FIBER OPTIC BASED DETECTION OF AUTOFLUORESCENT BACTERIAL PATHOGENS
First Claim
1. A method for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
- transmitting an excitation signal through a fiber optic cable to an in vivo environment;
contacting a bacterial pathogen with the excitation signal;
transmitting an autofluorescent emission signal from the bacterial pathogen to a portable detector; and
determining the presence or amount of the pathogenic bacterium in the in vivo environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site. Disclosed devices may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of a hospital acquired infection, thereby providing for earlier intervention and improved recovery rates from bacterial infection. Disclosed methods utilize optical fibers to deliver an excitation signal to an area in which pathogenic bacteria may exist. In the presence of the excitation signal, bacterial pathogens may autofluoresce with a unique spectral signature. Upon generation of a fluorescent emission, an optically detectable emission signal may be transmitted to a detection/analysis device. Analysis of the characteristics of the emission signal produced in response to the excitation signal may be used to determine the presence or concentration of pathogens at the site of inquiry, following which real time information may be transmitted to medical personnel via a wireless transmission system.
69 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
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transmitting an excitation signal through a fiber optic cable to an in vivo environment; contacting a bacterial pathogen with the excitation signal; transmitting an autofluorescent emission signal from the bacterial pathogen to a portable detector; and determining the presence or amount of the pathogenic bacterium in the in vivo environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A portable device for detecting the presence or amount of a pathogenic bacterium that is a source of a hospital acquired infection comprising:
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a portable enclosure containing a power source, an excitation energy source, an optical detector, a signal processor, and a signaling device for emitting a signal upon detection of the pathogenic bacterium in an environment; a connecting device for attaching the enclosure to the clothing or body of a wearer; and a fiber optic cable for inserting into the environment, the fiber optic cable being in optical communication with the excitation energy source, the fiber optic cable extending for a length exterior to the enclosure. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification