Automated Digitization of Gram Stains. Centralized Reading. Decentralized Assessment. Improved Quality Management.

Transcription

1 Automated Digitization of Gram Stains Centralized Reading. Decentralized Assessment. Improved Quality Management.

2 A GROWING DEMAND Gram staining is the rapid, easy, and inexpensive method for the assessment of specimen quality, providing early information regarding potential pathogens present in patient samples. Serving to guide initial infection therapy, the Gram stain is one of the most commonly performed tests in clinical microbiology. The number of specimens needing to be processed is growing steadily as a result of the rising prevalence of infectious diseases, an aging population with increased susceptibility, and the implementation of Antibiotic Stewardship Programs as main growth drivers. The Answer Laboratories are facing increasing cost pressures, intensified quality requirements and the constant demand to provide test results as quickly as possible; a considerable task, even without taking into account the trend to static, or even shrink, the number of staff. In response to this challenge many laboratories automate microbial workflows. Gram staining has a high potential for automation because Gram stained samples are evaluated by manual microscopy, even today. But the introduction of automated microscopy for Gram samples was hampered by the lack of suitable system solutions. The Gram Scanner* is the first automated microscope scanning and imaging system matching the demands of microbiological laboratories, with regard to quality, speed, reliability and ergonomics.

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4 GRAM READING AS NEVER BEFORE Implementation of the Gram Scanner into the laboratory workflow will revolutionize one`s daily routine. The system scans, digitizes and archives where requested up to 800 slides in one batch. Centralized Reading Instead of spending time on slide scanning, technicians can focus on Gram stain assessment with improved ergonomics. Moreover, all Gram sample scans can be consolidated on one workstation. Seamless integration into the existing laboratory environment facilitates the exchange of images and data with external systems via LIMs to store Gram information with patient files, or to upload pre-defined procedures for reading and assessment. Decentral Assessment Image digitization ensures maximum efficiency of Gram sample evaluation because data can be accessed from multiple users at the same time in the hospital / laboratory network. Ease and speed of second opinion requests is ensured, as experts can access images via the network or can receive digital data electronically. Gram sample digitization could therefore support more timely therapy decisions and interdisciplinary collaborations for better patient outcomes.

5 Improved Quality Management Automated imaging with the Gram Scanner improves quality management in multiple ways: a Laboratories can easily imple- a a a a ment standardized scanning and imaging procedures. The system automatically preselects sample areas for image acquisition based on morphology and density criteria. This smart scanning process ensures the highest information gain for subsequent analysis because high density areas, or areas without sample material, are recognized. Scanning and imaging is not influenced by user proficiency. Archiving of images improves traceability as digitized data are easy to track and to recall. Digitized Gram samples are ideal for the training of laboratory staff and a very effective way to improve Gram reading proficiency.

6 MAGAZINES The slide frame magazines hold 16 frames with 5 slides each (80 slides in total); one system can accommodate up to 10 magazines. Magazines are portable and can be easily taken to the workbench for convenient loading. SLIDE FEEDER The feeder module picks the slide frames from the magazines and delivers them to the barcode reader, and subsequently to the microscope stage. The module runs unattended and can operate 24/7 including STAT (priority) sample handling. CAMERA Outstanding performance for clear and crisp color images at highest speed.

7 MICROSCOPE Fully integrated, motorized highend microscope equipped with a high-precision stage. All microscope functions are directly driven by the Metafer software. The centerpiece of the Gram Scanner Metafer software controls the scanning and imaging hardware and provides a convenient user interface for all-day routine use. The exceptional Metafer classifier concept provides each Gram Scanner the optimal balance between flexibility and standardization. All automated microscope actions are defined by sets of parameters bundled up in customizable classifiers; they contain information on hardware- and software settings, protocols for intelligent and adaptive autofocus sequences for the acquisition of high-quality images of stained microorganisms, as well as macros for pre-selection of suitable sample areas and image processing.

8 HOW IT WORKS START Insert Gram stained slides in the magazine. Open the Metafer Software to load predefined settings and operating sequence. Start the scanning process. PRE-SCAN The Gram Scanner creates, at first, a fast sample overview at low magnification. The system automatically preselects interesting sample areas on the basis of morphology and density criteria.

9 REPORT Convenient result reporting. Results and images can be provided to other systems. Optional: Sharing of images to retrieve a second opinion. MAIN SCAN A pre-defined number of areas (customizable) is acquired with a high-power objective. Different focus levels are captured to enable virtual focusing of the digitized images. REVIEW Gram samples can conveniently be reviewed and assessed on screen with quick result entry using pre-defined and customizable parameters.

10 GRAM IMAGER Manual Digitization of Gram Stains Hospital and private laboratory networks often run numerous laboratories. Many of them might have a low number of Gram slides per day for which an automated scanning and imaging system is not required. In this scenario, we offer the Gram Imager* with a manual microscope imaging system, fitting the needs of laboratories with a limited number of Gram slides. The system is based on Metasystems' Isis interactive imaging platform and includes a manual microscope with LED light-source and the same high-quality CoolCube camera used for the Gram Scanner. Users can easily acquire images which are then stored in a centralized location where they are accessible for review in the same way as described for the Gram Scanner. Laboratory networks can therefore manage images / cases from all sites and have the ability to report and track centrally.

11 METAFER The Open and Flexible Platform Automated scanning and imaging of Gram stained slides with the Gram Scanner is one of the microbiological applications based on MetaSystems' Metafer slide scanning platform. Further applications for Metafer are the Mycobacteria Scanner for automated scanning and imaging of Tuberculosis Sputum smears, and Direct Multiplex Imaging (DMI) for identification of pathogens directly from patient samples. Due to Metafer s modular and flexible architecture, it is possible to consolidate several applications on one workstation. For example, one can combine the Gram Scanner with the Mycobacteria Scanner to process Gram stained slides during the day and TB sputum smear slides overnight. For more information, see separate product information or online using:

12 MetaSystems Worldwide MetaSystems believes that a global company should foster a community of partners and customers to achieve a climate of collaboration and friendship. Our headquarters and the subsidiary offices in USA, Italy, India, and Hong Kong with their trained and motivated staff allow us to work very close to our customers. We know that communication is crucial to achieve our main goal: to continuously improve our understanding of demands, requirements, and wishes of lab professionals everywhere in the world. MetaSystems is very proud having established a worldwide network of competent sales and servicing partners. Please feel free to contact your local MetaSystems representative or MetaSystems directly to learn more about the community. MetaSystems products are used in many countries worldwide. Depending on the regulations of the respective country or region, some products may not be used for clinical diagnostic use. *In the United States of America (USA) and Canada, the MetaSystems Gram Scanner and Mycobacteria Scanner are intended for research purposes only. * In Europe, MetaSystems devices are CE-marked in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) devices. Document No. BRO-GramScanner P 2018 by MetaSystems MetaSystems Hard & Software GmbH (Headquarters) Robert-Bosch-Str. 6, Altlussheim, Germany tel fax info@metasystems.de MetaSystems Group, Inc. 70 Bridge Street, Newton, MA 02458, USA tel fax info@metasystems.org MetaSystems S.r.l. Via Gallarate 80, Milano, Italy tel fax info@metasystems-italy.com MetaSystems India Pvt., Ltd. No. 1/1, 2nd Floor, 1st Main Rd., 2nd cross, Thimmaiah Garden, R T Nagar, Bangalore Karnataka, , India tel info@metasystems-india.com MetaSystems Asia Co., Ltd. Unit 108, 1/F, Bio-Informatics Centre, No. 2 Science Park, West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong tel fax info@metasystems-asia.com info@metasystems-international.com