Syringe Dose Verification Using Digital Imaging and Plunger Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dosing errors in medical syringes are common 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 staff.
Innovation Solution
A universal dosage verification system and method using digital imaging to capture and analyze syringe images, determining the drawn dose based on plunger position relative to the barrel, and optionally storing these images for historical records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional cylindrical syringe barrels with small diameter are used, then the syringe can accommodate smaller volume doses, but the volumetric scale markings become difficult to read due to barrel curvature and wrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a curved cylindrical surface to a flat indicia display surface. This dimensional change eliminates the curvature problem that causes markings to wrap around, providing a flat surface where volumetric scale markings and numerical indicia can be displayed linearly without distortion or wrapping, making them easily readable while maintaining small syringe volume capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the indicia display surface from the barrel structure, creating a distinct flat surface specifically for displaying volumetric markings. This segmentation allows the markings to be optimized for readability independently of the barrel's cylindrical geometry, resolving the conflict between small volume capacity and marking readability
2Reliability
If factory-preloaded auto-injectors are used, then dosing errors from reading difficulties are avoided, but adaptability to varying patient conditions requiring different dosages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the syringe itself to provide verification of the drawn dosage through its enhanced flat indicia display system. The clear, readable markings allow the user to self-verify the dosage without requiring factory pre-loading or external verification systems, maintaining dosing accuracy while preserving the ability to manually adjust dosages based on patient needs
3Reliability
If additional personnel verification steps are implemented, then dosing errors are reduced, but staffing burden and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The syringe's enhanced flat indicia display system provides self-verification capability, allowing the drawn dosage to be clearly read and verified directly from the syringe markings without requiring additional personnel or complex verification systems. This reduces operational complexity while maintaining verification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual verification by multiple personnel with a visual information system. The flat indicia display provides clear, unambiguous dosage information that can be quickly verified by a single user, substituting human verification labor with improved visual information presentation
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.