AI-assisted screening tool that reduces the time, effort, and cost of gram analyses.
Product
Bacteriology Gram Analysis
Overview
Our Bacteriology Gram Analysis solution is a revolutionary screening tool that helps medical technologists read bacteriology slides more efficiently and accurately using our AI-based algorithm, lab-optimized workflow, and LIS integration.
It may be used to identify various bacteria, cells and yeasts from samples of vaginal origin.
Our Bacteriology gram analysis solution classifies and counts the following objects (for a full list see below):
Gram positive and negative bacteria (including gardnerella vaginalis)
White and red blood cells
Epithelial cells
Yeasts
Challenges & solutions
Direct microscopic examination of gram-stained slides has several disadvantages, including the cost and time it takes to perform the analysis via microscope, technician fatigue, distraction, and operator bias.
With our bacteriology gram analysis solution, labs can reduce the time and effort it takes to perform gram analyses and obtain greater inter- and intra-operator consistency and accuracy, using a more ergonomic computer monitor.
How it works
4-step process:
Create slides
Slides are prepared using a standard smear technique, then treated with a gram stain (safranin or fuchsin are both acceptable) and coverslipped for scanning.
Scan slides
Technicians load slides into the chosen scanner. Slides are then scanned and the resulting images are automatically uploaded to the Techcyte platform for Ai analysis.
We accept any good-quality 80x image from a compatible scanner (for a list of compatible scanners, see below). Scanning takes around 1.5 minutes.
Process images
Our AI algorithm uses a convolutional neural network to identify differentiating features and determine which combinations indicate a certain bacteria or other diagnostically significant objects. It then places them into the most likely classification for technologist review.
This algorithm is deterministic, making the same classification every time it is shown the same image. The whole process takes just minutes.
Review results
Results are presented in a web-based interface where technologists can efficiently confirm the presence of bacteria and other objects of interest and, if required, their prevalence.
They can also add notes or request an additional consult. Final results of the analysis are then sent to their LIS.
Cells & Organisms Identified
*These claims have not been examined by the FDA.
- Gram positive bacilli
- Lactobacillus
- Corynebacteria
- Gram negative bacilli
- Gram positive cocci
- Gram negative cocci
- Spirochaete
- Fuso-spirillarium
- Mobiluncus
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Erythrocytes
- Leukocytes
- Epithelial cells
- Clue cells
- Yeasts
- Filamentous mycelium
- Brush cells
Supported scanners
Hamamatsu
S360, S20 | 80x .95 NA objective
Motic
Easyscan One, Pro, Infinity | 80x .95 NA objective
Features
- State-of-the-art platform
- AI-proposed images of bacteria and objects of interest, grouped by class and sorted by confidence
- Hay-Ison or Nugent score
- Customizable semi-quantitative scoring thresholds
- No daily cycle of fatigue, distraction, or confirmation bias
- Levels out sample and stain variations
- Excels at low-prevalence samples
- High volume, high reliability scanners produce 80x-equivalent digital images
Benefits
Improves accuracy, efficiency and consistency of gram analyses
Eliminates workflow bottlenecks introduced by gram analyses
Improves inter- and intra-operator consistency in grading and reporting
Quickly eliminates negative slides
Increases contribution margin per test
More time available for analyzing abnormal cases
Reduces technologist stress and fatigue
Helps hiring and retention of technologists
Collaborations
Has obtained the CE-IVD mark in Europe
For investigational use only and not for diagnostic use in the US.