An AI-assisted screening tool that reduces the time, effort, and cost of Gram analyses.
Product
Bacteriology Gram Stain Solution
Overview
Our Bacteriology Gram Stain Solution is a revolutionary, AI-assisted screening tool that can help laboratory technologists read Gram stained slides more efficiently and accurately using our AI-based algorithm, lab-optimized workflow, and LIS integration. It may be used to identify bacteria, cells, and yeasts from Gram stained slides.
The Techcyte Bacteriology Gram Stain Classifier is for research use only and not for diagnostic use in the US.
Our Bacteriology gram analysis solution classifies and counts the following objects (for a full list see below):
Bacilli Gram + and Gram –
Cocci Gram + and Gram –
White Blood Cells
Epithelial cells
Yeasts & Fillamentus Fungus
Challenge & Solution
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 Stain Solution, labs have the potential to 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 by manual smear, cytospinning or automated slide preparation equipment.
Gram stain and coverslip are applied to slides prior to 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).
AI Analysis
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.
Technologist Review
Results are presented in a web-based interface where the technologist confirms the classification and verifies the presence, prevalence, and predominance of bacteria and other objects of interest.
They can also add notes or request an additional consult. The final results of the analysis are then automatically sent to their LIS.
Sample Types
- Altered Skin/Wound Swabs
- Biopsies/Tissues/Aspirates
- Body Fluid Smears
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage
- Cerebrospinal Fluid
- Cytospun Body Fluids
- ENT
- Genitourinary
- Pus
- Respiratory
- Synovial Fluid
Supported Scanners
Hamamatsu S360
80x scanning, 40x 0.95 NA objective
Pramana M Pro, HT2, HT4
80 x scanning, 40x 0.95 NA objective
Intended Features
- State-of-the-art platform
- AI-proposed images of bacteria and objects of interest, grouped by class and sorted by confidence
- Customizable semi-quantitative prevalence scoring thresholds
- No daily cycle of fatigue, distraction, or confirmation bias
- Presents “Smart” FOV placed where objects of interest are concentrated
- Automatically calculates presence, prevalence, and predominance of bacteria and yeast
- Automatically detects sample rejection criteria
- All digital LIS integration
- Digital archiving & storage of slides
Benefits
May improve accuracy, efficiency, or consistency of gram analyses
Technologist can quickly eliminate negative slides
Increased contribution margin per test
More time is available for analyzing abnormal cases
May reduce technologist stress and fatigue
May help with the hiring and retention of technologists
Collaborators
For research use only and not for diagnostic use in the US.