Intelligent Reader for Sterilization Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring sterilization efficacy using biological, chemical, and enzymatic indicators are slow, limited in logging capabilities, and require stationary equipment, making them inefficient and non-portable.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent reader and data recording system utilizing a camera and custom software on a portable electronic device, with an optional aperture box for UV filtration, allows for instant detection and logging of sterilization indicator results, including chemical, biological, and enzymatic indicators, using QR codes and UV spectroscopy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current stationary equipment is used to determine biological indicator results through heating and UV spectroscopy, then measurement precision is achieved, but device portability is lost and counter space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical heating chamber and stationary UV spectroscopy equipment with a portable smartphone-based system. The camera captures images of biological indicators after they undergo thermal processing, and image processing algorithms automatically determine results, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement systems while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the biological indicator's visual appearance through camera imaging. Instead of directly measuring physical properties with complex equipment, the system captures visual information and processes it computationally to determine sterilization status, enabling portability while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If current stationary equipment is used for sterilization monitoring, then measurement capability is provided, but ease of operation is reduced due to complex equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform sterilization monitoring independently using their own smartphones. The automated image processing and result determination eliminate the need for trained operators to manually operate complex equipment, making the system self-sufficient and easy to use while maintaining professional measurement standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical operation requirements with automated digital image processing. Instead of requiring users to manually adjust optical parameters or interpret complex instrument readings, the system automatically captures, processes, and interprets images to provide clear pass/fail determinations.
3Reliability
If traditional biological indicators are processed through heating and UV spectroscopy, then reliable results are obtained, but time consumption increases to 20 minutes to over 1 hour
Solution Approach 1:
The system accelerates the traditional 20-60 minute measurement process by skipping intermediate manual processing steps. The automated image capture and digital analysis provide rapid results while maintaining the same reliability standards through standardized imaging protocols and automated decision algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual observation and interpretation with automated digital image processing. The camera captures indicator changes and computer algorithms automatically analyze the images to provide rapid, reliable results without requiring prolonged manual measurement or complex sequential procedures.
4Ease of operation
If chemical indicators and visual results are used, then simple monitoring is achieved, but logging capability is lost in current systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates and stores digital copies of chemical indicator results through camera imaging. Visual information that would otherwise be unrecordable is captured as digital images and associated data, enabling permanent storage, retrieval, and analysis of chemical indicator results alongside biological indicator data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the simple visual monitoring of chemical indicators with comprehensive digital data logging capabilities. The system combines image capture, automated analysis, and database storage into a single integrated solution that maintains the simplicity of visual monitoring while adding robust data management functionality.
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 fast, efficient, and versatile instant results that can be easily captured and stored, eliminating the need for permanent counter space and enabling portability, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first scanned image of the contents of the testing product may be taken to receive a pass or fail determination based on the system software's pre-loaded reference standards for color of chemical indicators or enzymatic indicators
Implementation Method 2
an aperture box having at least one UV filter lens, that is removably attachable to the camera
Implementation Method 3
utilizing UV spectroscopy, with detection of enzymes with substrates that fluoresce to indicate viable (alive) bacterial spores
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a sufficiency of a sterilization process includes a vessel associated with a specimen exposed during the sterilization process, wherein a scannable code is directly connected to the vessel, and wherein the scannable code is adapted to provide sterilization data associated with the sterilization process. Additionally, a biological indicator is physically associated with the vessel, and a computing device is configured to receive the sterilization data so that the computing device renders a pass/fail determination of the sufficiency of the sterilization process through comparing a color of the biological indicator against a color of a reference standard defined by the sterilization data.