What is near-patient testing (NPT)?
The prospect of bypassing long lines in front of clinics and testing near the patient is alluring in today’s busy daily life. Point of care testing, also known as near-patient testing, is carried out in close proximity to the patient’s location, frequently outside of conventional labs, like at the patient’s bedside or in distant clinics. This kind of testing enables quick diagnosis, which helps with prompt treatment decisions. For patients in rural areas or during emergencies, it can sometimes save their lives as it can send the test results directly to the emergency departments.
Benefits of NPT
Near-patient testing offers many benefits in primary care. It enables early diagnosis, clear communication, and effective illness management. Such an approach can lower expenses, raise satisfaction among patients, and enhance health outcomes. Additionally, it reduces healthcare inequities by making healthcare more accessible, particularly for socioeconomic or ethnic groups. Advanced near-patient testing is currently mainly utilized for C-reactive protein and Helicobacter pylori testing, as well as the management of diabetes and anticoagulation. It is further utilized for checking the current health status of the patient or potential occurrence of adverse events in the case of specific drug administration. However, simpler tests like urine strips and blood glucose readings are already common in primary care.
What types of devices are usually used for NPT?
Near-patient testing (NPT) devices come in various forms, each designed to deliver quick, reliable results close to the patient.
- Portable analyzers: Handheld or portable devices for testing blood glucose and monitoring vital blood count indications, cholesterol, and other biomarkers.
- Desktop analyzers: Smaller, bench-top devices for more complex testing, such as CRP measurement for bacterial sinusitis diagnosis.
- Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices: Include transportable, portable, and handheld instruments, as well as test kits for various tests, such as CRP, HBA1C, Homocysteine, HIV salivary assay, etc.
- Specialized equipment: Examples include blood glucose meters, nerve conduction study devices, and urinalysis strips.
From handheld analyzers to specialized equipment, these NPT devices make rapid testing accessible and effective. That can support timely medical decisions.
When and why custom solutions are needed?
Custom solutions may be required to meet specific needs of healthcare facilities, such as integrating with other systems, handling unique data requirements, or operating in challenging environments.
Customization can enhance usability, data management, and compatibility with existing electronic health record (EHR) systems.
The device BGO Software created was intended to facilitate Near Patient Testing, allowing the smooth integration of portable blood analyzers and a DMS system custom-developed by BGO. The main driver for creating this device was the need for an entirely custom solution that would match industry standards for security, communication protocols, and functional requirements that could not be found in the primary market.
Why BGO Software chose Raspberry-PI devices (ASTMs)?
Raspberry-Pi is a small, affordable computer that allows improvements to its Operating System with very good security measures. It was originally designed to teach programming and computing basics. Over time, it became popular for DIY projects, automation, and custom solutions. Its versatility and compact size make it ideal for various applications. Raspberry-Pi devices are tiny, low-cost computers that can be programmed and customized for specific tasks. They’re widely used in education, robotics, and innovative tech projects.
One example of using ASTMs in medicine is after performing a blood test with an NPT device, modified Raspberry-Pi devices (ASTMs) help clinicians connect the results to their platform. These devices collect and consolidate all the blood test data seamlessly.
Project requirements
The client needs a durable, compact, and easy-to-use device that fits specific clinical workflows with real-time data transfer capabilities. Being connected to a validated system, the device must fulfill many prerequisites and meet the data security standards. Its technical setup also had to meet requirements specific to the laboratories’ current technical setup.
A communication proxy device is fully customizable based on thoroughly analyzing its intended environment. This customization makes it an ideal solution for small and medium-sized laboratories and healthcare centers. Its adaptability and focus on reliable communication position it as a valuable tool for healthcare facilities that need seamless integration with existing systems.
Software and data security
Besides the hardware set-up that BGO provided, a team of BGO developers has also created the software running on this device, creating a complete end-to-end solution. Moreover, the device can be customized to different protocols, such as LIS or POCT1, allowing for connectivity with different types of blood analyzers.
The developers emphasize that safety and security are of great importance to the device. They highlight key features and mechanisms that ensure robust data and network protection:
- Data Security:
Encrypted Data Storage: Ensures sensitive information is stored securely.
Secure Network Configurations: Provides a safe environment for data transmission. - Access Control:
Firewall and Controlled Access: Limits unauthorized access and protects the system from external threats. - Authentication and Communication:
Robust Authentication Mechanism: Strengthens user verification for secure access.
VPN and SSH Protocols: Enables encrypted, secure remote communication. - Device Monitoring:
Per Device Heartbeat Status & Monitoring: Continuously tracks the health and activity of each device to ensure operational stability.
This comprehensive safety framework underscores the system’s commitment to protecting both data and operations.
Data pipeline
A presentation of a communication diagram that shows the flow of data and interaction between various components in the system would look like this:
- Core Components:
ASTM Proxy: Acts as an interface between the testing devices and the system.
NTP Analyzer: This near-patient testing device collects diagnostic data(e.g., a blood analyzer). - Data Flow:
The data from the analyzer goes to the Raspberry device, where it is sent to the SQL Database and then to the Domain Management System (DMS), which processes and manages the information.
The SQL Database serves as the central repository where all the data is securely stored. - System Interaction:
The DMS System (data management system) interacts with both the database and the web service to organize and make the data accessible.
The DMS System communicates with two key user groups: DMS Administrators: Manage and oversee system operations.
Healthcare Professionals: Access the processed data for clinical decision-making.
This list illustrates how different entities work together to ensure seamless data flow, secure storage, and accessibility for effective healthcare operations.
Key benefits of the development of communication proxy device
The software behind this system offers numerous benefits for healthcare and laboratory settings. Its customizable design ensures seamless integration into existing workflows, adapting to the specific needs of small and medium healthcare centers. Built on Linux and using established communication protocols like HL7 and POCT1, the software guarantees secure and standardized data exchange, reducing compatibility issues.
Robust safety measures, such as encrypted data storage, firewalls, secure network configurations, and authentication mechanisms, protect sensitive medical information. Features like VPN and SSH protocols enable secure remote access, while per-device heartbeat monitoring ensures operational stability. This software improves efficiency, enhances decision-making, and ultimately supports better patient outcomes by streamlining data flow through the SQL database and providing real-time access for healthcare professionals and administrators.
Conclusion
BGO Software’s developers found creating and integrating this solution challenging on many levels. They had to carefully fit together hardware components, design and produce an in-house 3D-printed box, and ensure the interface implementation ran smoothly on the device. They also admit this was a huge step forward for their professional growth and portfolio scope. The developers are convinced that this type of device will find an increasing application in telemedicine and will improve its effectiveness. The portability of these devices allows for rapid processing of results, enabling timely interventions that significantly enhance the chances of improving outcomes.
