Fiber optic based detection of autofluorescent bacterial pathogens
US8280471B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/129
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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. 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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.