meet healthcare requirements of national governing bodies. A point of care system including an easy access vaccine storage device with indicators to provide data on viability of stored vaccines.

Description

FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to, among other things, a system to diagnose a patient's immunization protection levels which is comprised of three elements: a point of care diagnostic instrument, targeted test cartridges and accompanying vaccine supply packs.[0002]The point of care diagnostic instrument measures the antibody levels for various targets based upon a patient's sample. The targeted test cartridge is configured with the necessary immunization tests per the healthcare guidelines of the specific country for the appropriate group by age, gender, life changing event, and the like. The accompanying vaccine supply pack is configured with vaccines corresponding to the targeted test cartridge, offering the needed vaccinations based upon the patient's test result. The system also updates the patient's immunization records and links to the appropriate electronic patient records, laboratory information system, hospital information system and insurance reporting system, am...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a biological sample cartridge that makes it easier to take and test sample, such as blood. The cartridge contains special chemicals to prevent clotting and improve the testing process. The text also mentions a vaccine supply pack that organizes and tracks vaccines, and an immunization testing device that can tested a person's immune status to multiple vaccines or allergens. The device uses a special cartridge with antigens that help identify the individual's immune response. Overall, the invention simplifies and streamlines the process of testing biological samples.

Problems solved by technology

The main problem is that no point of care device exists to quickly and inexpensively detect a patient's antibody levels to determine immunization protections.

The tests are ordered on an individual basis, such as measles, and can take more than a week for response time at high “per test” costs.

There is no availability to quickly diagnose a patient's immunity level across the recommended healthcare guidelines in an easy, rapid and cost effective manner.

Furthermore, poor record tracking of individual patient's immunizations can result in patients themselves generally not knowing if they are protected.

The range of vaccine efficacies is wide-some as low as 50%, especially in patients with compromised immune systems, and there is no way to know how an individual will respond to the vaccine.

Not only is the duration of protection unpredictable, but other factors can affect a vaccine's efficacy, including missed booster shots, a change in medical condition (HIV, hepatitis, obesity), age of vaccinations, age of vaccines, compromised vaccines, or the like.

Certain vaccines cannot be given to children or pregnant women, or while a patient is immuno-compromised.

If a patient is administered an old or even expired vaccine, the patient may not receive full immunity.

Recalls occasionally pull out problem vaccine batches, but they are not a guarantee that all vaccines are viable and effective.

Another growing problem is that patients are opting out of vaccines, so communities no longer have near 100% immunization rates.

This leads to disease outbreaks in the US and other developed countries when a disease carrier enters a vulnerable population.

The only available testing for immunity is costly for the patient, and does not yield immediate results.

Currently no point of care device is targeted for detecting immunization levels leaving most patients unclear of how well they are protected against disease until disease sets upon them.

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