Microbiological Diagnostic Data Integration System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbiological diagnostic processes are inefficient, prone to human error, lack automation, and struggle with traceability, leading to complex and time-consuming analyses in bacteriological laboratories.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a software program integrated with a processor and viewing device for retrieving, visualizing, and analyzing microbiological sample images and data from Petri dishes and Gram-staining slides, enabling simultaneous viewing and combined analysis, with features for data entry, metadata management, and connectivity to laboratory information systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used for microbiological analysis, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies of microbiological culture dishes and Gram-staining slides through image acquisition systems. These digital images are stored and can be viewed simultaneously on multiple displays, allowing diagnosticians to analyze multiple samples without physically handling each dish or slide, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer system as an intermediary between the physical microbiological samples and the human diagnostician. The system captures images of culture dishes and slides, processes and displays them digitally, and maintains a database of all diagnostic data. This intermediary handles the complex tasks of image management and data retrieval, allowing the diagnostician to focus on interpretation without being burdened by system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple tests are conducted sequentially over time, then comprehensive diagnostic information is obtained, but loss of time occurs due to iterative re-reading of results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple diagnostic images and data types into a single integrated digital display system. Culture dish images, Gram-staining slide images, and associated metadata are combined and presented simultaneously on computer screens. This allows diagnosticians to review all relevant information in one location without needing to physically move between laboratories or re-read physical records, significantly reducing diagnostic time while maintaining comprehensive analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary digitization and organization of all diagnostic images and data during the sampling and initial testing phases. Images of culture dishes and slides are captured and stored in a database with associated metadata before the diagnostician begins analysis. This preliminary action ensures that all information is readily available when needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming retrieval and re-reading of physical records
3Loss of information
If digital image systems are implemented, then traceability and data retrieval are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal database system that handles multiple types of diagnostic data (culture dish images, Gram-staining slide images, metadata) through a single integrated platform. The system provides consistent traceability and retrieval capabilities across all data types using standardized procedures. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate tracking systems into one unified solution, improving information traceability without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for treatment of diagnostic information relating to samples of microbiological material, in which the apparatus comprises at least: a first processor; a first viewing device operatively connected to the first processor; a first software program operating on the first processor and configured for defining at least a first user interface on the first viewing device and for retrieving and visualising, in the first user interface, at least a first datum, or a first plurality of data, relative to a same first examination site; and for retrieving at least a first image of a first support, of a first type, for microbiological culture, relative to a first microbiological sample coming from the first examination site and for enabling selective viewing of at least the first image in the first user interface; and for retrieving at least a second image of a second support of a second and different type, for microbiological samples, relative to a second microbiological sample coming from the first examination site and for enabling selective viewing at least of the second image, in order to enable the user, by means of the first user interface, to make a combined use and evaluation, of the data relating to the first examination site and of the images.