Raman Refractometer Analyzer
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.
Schematic 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. Mirza Mackovic
- Patent Manager (Physics, Technology and Software)
- mmackovic@sciencebridge.de
- +49 551 30724 153
- CPA-1980-LLG
