Automated Infectious Disease Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting infectious diseases, particularly sepsis in ICU patients, are slow due to time delays in analyzing blood samples, leading to potential misdiagnosis and overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can cause resistance or harm.
Innovation Solution
A system for automatic detection of infectious diseases that includes an input unit for receiving blood samples, a lysis unit for separating DNA, a PCR unit for amplifying gene sequences, a substrate with immobilized probe molecules for binding target molecules, and a detection unit for real-time analysis, allowing for direct and continuous monitoring of pathogens in blood samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard laboratory methods are used for detecting infectious diseases, then the detection process is thorough and accurate, but the detection time is long (typically a few days)
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into separate functional modules: a lysis unit for DNA extraction, a PCR unit for amplification, and a detection unit for analysis. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently and enables parallel processing, significantly reducing the overall detection time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a PCR amplification step as an intermediary process between sample collection and final detection. This intermediary step amplifies the target DNA sequences, making them detectable within hours rather than days, thus bridging the gap between thorough detection and rapid results
2Reliability
If blood samples are transported between different labs and apparatuses for analysis, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but sample exchange errors and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (lysis, PCR amplification, and detection) into a single integrated system that processes the blood sample continuously without transfer between separate laboratories or apparatuses. This eliminates the risk of sample exchange errors and contamination while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs all necessary processing steps automatically within a single device, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual sample transport between different laboratories, thereby preventing contamination and exchange errors
3Reliability
If broad spectrum antibiotic treatment is prescribed without knowing the specific pathogen, then all possible infections are covered, but antibiotic resistance develops and treatment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the specific pathogen causing the infection before treatment is finalized. By rapidly identifying the exact bacteria, virus, or fungus through automated detection, the system enables targeted antibiotic selection from the outset, preventing the development of resistance while ensuring effective treatment
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
This system significantly reduces the time delay between blood sampling and analysis, enabling real-time monitoring and precise treatment adjustments, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes by providing immediate and accurate diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a lysis unit separating DNA content from the received blood sample to a separation sample
Implementation Method 2
a PCR unit for receiving the separation sample and multiplying a number of gene sequences in the separation sample to provide a target sample with target molecules
Implementation Method 3
contacting the gene sequences with a substrate having immobilized thereon probe molecules that specifically binds the target molecules
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the detection of infectious diseases. A system for automatic detection of infectious diseases is disclosed. The system comprises an input unit for receiving a blood sample, a lysis unit, a PCR unit, a sample unit and a detection unit. The systemmay based on an inputted blood sample generate an output signal that isindicative of the presence of pathogen DNA in the blood sample.