Instrumented Container for Microorganism Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood culture methods are inefficient for detecting microorganisms in blood samples due to long delays in analysis and transportation, requiring large automated systems that are not portable or easily implementable, leading to delayed antibiotic therapy and increased mortality.
Innovation Solution
A portable, compact system with an instrumented container and electronic unit for pH measurement that allows for electrochemical detection of microorganisms in a liquid sample, enabling analysis outside the laboratory and reducing the time to positivity by using a disposable, sterilizable sensor with integrated electrodes and a heating unit for incubation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large automated systems are used for blood culture detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device portability and ease of implementation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the blood culture detection function into a portable container unit that can be used independently at the point of care, separating the detection function from the need for large automated laboratory systems. Each container is a self-contained unit with integrated electrodes, heating element, and data processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The container unit is designed to be self-contained with integrated pH electrodes, temperature control, and data processing capabilities, allowing it to perform complete blood culture detection autonomously without requiring external laboratory equipment or skilled personnel operation.
2Loss of time
If transportation time is reduced, then time to positivity is improved, but this requires rapid deployment which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The container is pre-assembled with integrated electrodes, heating elements, and culture media before delivery to the point of care. All necessary components are prepared in advance within the sealed container, eliminating the need for complex assembly or setup procedures at the destination and enabling immediate use upon receipt.
3Measurement precision
If electrochemical detection is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions including pH measurement electrodes, temperature control, power supply, and data processing into a single integrated container unit. The reference electrode and measuring electrode are integrated directly into the container walls, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity.
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 between sample collection and analysis, allowing for timely antibiotic therapy by providing a portable, easy-to-implement solution for detecting microorganisms in blood and other biological fluids, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Detection may, in particular, be carried out by electrochemical means
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit integrated into the container to heat the internal space of the container
Implementation Method 3
a temperature measurement and control unit including a temperature measurement probe placed inside the container
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for detecting the presence of microorganisms in a sample comprising a box (2) having an enclosed internal space (22) defined by a receptacle (20) and a cover (21) intended to be affixed to the receptacle for sealing the box, an electronic unit (23) for acquiring pH measurement data which is integrated into the box (2), two second electrical contacts (241, 251) connected to the electronic acquisition unit (23) and arranged inside the box (2), a heating unit (26) integrated into the box for heating the internal space (22) of the box, a unit for measuring and managing the temperature (27), the unit comprising a temperature measurement probe (270) placed inside the box, a power supply source (28) for supplying the electronic acquisition unit (23) and the heating unit (26), a processing unit (UC) which is connected to the electronic acquisition unit (23) and is configured to process the measurement data and comprises a module for detecting the presence of micro-organisms by analysing the variation in the pH measured in the liquid sample, an instrumented container housed in the internal space of the receptacle and intended to receive the sample, the container comprising: walls which comprise a first surface called the internal surface and are in contact with the internal volume thereof for receiving the sample and a surface which is called the external surface and is opposite the internal surface, a reference electrode (15) and a pH-measuring electrode (14) which are integrated into at least a first wall (10) of the walls of the container and each comprise at least two interconnected conductive parts, a first part arranged on the internal surface and intended to be in contact with the liquid sample placed inside the container and a second portion which is arranged on the external surface and comprises two first separate electrical contacts (141, 151) which are accessible outside the container, the first electrical contacts (141, 151) thereof each bearing against a second electrical contact (241, 251) which is separate from the box (2).