Raman Refractometer Analyzer

Every medication error is one too many.

Challenge

Medication errors remain a critical risk in hospitals, particularly in oncology and intensive care settings. Existing control systems typically verify documentation and labeling but not the actual chemical composition of administered solutions.

A reliable, real-time verification method directly at the point-of-care is needed to improve patient safety and support healthcare professionals in daily clinical practice.

Our solution

The Raman Refractometer Analyzer combines two established analytical techniques — Raman spectroscopy and refractometry — in a single, automated system. Medication solutions are analyzed within a flow cell, and the results are compared against a comprehensive database of spectral and refractive index data.

To enhance reliability, the preliminary identification is cross-referenced with hospital information systems.
The approach enables clear distinction between otherwise indistinguishable solutions, such as NaCl and KCl, and ensures accurate identification and quantification of a broad range of substances.

Advanced algorithms, including Indirect Hard Modelling, allow for robust analysis even of Raman-inactive compounds.
The system is suitable for both qualitative and quantitative analysis, offering a practical solution for integration into clinical workflows.

Raman_Refractometer_Analyzer.jpegSchematic representation of the Raman Refractometer Analyzer system for point-of-care medication verification

 

Advantages

  • Reliable identification of infusion solutions and medications
  • Non-invasive, non-distructive measurment
  • Combined Raman spectroscopy and refractometry analysis
  • Improved patient safety through direct verification
  • Broad application range in medical and industrial environments
  • Compatibility with existing infusion and monitoring systems
  • High potential for automation and workflow integration

Applications

  • Point-of-care diagnostics in intensive care and oncology units
  • Quality control in hospital pharmacies
  • Process monitoring in the food and petrochemical industries
  • General quality control of liquids across multiple sectors

Development Status

Automated detection of the following substances realized: Insulin 1i.E. Noradrenalin, Heparin, NaCl, KCl, NaBic, Glucose. A final prototype also exists. The next step is the development of a commercial device.

Patent Status

German Patent application: DE102017108120A1 (disclosed)
European Patent application: EP3610245A1 (disclosed)
US Patent application: US10871399B2 (granted)

Patent applicant:
Institut für Nanophotonik Göttingen e.V.
 

References

https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021532
https://www.adka.de/news/details/poster-05-analyse-von-infusionsloesungen-mit-uvvis-spektroskopie-und-refraktometrie-zur-verhinderun-1
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12040936

Contact

Dr. Maria Kamper
Patentmanger (Physics, Technology and Software)
E-Mail: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein!
Tel.: +49 (0) 551 30 724 159
Reference: CPA-1980-LLG
www.sciencebridge.de

 

Tags: Mess- und Analysetechnik, Physik und Technik & Software

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