Disposable Scale Platen With Imaging for Sterile Drug Compounding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scales used in the preparation of chemotherapy drugs within laminar flow hoods have a large footprint, are cumbersome, and lack safety features to protect users from cytotoxic drugs, necessitating improved usability and safety in sterile compounding processes.
Innovation Solution
A scale system with a platen that includes an image capture device, barcode scanner, and safety features such as a disposable design, absorbent material, and visual indicators to ensure sterility and user safety, along with a compact footprint to minimize space usage in laminar flow hoods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a scale is placed within a laminar flow hood for chemotherapy drug preparation, then sterile compounding can be performed, but the scale occupies valuable space within the flow hood
Solution Approach 1:
The scale is divided into two main components: a compact base unit that houses the weighing mechanism and electronics, and a removable platen that can be sterilized or replaced. This segmentation allows the scale to have a minimal footprint in the flow hood while maintaining full sterile compounding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The platen is designed as a disposable component that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex cleaning and sterilization processes. This reduces the space required for maintenance areas and allows for a more compact overall scale design within the flow hood.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective gear is worn during chemotherapy drug preparation, then user safety is improved, but the gear becomes bulky and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The scale automatically captures images of the compounding process and generates documentation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors weight measurements, automatically logs data, and creates visual records, reducing the need for technicians to reach into hazardous areas or handle materials manually.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual monitoring and documentation tasks are replaced by an automated image capture system and digital weighing mechanism. The scale system automatically tracks and records all compounding steps, eliminating the need for technicians to manually record data or closely inspect materials with their hands.
3Power
If traditional scales are used in flow hoods, then weighing functionality is provided, but safety features to protect users from cytotoxic drugs are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The scale provides real-time visual feedback through captured images that show the current state of the compounding process. The system continuously monitors weight measurements and provides immediate feedback on whether the correct amount of medication has been dispensed, allowing technicians to verify proper dosing without direct exposure to the medication.
Solution Approach 2:
An image capture device serves as an intermediary between the technician and the cytotoxic drugs. The device captures visual information about the medication and compounding process, allowing technicians to monitor and verify the process remotely through images displayed on a screen, thereby minimizing direct exposure to hazardous materials.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive documentation is captured during compounding, then accuracy is improved, but user input requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures all necessary documentation including images of the compounding process, weight measurements, and procedural steps without requiring manual data entry. The scale self-documented the entire compounding process by continuously capturing images and logging weight data, eliminating the need for technicians to manually record information.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual documentation tasks are replaced by an automated image capture and data logging system. The scale automatically records all weight measurements and captures visual documentation of the compounding process, substituting manual writing and recording with automated digital capture and storage systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for preparing and administering a prescribed fluidic pharmaceutical compound, such as a chemotherapy compound, includes a scale having a platen. The scale is in communication with a user display for displaying an output of the scale. An image capture device having a field of view for capturing at least one image of an object placed on the platen is provided in communication with the user display for displaying the captured image. The platen may include a visual identifier for identifying a portion of the field of view of the image capture device. The platen may also include a tackifier or absorbent material. The platen may be formed of a light-transmissible material.