Smart laboratory cabin for easy access and check-up of patients in an automatic sterile manner and without infectious residue

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable laboratory system designed for efficient and accessible patient care, herein referred to as the Smart Lab Cabin. The Smart Lab Cabin integrates a comprehensive suite of diagnostic equipment, including vital signs monitors, quick blood test devices, routine blood analyzers, and imaging tools.The system further incorporates innovative technologies, such as a nano atmospheric oxygen plasma air and surface disinfection system and a medical waste decontamination system, which provide a sterile and safe environment for patient care. Additionally, the Smart Lab Cabin is equipped with software integration capabilities, including a telehealth mobile app and clinic management software, which streamline patient care and data management. The system also includes a medical waste disposal module, designed to reduce environmental impact.

Description

Smart Laboratory Cabin for Easy Access and Check-Up of Patients in an Automatic Sterile Manner and Without Infectious Residue

[0001] This invention presents an integrated medical diagnostic system that can be easily transported in a portable cabin. The subject matter specifically pertains to an automated, self-contained laboratory unit designed for convenient patient access while ensuring sterile conditions and minimizing the risk of infection transmission and cross-contamination.

[0002] Smart mobile clinics mark a groundbreaking development in healthcare delivery, tackling the pressing issues of accessibility, affordability, and efficiency in remote and underserved regions. Equipped with cutting-edge medical technologies, these clinics aim to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions directly to communities, bridging the gap between urban medical hubs and rural areas, and easing access for populations in crowded cities marred by traffic congestion.

[0003] This patent describes a cutting-edge smart laboratory cabin designed to provide effortless patient access and check-ups. The cabin is equipped with an array of advanced diagnostic tools, including vital signs monitoring devices that track height, weight, body composition, temperature, blood oxygen levels, pulse rate, and blood pressure. Additionally, it features quick blood test devices for performing lipid profiles, HbA1c level testing, hemoglobin testing, glucose testing, and uric acid testing. The cabin also includes routine blood test analyzers, such as hematology and chemistry analyzers that measure a range of parameters, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, liver function indicators, and diabetes markers. Furthermore, it boasts imaging and examination tools like portable X-ray machines, digital stethoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes, dermatoscopes, and wireless ultrasound devices.

[0004] The cabin's sterilization system is designed to minimize the risk of infection transmission. The automatic sterile system utilizes nano atmospheric oxygen plasma technology for air and surface disinfection, while a medical waste decontamination system ensures safe disposal of biohazardous materials. The cabin also features a software integration system that includes a telehealth mobile app and clinic management software, enabling seamless patient data tracking and remote consultations.

[0005] The smart laboratory cabin represents a comprehensive and innovative solution for healthcare delivery, combining advanced technology with a focus on efficiency, safety, and accessibility.

[0006] Implementing advanced technologies in smart mobile clinics presents several hurdles that must be addressed. One major challenge is the significant upfront investment required, which can be prohibitively expensive for smaller organizations or those operating in low-income regions. The sophisticated systems used in these clinics, such as portable imaging equipment or AI-powered monitoring tools, demand substantial financial resources.

[0007] Another obstacle is the complex maintenance requirements associated with these advanced systems. The reliance on specialized components, like automated medicine dispensers or solar-powered sterilization units, necessitates access to skilled technical support – a resource that can be difficult to obtain in remote or resource-constrained areas.

[0008] Furthermore, the widespread adoption of smart mobile clinics is limited by the dependency on proprietary technology. This restriction creates barriers to scalability and flexibility, making it challenging to adapt these systems to diverse environments and technologies.

[0009] Scalability is also a pressing concern. While modular and expandable designs offer many benefits, they often rely on specific materials or manufacturing techniques that can be difficult to produce at scale. Ensuring seamless operation and compatibility across multiple technologies requires significant resources, adding to the overall cost and complexity.

[0010] As a result, the financial burden on organizations can increase, delaying the deployment of smart mobile clinics in areas where they are most needed. It is essential to address these challenges through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, or alternative business models that can help overcome the barriers to adoption.

[0011] The present invention addresses the pressing need for accessible and adaptable healthcare solutions through the development of advanced smart mobile clinics. These mobile facilities are designed as fully operational medical units that can be easily customized to meet specific needs. Equipped with portable diagnostic tools, seamless telemedicine capabilities, and essential medical supplies, these clinics aim to expand healthcare access, improve preventive care, enhance emergency response, and provide cost-effective healthcare delivery.

[0012] A key feature of the invention is its modular design, which allows for easy interchange of diagnostic equipment based on specific medical needs. This feature ensures versatility and cost-effectiveness, enabling the same clinic to adapt to diverse healthcare scenarios with minimal equipment redundancy. The invention also incorporates automated medicine dispensers that enable precise medication dispensing, reducing human error and streamlining distribution. These dispensers are integrated with electronic medical records, ensuring accurate tracking of prescriptions and inventory.

