Automated Sepsis Detection via Monocyte Volume Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing sepsis are inefficient and lack accuracy, often requiring multiple tests that take days to complete, leading to delayed treatment and increased mortality due to the lack of a reliable biomarker and the similarity of clinical criteria between sepsis and other inflammatory conditions.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a blood sample to evaluate sepsis status by comparing the standard deviation of monocyte volume (MDW) and white blood cell count to specific cutoff values, providing a rapid and accurate assessment of sepsis likelihood, with sensitivity and specificity above the standard care values of 0.60 to 0.70.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic testing (blood culture) is used to confirm infection, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time to result increases to several days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of blood sample characteristics (cell distribution, monocyte distribution width) immediately upon arrival, before conventional blood culture results are available. This preliminary action provides early indication of sepsis likelihood, enabling timely treatment decisions while the conventional tests are still running or before they complete.
2Loss of time
If clinical criteria (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) are used to diagnose sepsis, then quick assessment is possible, but diagnostic accuracy deteriorates due to similarity with other inflammatory conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary analytical parameter - monocyte distribution width (MDW) - that serves as a mediator between rapid clinical assessment and definitive diagnostic confirmation. MDW provides a quick, objective measure that helps distinguish sepsis from other inflammatory conditions like SIRS, trauma, or burns, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining speed.
3Reliability
If manual analysis of cell distribution and threshold evaluation is performed, then diagnostic capability is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis of cell distributions with automated computational algorithms that process blood sample data electronically. The system automatically calculates monocyte distribution width, evaluates cell population characteristics, and generates diagnostic indications, thereby maintaining reliable diagnostic capability while dramatically increasing productivity and reducing manual labor time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments may include an automated method for evaluating a sepsis status associated with a blood sample obtained from an individual. Methods may include determining a standard deviation of monocyte volume associated with the blood sample. Methods may include determining a white blood cell count (WBC) associated with the blood sample. Methods may include evaluating, using a data processing module, the sepsis status associated with the blood sample. The data processing module may include a processor and a computer application. This computer application may cause the processor to compare the standard deviation of monocyte volume with a first cutoff value to provide a comparison. The computer application may cause the processor to compare the WBC to a second cutoff to provide a second comparison. The computer application may also cause the processor to evaluate the sepsis status associated with the blood sample based on the first comparison and the second comparison.