Phage Dispensing System Managing Batch Variability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dispensing systems for bacteriophages face challenges due to batch-to-batch variability, potency changes over time, and high manufacturing costs, requiring efficient management of storage and inventory while ensuring accurate and efficient dispensing at the point of care, particularly for multiple drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus for dispensing phage prescriptions that determine a target dose range and maximum contaminant levels, generating a dispensing set of phage vials based on titer and contaminant levels, and providing dose preparation instructions, using a computing apparatus connected to a phage storage system for accurate and efficient dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phage are stored in a cold store at the dispensary, then phage can be available for patient treatment, but batch-to-batch variability and potency changes make it difficult to ensure accurate dosing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-storing dose ranges and contaminant level thresholds in the electronic phage inventory. When dispensing is required, the system retrieves pre-computed information about acceptable dose ranges and contaminant levels for each phage vial, eliminating the need for real-time calculations and ensuring consistent, accurate dosing despite batch-to-batch variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring and recording actual dispensing doses against pre-established acceptable ranges. The electronic phage inventory stores historical data on phage potency and contaminant levels, allowing the system to adjust future dispensing calculations based on actual performance data, thereby improving dosing accuracy over time.
2Reliability
If multiple phage vials are stored to manage inventory, then supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and inventory management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic phage inventory serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores phage vial information, tracks contaminant levels, maintains dose range calculations, records dispensing history, and provides guidance for accurate dispensing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated platform, reducing overall complexity while improving supply reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating acceptable dose ranges and contaminant levels based on pre-stored phage characteristics. The electronic phage inventory autonomously manages inventory tracking, dispensing records, and compliance monitoring without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable supply.
3Productivity
If manual dispensing methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but dispensing efficiency and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic phage inventory acts as an intermediary between the phage vials and the dispensing process. It provides structured information about acceptable dose ranges, contaminant levels, and dispensing guidelines, enabling automated or semi-automated dispensing systems to operate efficiently and accurately without requiring complex manual procedures. The intermediary system translates complex phage characteristics into simple, actionable dispensing instructions.
Data Source
AI summary
A phage dispensing method, phage dispensing apparatus a phage dispensing system configured to dispense a phage prescription. A dose calculation is performed using the patient weight, the target phage dose, a titer of a phage vial and a contaminant level of a phage vial to determine a dispensing set and associated dispensing volumes from phage vials stored in a phage storage apparatus. Storage locations and dose preparation instructions including respective dispensing volumes are provided to a pharmacist and a verification of the vials is performed to check the correct vials are removed from the phage storage apparatus.