Rapid detection of bacteria in fluids
A disposable two-chamber cartridge and reader that quickly shows whether a fluid sample contains bacteria, developed with the Center for Learning and Innovation at Northwell Health.
The problem
Infection after joint replacement has to be recognized quickly, but a patient's own cells also contain ATP, which swamps simple ATP-based tests for bacteria.
Our approach
Remove the patient's ATP first, then measure only bacterial ATP as light, in a disposable cartridge that an automated reader processes.
Developed with the Center for Learning and Innovation
This device was developed with the Center for Learning and Innovation at Northwell Health. The lab is helping to bring clinician-driven innovation from concept to real medical devices that make a tangible impact on clinical workflow.
Two chambers separate the patient's ATP from the bacteria's
In the first chamber, a reagent breaks open the patient's own cells and an enzyme bound to beads breaks down the ATP they release. The sample then passes to the second chamber, where any bacteria are broken open and their ATP reacts with a light-producing reagent. A reader handles the mixing and transfer and measures the light.