Pathogen Detection System Using Fluorescent Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and disinfecting hospital environments are ineffective in detecting and eliminating pathogens, leading to the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) due to the inability to visualize microscopic pathogens, resulting in costly and deadly consequences.
Innovation Solution
A pathogen detection and display system that collects samples, analyzes them for harmful pathogens, and provides a visual representation of their location, enabling targeted remediation efforts based on scientific evidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cleaning and disinfecting methods are used, then cleaning staff can maintain hospital environments, but pathogens cannot be detected and cleaning effectiveness cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent markers that cause pathogens to emit light when exposed to specific wavelengths. This allows invisible pathogens to become visible through fluorescence microscopy, enabling detection and verification of cleaning effectiveness without requiring direct visual observation of the pathogens themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent markers as intermediary substances that bind to pathogens. These markers act as mediators between the invisible pathogens and the detection system, allowing indirect visualization and detection of pathogens through their fluorescent properties rather than direct observation.
2Productivity
If extensive cleaning products and methods are used, then pathogen removal efforts increase, but without visualization capability, effectiveness cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where fluorescent markers provide real-time visual information about pathogen presence and cleaning effectiveness. This feedback loop allows cleaning staff to adjust their methods based on actual detection results, improving productivity while maintaining verification capability through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods with optical detection using fluorescence. Instead of relying on physical sampling and laboratory analysis, the system uses optical microscopy to directly visualize pathogens, providing immediate results and eliminating the time loss associated with traditional verification methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pathogens are not visualized, then cleaning protocols remain based on tradition, but this leads to continued spread of infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of pathogens before infections occur by visualizing them in their environmental reservoirs. This allows cleaning protocols to be adjusted proactively based on detected pathogen locations and concentrations, preventing HAIs before they manifest rather than reacting after traditional methods fail.
Data Source
AI summary
A pathogen detection and display system is configured to discover and display the location of substances of interest, particularly pathogens that can spread infection. The detection and display system can be used in healthcare facilities on surfaces, medical equipment and devices, patients, and staff, for example.