Electrode Insert for Rapid Microorganism Detection in Standard Bottles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood culture methods for diagnosing bloodstream infections are time-consuming, often requiring transport to automated systems that can lead to false negatives and delay the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, especially due to the need for specific and costly non-standard containers.
Innovation Solution
An instrumented device adaptable to standard containers, equipped with measuring and reference electrodes, allowing for rapid on-site detection of microorganisms in liquid samples using electrochemical methods, compatible with existing collection bottles and minimizing time from sample collection to analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated blood culture systems are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but analysis time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the detection function from the incubation function. The portable device performs rapid electrochemical detection of bacterial metabolites (acid production) directly from the blood culture bottle, while the incubation continues in standard conditions. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and eliminates the need for complex automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediary measurement approach by detecting bacterial metabolites (carbonic acid) rather than the bacteria themselves. The pH-sensitive chromophore or fluorophore acts as an intermediary that converts bacterial metabolic activity into a measurable electrochemical signal, enabling rapid detection without direct bacterial observation.
2Measurement precision
If automated blood culture systems are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device can be adapted to work with standard blood culture bottles from different manufacturers, making the system universally compatible. The device performs multiple functions: it measures pH changes, detects bacterial growth, and provides rapid results without requiring specialized incubation equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical automated systems with a simpler electrochemical sensing approach. Instead of using large automated incubators with multiple sensors and moving parts, the portable device uses electrochemical detection of pH changes, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Loss of time
If rapid on-site detection is implemented, then analysis time is reduced, but electrode degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the incubation process. The portable device is inserted into the blood culture bottle only for brief measurement periods (a few seconds to minutes) to capture pH changes, then removed. This allows rapid detection without prolonged exposure of electrodes to the harsh biological environment, preserving electrode durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blood sample is pre-incubated in the culture bottle under optimal conditions before measurement. When the portable device is inserted, the bacterial metabolism has already produced measurable pH changes, allowing rapid detection without prolonged electrode exposure. The preliminary incubation prepares the sample for quick measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate detection of microorganisms in liquid samples, reducing the time to initiate appropriate antibiotic therapy by integrating with standard containers, avoiding electrode degradation, and ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The detection of microorganisms is achieved, in particular, by electrochemistry
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an instrumented device adaptable to a container (1) comprising a casing for receiving a liquid sample (LSE), the device comprising at least two electrodes, referred to as a measuring electrode (E1) and a reference electrode (E2). The instrumented device includes at least one measuring element (2) made of an electrically insulating material. This measuring element (2) has means for removably cooperating with the casing of the container. The measuring element (2) has a first surface intended to come into contact with an internal volume of the container when the measuring element (2) is adapted to the container (1), and a second, opposing surface accessible from the outside, the first surface of the measuring element (2) carrying the measuring electrode (E1) and the reference electrode (E2).