[0013] Another innovation is the development of expandable clinic structures, which can unfold into larger spaces upon deployment, creating separate areas for examination, treatment, and patient waiting. This design ensures quick assembly and disassembly, making these clinics ideal for emergency and disaster response scenarios where rapid deployment is crucial. The invention also addresses the challenge of sterilization in off-grid locations with a solar-powered sterilization system that combines solar panels with a compact autoclave.

[0014] The invention integrates cutting-edge technologies to enhance patient care and emergency response. An AI-powered patient monitoring system continuously tracks patient vitals, alerting medical professionals to critical conditions in real-time. This system significantly improves response times in emergencies, potentially saving lives. Additionally, the invention includes mobile imaging systems, such as portable MRI and CT scanners, designed for efficient operation in compact and mobile environments. These systems provide high-quality diagnostics in remote areas, expanding access to advanced imaging capabilities and improving diagnostic accuracy.

[0015] The smart mobile clinic offers several significant advantages over existing solutions. By consolidating diagnostic services into a single, portable location, patients can receive comprehensive healthcare assessments more efficiently. The integrated telemedicine capabilities also enable real-time access to specialists, expanding the reach of expert medical care and bridging geographic gaps. Additionally, the data generated by the system provides valuable insights for data-driven healthcare planning and resource allocation, allowing for more effective healthcare delivery.

[0016] Moreover, the portability and accessibility of the smart mobile clinic hold significant promise for enhancing public health outcomes, particularly in underserved and remote regions. By bringing high-quality medical care to these areas, the invention can help address long-standing healthcare disparities and improve overall well-being. The potential for this technology to have a profound impact on public health is substantial, making it an exciting development in the field of healthcare.

[0017] The Equipment and Diagnostics section of the smart mobile clinic's cabin is equipped with an advanced suite of vital signs monitoring devices. This comprehensive package includes a range of instruments that enable healthcare professionals to capture key physiological data, providing a holistic overview of a patient's condition. The suite features body composition analyzers that can assess parameters such as fat percentage and muscle mass, thermometers for precise temperature readings, pulse oximeters to measure blood oxygen saturation levels, and blood pressure monitors to track cardiovascular health.

[0018] These integrated devices provide a complete picture of the patient's vital signs, enabling healthcare professionals to conduct efficient and accurate initial assessments within the controlled environment of the portable laboratory. By having access to this comprehensive suite of equipment, healthcare providers can quickly identify potential health concerns and develop targeted treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

[0019] The smart mobile clinic incorporates cutting-edge capabilities for rapid and efficient blood analysis, revolutionizing the way healthcare professionals diagnose and treat patients on-the-go. The cabin is equipped with an array of devices designed to deliver quick and accurate results from various types of blood tests. These include instruments that can analyze lipid profiles, HbA1c levels, hemoglobin levels, glucose levels, and uric acid testing, among others. These devices require only minimal blood sample volumes, ensuring patient comfort and streamlining the diagnostic process within the portable laboratory.

[0020] The smart mobile clinic also features a comprehensive suite of routine blood test analyzers that facilitate comprehensive health assessments. These advanced hematology and chemistry analyzers can measure a wide range of parameters, including white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts, liver function indicators, and diabetes markers. Furthermore, the cabin is equipped with immunoassay analyzers that enable specialized diagnostic testing for critical health conditions such as Vitamin D deficiency, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease. This integrated approach to diagnostics provides a broad spectrum of information, empowering healthcare professionals to make informed treatment decisions within the self-contained laboratory environment.

[0021] The smart mobile clinic features an innovative suite of advanced imaging and examination tools that enable healthcare professionals to make accurate diagnoses on-the-go. These tools include portable X-ray machines for immediate radiographic assessments, digital stethoscopes for enhanced auscultation, ophthalmoscopes for examining the interior of the eye, otoscopes for inspecting the ear canal, dermatoscopes for dermatological evaluations, and wireless ultrasound devices for a range of diagnostic applications. These advanced tools are designed to be compact, portable, and integrated within the cabin, offering unparalleled diagnostic capabilities within the self-contained laboratory environment.

[0022] One of the most significant innovations in the Equipment and Diagnostics section is the integration of cutting-edge technologies for air and surface disinfection and medical waste decontamination. The smart mobile clinic features an advanced air and surface disinfection system that utilizes nano atmospheric oxygen plasma technology to eliminate microbial contamination without the need for traditional filters or harsh chemicals. This innovative approach ensures a sterile and safe environment within the portable laboratory, while also minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, the invention boasts a pre-vacuum system for efficient medical waste decontamination that operates without the use of water or chemicals, resulting in zero emissions and significantly reduced environmental footprint.

