Fluorescent Soil Detection in Endoscope Lumens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting residual biological contaminants in lumened or cannulated devices, such as endoscopes, are labor-intensive, costly, and prone to human error, especially in identifying minute amounts of soil within complex structures, and are not effective in ambient light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A soil detection system utilizing a scanning unit with a light source, detector, and light filter that introduces a luminescent agent during the wash cycle, allowing for optical detection of soil through laser light excitation and fluorescence emission, enabling precise detection even in ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human visual inspection is used to detect residual bio-contaminants, then the inspection can be performed in ambient light conditions, but the detection precision is low and human error is high
Solution Approach 1:
A fluorescent agent is introduced as an intermediary substance that binds to residual bio-contaminants. This agent enables optical detection by fluorescing under specific light wavelengths, thereby mediating between the invisible soil and the detection system. The agent allows precise detection without requiring complex imaging systems, as the fluorescent signal provides direct visual indication of contaminant presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes fluorescence-induced color changes for detection. When the fluorescent agent binds to residual soil and is excited by appropriate light wavelengths, it emits visible fluorescence that changes the apparent color/brightness of the contaminated area. This color change mechanism enables high-precision detection of minute soil amounts that are invisible under ambient light, while keeping the inspection system relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescent agent is used for optical detection, then the detection precision is high, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent agent is applied to the article during the wash cycle before inspection occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the detection medium is already in place when inspection begins, eliminating the need for separate application steps. The agent binds to residual soil during washing, so when inspection occurs, the detection system simply needs to excite and detect the already-bound fluorescent signal, simplifying the inspection operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent agent performs multiple functions automatically: it binds to residual soil during the wash cycle, remains bound after rinsing, and provides self-indicating fluorescence when excited during inspection. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex operational procedures, as the system automatically prepares and indicates contamination without requiring multiple manual intervention steps.
3Productivity
If conventional washing is used, then the process is simple, but the detection of minute amounts of soil is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent agent serves as a mediator that amplifies the detectability of minute soil amounts. During the conventional wash cycle, the agent binds to residual contaminants that would otherwise be invisible. This mediation transforms undetectable trace soil into fluorescent signals that can be easily detected, thereby maintaining simple washing procedures while dramatically improving detection precision and inspection efficiency.
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
The system provides a cost-effective and precise method for detecting residual soil within lumened devices, reducing human error and allowing for efficient reprocessing by quantitatively assessing cleanliness through fluorescence detection.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescent agent binds to organic residues (e.g., proteins), and thus affixes to the soil to label the bio-contaminant. Where there is no soil on the article, the fluorescent agent does not become affixed thereto, and thus can be washed off.
Implementation Method 2
Absorbance of this ultraviolet (UV) light causes the fluorescent agent to emit visible light (i.e., to be fluorescent), thereby identifying the presence of soil to a human inspector.
Implementation Method 3
A typical human eye is responsive to light in the wavelength range of 390-750 nm. A fluorophore such as fluorescein has an excitation under light having a wavelength of about 488-490 nm, upon which the fluorescein emits light (i.e., fluoresces) at a wavelength of about 513 nm.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optical detection of residual soil in lumens of lumened or cannulated devices such as surgical endoscopes, after undergoing a decontamination process (e.g., a washing or rinsing operation). A soil detection system provides an indication of the presence of residual soil within a lumen by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil on the interior of the lumen in response to excitation light.