How vision-enabled point-of-care devices are transforming the medical industry

Maharajan Veerabahu, Co-founder, E-Con Systems highlights that vision-enabled POC devices are used for various medical examinations and tests, and are particularly useful for detecting and diagnosing certain diseases and conditions. The use of this technology in POC devices allows for faster and more efficient diagnosis, reducing the need for laboratory testing and minimising the wait time for results

The incorporation of technology in the medical industry is revolutionising the way healthcare is delivered and received. It is increasingly allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis, improved communication between healthcare providers, and providing patients with easier access to medical information and services.

Integration of cameras and other vision-based technology in Point-of-Care (POC) devices is transforming the medical industry by providing instant and accurate results, allowing healthcare professionals to provide timely patient care. Vision-enabled POC devices are used for various medical examinations and tests, and are particularly useful for detecting and diagnosing certain diseases and conditions. The use of this technology in POC devices allows for faster and more efficient diagnosis, reducing the need for laboratory testing and minimising the wait time for results.

What is the role of embedded vision systems in POC devices?

Point-of-Care (POC) devices, such as pregnancy test kits, blood glucose analyzers, fecal immunochemical tests, and hemoglobin tests, have long been used for various medical examinations and tests. However, most of them are based on traditional methods such as chemiluminescence and boronate affinity fluorescence quenching. But with the integration of cameras and other vision-based technology, POC devices are becoming smarter.

Compact and user-friendly POC devices with robust vision systems are empowering clinicians to perform tests anywhere outside of the laboratory. The camera in the POC device analyzes the contents of the samples and provides image data, which is processed and analyzed on the edge to derive actionable insights. This can facilitate early diagnosis of fatal diseases and improve the overall efficiency of the healthcare system.

What are the different types of vision enabled POC devices?

The different types of vision-enabled POC devices include:

Urology imaging

Urinalysis is a commonly used method for diagnosing and monitoring kidney and urinary tract diseases. Traditional urinalysis systems involve manually analyzing a urine sample under a microscope, which can be time-consuming and requires highly trained medical technicians. However, with the use of digital imaging technology, automated urinalysis systems can detect these diseases with greater ease and sensitivity. The automated system produces a monolayer of urine sediment that is analyzed by a bright field microscope and digital camera. The digital images captured are used to classify the urine samples based on size and shape. Through image-based analysis, the urine samples are automatically scanned and displayed as images on a screen, allowing technicians to easily zoom in for closer examination without the need for manual microscopy.

Ophthalmology

Portable fundus cameras are a type of ophthalmologic device that are commonly used for performing non-mydriatic retinal examinations. They are small and lightweight, making them easy to use and transport, and they can provide a larger field of view than traditional fundus cameras. They are useful for examining patients who cannot comfortably sit in front of a slit lamp, and they come with features like auto-exposure and auto-focus which can reduce the dilation time of patients. They can be used for a variety of purposes, including outpatient examinations and child and elderly care.

Dentistry

Intraoral cameras are dental devices that are equipped with a camera and are used to capture images from inside the patient’s mouth. They are portable, compact, and flexible, which makes it easy for dentists to observe hidden and inaccessible areas of the mouth and identify defects and decay in teeth. The real-time images and videos captured by these cameras can be used to educate patients about the severity of their condition and help them find suitable treatment options. Dentists also use intraoral cameras that have a wide focus range to examine the jawline. These cameras are equipped with autofocus technology which allows the lens to quickly adjust to the shutter speed, and capture the affected area accurately and quickly.

Dermatology

Camera-based POC devices play a critical role in the evaluation and monitoring of skin cancer. Dermatologists use these devices to capture a series of images that allow them to accurately study the precise location of lesions and monitor progress after treatment. High-quality dermatology cameras can produce enhanced images that help detect changes in shape, color, and size of the lesion. Portable and handheld dermatology devices with cameras are inexpensive and can facilitate self-examination. A technique called dermoscopy, which uses these cameras to magnify the lesion 10x, allows users to examine and diagnose a variety of skin diseases. Capturing clear images also aids in differentiating the stages of skin pigmentation, which can assist in detecting early stages of melanoma.

What does the future of POC devices look like?

The future of PoC devices looks promising as they have the potential to detect major health problems such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases before they become serious issues. With recent advancements in epidermal electronics and portable diagnostic devices, PoC technology has greatly impacted the medical industry. In the future, miniature wearables may allow for continuous and real-time transmission of data for processing and clinical knowledge.

Additionally, AI-based PoC devices are breaking new ground in the medical field. When paired with advanced cameras and AI capabilities, these devices can herald a new chapter in medical science and treatment.