Integrated Microorganism Identification and Susceptibility Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical practices require duplicate samples for molecular and traditional testing methods, leading to logistical issues, delays in diagnosis, and increased risk of contamination, as clinicians remain cautious about relying solely on molecular tests due to perceived limitations in detecting all potential pathogens.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows a single clinical sample to be used for both molecular testing and traditional culture methods, enabling rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing while maintaining the option for further conventional tests, thereby reducing the need for duplicate samples and accelerating diagnosis and treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If duplicate samples are used for molecular and traditional testing methods, then the reliability of pathogen detection is improved, but the device complexity and risk of contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines molecular testing and traditional culture methods into a single integrated system that processes one clinical sample through multiple testing modalities sequentially, eliminating the need for duplicate samples while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is designed to perform multiple functions using a single sample: initial molecular identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and traditional culture confirmation, all within one integrated platform that adapts its workflow based on results
2Reliability
If duplicate samples are collected for different testing methods, then comprehensive pathogen identification is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs rapid molecular identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing as preliminary actions on the single sample before initiating traditional culture methods, providing early treatment guidance while culture confirmation proceeds in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system maintains continuous processing of the single sample through sequential testing stages, with automated sample allocation and result integration that eliminates idle time between testing modalities
3Reliability
If duplicate samples are used for molecular and traditional testing, then testing coverage is improved, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging molecular and traditional culture testing into a single processed sample workflow with automated sample allocation and closed-system processing, the patent minimizes manual handling steps and external contamination opportunities while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage
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 approach enables faster diagnosis and treatment by allowing molecular tests to be performed concurrently with traditional culture methods, potentially reducing the need for additional tests and minimizing delays, while maintaining the option for confirmatory conventional tests if necessary.
Implementation Method 1
intensity variation in the z space stretching over each position in xy space is registered, indicating microbial mass in a specific position
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting and characterizing a microorganism in a clinical sample includes introducing a clinical sample to a first culture vessel containing the culture medium; removing a test aliquot; separating DNA from the test aliquot; and performing nucleic acid tests on the DNA to identify the microorganism and to detect the presence or absence of one or more genetic antimicrobial resistance markers in the microorganism. If a microorganism is identified, an antimicrobial susceptibility test is performed wherein microbial growth in the antimicrobial susceptibility test is monitored by accessing growth or markers for growth and wherein the type and concentration of antimicrobial agents used in the antimicrobial susceptibility test is determined by the identity of the microorganism and the antimicrobial resistance markers detected. A device for performing the method is also provided.