[0023] To further enhance the functionality and user experience of the smart mobile clinic, the present invention incorporates robust software integration that complements its hardware innovations. A dedicated Telehealth Mobile App is available on both Android and iOS platforms, providing seamless patient-doctor interaction and empowering patients to take an active role in their healthcare. The app's features include convenient appointment scheduling, remote vital monitoring, and secure communication channels, ensuring that patients and healthcare providers can stay connected and informed throughout the care process.

[0024] One of the most significant advantages of the smart mobile clinic lies in its design as a Mobile Healthcare Facility, engineered to address the unique challenges of healthcare delivery in diverse geographical settings. The self-contained, automated laboratory cabin is perfectly suited for deployment in remote rural areas and challenging mountainous regions, where access to traditional healthcare facilities may be limited. Its compact and efficient structure facilitates ease of transport and rapid setup, allowing healthcare providers to quickly establish a reliable and advanced diagnostic system wherever it is needed most. By bringing state-of-the-art healthcare capabilities to underserved populations, the smart mobile clinic helps bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, ensuring that everyone has access to timely medical care and advanced diagnostic services.

[0025] The smart mobile clinic features advanced Telemedicine capabilities that revolutionize patient care by bridging geographical gaps through secure video calls and data sharing. This innovative technology extends beyond traditional video conferencing, offering e-prescriptions and comprehensive medical reporting to ensure seamless and continuous patient care. With this feature, healthcare professionals can provide expert consultations and manage patient care remotely, improving access to specialist services in remote areas.

[0026] The smart mobile clinic also provides valuable insights for governments and healthcare providers through its Health Monitoring and Data Collection capabilities. By aggregating patient data from the cabin, it becomes possible to monitor population health trends and inform evidence-based policy decisions. This data-driven approach enables targeted medical education initiatives, strategic resource allocation, and optimized healthcare delivery, ultimately leading to improved public health outcomes. The ability to collect and analyze health data at the point of care provides a powerful tool for proactive healthcare management.

[0027] The integrated Patient Journey Workflow within the portable cabin streamlines the entire experience, from initial registration and vital signs checkup to routine blood tests, tele-consultation, advanced diagnostics, and report generation. This self-sufficient unit contains all essential steps, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for patients while minimizing wait times. The seamless patient journey facilitates timely diagnosis and treatment, leading to improved patient outcomes. By bringing all these services together in one place, the smart mobile clinic revolutionizes healthcare delivery and provides unparalleled convenience to patients.Examples

[0028] The present invention incorporates a comprehensive suite of vital signs monitoring devices to provide a holistic assessment of patient health. This suite includes multiple advanced devices, such as a Height, Weight, and Body Composition Machine, which offers detailed measurements of height, weight, body composition, and basal metabolism. The device provides accurate results with an accuracy of ±0.5 cm for height and ±0.1 kg for weight, and measures fat mass, muscle mass, body water, visceral fat index, and BMI. Additionally, the machine includes a temperature measurement feature using an Infrared Wireless Hand-held Thermometer, which offers fast and accurate measurements of body temperature within a range of 32.0–42.5°C.

[0029] The device also features an SPO2 / Pulse Oximeter for measuring blood oxygen levels and pulse rate, with a measurement range of 30–250 bpm and accuracy of ±1 bpm. This feature operates under various environmental conditions, including temperatures between 5–40°C and relative humidity of 35–95%. Furthermore, the device includes a Blood Pressure Monitor that measures systolic and diastolic blood pressure, along with pulse rate, offering an accurate range of 0–270 mmHg with ±2 mmHg accuracy. The monitor also features intelligent cuff positioning and automated memory for storing up to 100 sets of readings.

[0030] To ensure ease of use and convenience, the device is powered by a single DC 9V battery and weighs only 172g. The measurement times are optimized, with temperature measurements taking just 10–15 seconds. Overall, this comprehensive suite of vital signs monitoring devices provides a thorough assessment of patient health and well-being.

[0031] The present invention features a suite of Quick Blood Test Devices that enable rapid and efficient analysis of key health indicators. A comprehensive 3-in-1 Lipid Test Device is included, which provides a detailed lipid profile assessment by measuring total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and the TC / HDL ratio. This device accepts various blood specimens, including capillary or venous blood, serum, or plasma, and delivers results in just 2 minutes. Additionally, it stores up to 200 records with date and time stamps for record-keeping purposes.

[0032] For diabetes management, a Glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) Device is integrated into the system, which measures HbA1c levels within a range of 4%–14%. This device demonstrates an excellent precision of <3% for HbA1c levels between 4.0% and 6.5%, with results available in approximately 5 minutes. Furthermore, a Blood Glucose and Uric Acid Device is also included to measure blood glucose and uric acid levels, providing rapid test results in just 5 seconds for glucose and 25 seconds for uric acid.The device's memory capacity allows it to store up to 100 sets of results for each test type. The Quick Blood Test Devices enable users to quickly and accurately monitor their health indicators, making it an invaluable tool for healthcare professionals and individuals alike.

