Technology Enhanced Human Interface to the Computerized Patient Record

Living conditions in the military often give rise to epidemics of acute respiratory infection too often costing the lives of servicemen and women. Rapid point-of-care diagnostic tools are needed for the detection of emerging respiratory pathogens to allowappropriate intervention and treatment. To address this need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop and fabricate a novel Immunofluorometric Pathogen Detection System (IPDS) as a rapid, sensitive, and simple-to-use multi-pathogendiagnostic tool with disposable cartridges. The IPDS consists of two elements: a high surface area cartridge and a portable fluorometric reader. At the core of the IPDS technique is POC's state-of-the-art, proprietary holographic surface technology andinnovative design of a portable fluorometric reader. Unqualified personnel can easily use the hand-held device and the testing time is as short as 5 to 7 minutes. Successful demonstration of the IPDS proof-of-concept in Phase I will lead to design andfabrication of the IPDS for both government and commercial applications in Phase II. Commercial applications include on-site detection of practically all respiratory bacteria and viruses, detection of pathogens in body fluids; rapid immunoassay forhormones, medications, and metabolites; and evaluation of nucleic acid probes for identifying genetic diseases. The IPDS can be used in food and pharmaceutical industries as well as for environmental monitoring and industrial safety.