Medical Syringe Dosage Verification Using Digital Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dosing errors in medical syringes occur due to difficulties in reading small-scale markings, especially on smaller syringes, leading to potential medication errors, which are compounded by the need for additional verification steps that burden healthcare staffing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using digital imaging to capture and analyze syringe images, determining the dosage based on plunger position relative to the barrel, and optionally storing and transmitting this data for historical record keeping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional cylindrical syringe barrels with small diameter are used, then the syringe can accommodate smaller volume dosages, but the volumetric scale markings become difficult to read and may wrap around the barrel making accurate reading impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional curved surface (cylindrical barrel) to a three-dimensional flat display surface that extends laterally from the barrel. This dimensional change allows volumetric scale markings to be displayed linearly without wrapping, making them readable across the entire dosage range while maintaining compatibility with small-volume syringes.
Solution Approach 2:
The display surface is segmented into a flat portion that extends laterally from the cylindrical barrel. This segmentation allows the volumetric scale to be displayed on a flat plane rather than wrapped around the curved barrel, resolving the readability issue for small-volume syringes.
2Reliability
If factory-preloaded auto-injectors are used, then dosing errors from calculation mistakes are avoided, but they are not practicable when dosage depends on real-time patient factors such as blood glucose level
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a digital imaging device (such as a smartphone camera) that the user themselves operates to capture an image of the syringe and obtain verification. This self-service approach allows flexible, real-time dosage verification without requiring additional healthcare personnel, enabling patients or caregivers to verify dosages independently based on real-time patient factors.
3Reliability
If another person is required to visually verify the medicine and drawn dosage, then medical errors are reduced, but additional burden is placed on healthcare staffing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual verification process (human visual inspection) with an automated digital imaging and image processing system. The digital imaging device captures the syringe image, and software automatically analyzes the plunger position and volumetric scale to verify dosage, eliminating the need for additional healthcare personnel while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a digital imaging device and image processing software as an intermediary between the dosage preparation and administration steps. This intermediary automatically verifies the dosage by analyzing the captured image, replacing the need for a second human verifier and resolving the staffing burden while maintaining reliability.
4Measurement precision
If volumetric scale markings are made larger or more prominent, then readability is improved, but the syringe barrel size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the size of markings on the curved barrel surface, the patent displays volumetric scale markings on a laterally extending flat display surface. This dimensional change provides ample linear space for clear, large markings without increasing the barrel diameter or overall syringe complexity, maintaining readability while preserving a compact design.
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
Reduces the likelihood of dosing errors by providing an accurate and reliable digital record of syringe contents, eliminating the need for additional verification personnel and facilitating efficient dosage tracking.
Implementation Method 1
selectively capture a digital image of a syringe containing a single dose of a medicinal fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of a dosage verification system are disclosed that can be used by a healthcare worker or an individual self-administering an injection to create a digital record verifying the dosage of a medicinal fluid drawn into a syringe prior to an injection. The dosage verification system includes a medical syringe and an imaging device configured to view and selectively capture, process, store, and transmit a digital image of the syringe from which the volumetric dose of medicinal fluid drawn into the fluid chamber of the barrel can be determined and/or verified prior to an injection.