[0033] The present invention features a comprehensive suite of Routine Blood Test Analyzers that provide in-depth hematological and biochemical assessments. A Hematology Analyzer is a key component, capable of measuring 21 parameters, including white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet counts. This analyzer boasts an impressive throughput of 60 samples per hour, making it ideal for high-volume laboratories or medical facilities. The device requires minimal sample volume, as little as <20 µL, regardless of whether the test is performed on venous or capillary blood. Its storage capacity is substantial, allowing for up to 50,000 sample results, complete with detailed histograms.

[0034] In addition to the Hematology Analyzer, a Chemistry Analyzer is also included in this suite. This analyzer performs a wide range of tests, including liver function, renal function, blood lipids, and diabetes markers. To perform these tests, the device utilizes test cartridges for parameters such as ALT, AST, glucose, and HbA1c, with features like automated calibration and quick operation. The Chemistry Analyzer is designed to be efficient and user-friendly, with an intuitive 7-inch touchscreen interface that makes it easy to navigate.

[0035] Furthermore, this system includes a specialized Immunoassay Analyzer for advanced testing. This analyzer measures markers such as Vitamin D, thyroid hormones, and cardiac biomarkers, providing valuable insights into various health conditions. The Immunoassay Analyzer is also designed with portability and convenience in mind, weighing approximately 3 kg and making it easy to transport to different locations.

[0036] In this exemplary embodiment, Digital Video Otoscope is a key component, capable of capturing high-resolution images and videos of the ear canal with unparalleled clarity. This device boasts an impressive magnification range of 15x–150x and a video frame rate of 30 FPS, allowing for detailed observations. With a battery life of 3+ hours, this otoscope provides extended convenience and flexibility.

[0037] For dermatological examinations, a Digital Dermatoscope is provided, enabling the examination of skin lesions with wireless connectivity. This device features a lithium battery capacity of 700mAh and a coverage range of 15 ft in an open field, making it ideal for remote or mobile applications. Additionally, a Digital Stethoscope facilitates high-sensitivity auscultation with adjustable volume and filters, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment. The stethoscope is USB rechargeable and compatible with hearing aids and standard headphones.

[0038] The examination suite also includes a Wireless Ultrasound device, providing portable ultrasound capabilities for various medical applications, including obstetrics, gynecology, and cardiology. This device features a frequency range of 2–11 MHz and a battery life of approximately 8 hours, making it an invaluable asset in remote or emergency settings.

[0039] Also, the present invention incorporates an FDA-Approved Portable X-Ray machine, designed for radiography in remote areas. With its compact design and FDA-compliance, this device is easy to operate and transport, providing essential diagnostic capabilities in challenging environments.

[0040] The present invention seamlessly integrates Software and Hardware to enhance functionality and patient care. The Telemedicine Software is a key component, enabling online consultations, e-prescriptions, and appointment management while maintaining HIPAA compliance through secure video and audio conferencing. This integration facilitates remote healthcare delivery and streamlines patient interactions.

[0041] In addition to the telemedicine software, the invention incorporates an innovative Air and Surface Disinfection System that utilizes nano atmospheric oxygen plasma technology for microbial elimination. This system offers significant advantages, including chemical-free and zero-emission operation, ensuring a safe and sterile environment within the portable cabin. By leveraging this technology, the system provides a reliable solution for maintaining a clean and hygienic space.

[0042] The invention also features a Medical Waste Decontamination System that employs microwave-controlled technology for waste processing without the use of chemicals or water. This system boasts an impressive capacity to process up to 5 kg of waste per cycle with a runtime of 40 minutes, providing a safe and environmentally responsible solution for medical waste management. The result is a comprehensive system that offers a thorough approach to patient care, integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices.

Claims

A smart laboratory cabin for easy access and check-up of patients, comprising:diagnostics equipment comprises vital signs monitoring devices, including devices for measuring height, weight, body composition, temperature, blood oxygen levels, pulse rate, and blood pressure; quick blood test devices, including devices for performing lipid profiles, hba1c level testing, hemoglobin testing, glucose testing, and uric acid testing; routine blood test analyzers, including hematology and chemistry analyzers for measuring a range of parameters such as wbc, rbc, liver function indicators, and diabetes markers, and immunoassay analyzers for specialized tests such as vitamin d, thyroid hormones, and cardiac markers; imaging and examination tools, including portable x-ray machines, digital stethoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, otoscopes, dermatoscopes, and wireless ultrasound devices;an automatic sterile system and infectious residue disposal system comprises an air and surface disinfection system utilizes nano atmospheric oxygen plasma technology, and a medical waste decontamination system; andsoftware integration system comprises a telehealth mobile app; and clinic management software