DE102012111480A1 - Method and device for testing at least one fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

A medical fluid scanner, such as an infusion scanner, that allows for automated fluid detection and a score (eg, measurement fidelity) associated with hit probabilities and / or hit probabilities, can display ordered hit lists of non-excluded medical fluids. Furthermore, an adjustable focusing optics is provided, which allows a more accurate analysis of the treatment fluid, which further improves the accuracy of accuracy.

Description

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for testing at least one medical fluid, e.g. a portion of a medication, and / or components of a fluid to be delivered, for example, to a target, such as a patient. The target object may be e.g. also be an animal or a container, e.g. to fill with a treatment liquid or is already filled. For example, one or more may be associated with a fluid, e.g. a drug-filled infusion syringes are tested.

In general, medication errors in the treatment of patients or animals lead to undesirable sequelae including unnecessarily prolonged hospital stays or even lethal events. With the present invention, a significant reduction of medication errors can be achieved, thereby increasing patient safety and improving user protection. At the same time, a cost reduction also occurs. Furthermore, handling of automated delivery systems such as infusion systems using the present invention is facilitated.

In general, medication errors may be due to human error, e.g. due to fatigue-related lack of concentration or situational stress, or due to technical problems, for example due to soiled labels on the infusion container, illegible, dirty or smeared prescriptions, ambiguous abbreviations. Also, for example, a container label may conform to the prescription, but not to the actual container contents, for example, because an infusion solution ingredient has been forgotten or confused, or the concentration of the ingredient is flawed. Even with an automatic infusion device errors may occur, for example in the selection and / or input of the medication and / or e.g. associated delivery rates on the automatic infusion device.

Furthermore, the problem may arise that the infusion solution in the infusion container is correct and also correctly conveys the automatic infusion device, but that, for example, infusion lines are misplaced, e.g. not connected, faulty narrowed or closed, or a used article, in particular a disposable article, having defects such as a hose leakage. Also, mixtures of medications may occur in communicating infusion lines, especially when a patient is being given multiple infusions via multiple automated infusion devices simultaneously via a common patient access. Also, for example, electromagnetic interference internal to the house or due to targeted malicious interference can lead to confusion or falsification of the medications to be administered.

If there should be a barcode on a label of an infusion container which clearly describes all ingredients and their concentrations in the infusion solution, e.g. by means of an index from a stationary drug database, a comparison of the prescription prepared by a physician with the label data of the infusion container read out via the barcode reader can be made. Again, errors that are caused by a wrong label or a badly read barcode, initially undetected.

From the WO 2004/033003 A1 For example, there is known an apparatus for qualitatively and quantitatively determining fluid components of an intravenous fluid, wherein fluid components are identified prior to their intravenous administration and optionally detected for their concentration.

The invention provides a method and apparatus that allows a user to easily check a fluid and / or components of a fluid.

For this purpose, a method according to claim 1 is provided.

Furthermore, a device according to claim 16 is provided.

Furthermore, a computer program product, for example in the form of a data carrier or a program stored on a server via a data network, is provided which contains stored code instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause it to execute the method steps according to claim 1 or one of the subclaims.

Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The at least one fluid for medical use to be tested according to the invention may be one or more liquids, gases or plasmas. The fluid is provided as a medical fluid for medical use, eg for therapy. The ggfls. For example, at least one component to be tested automatically can be a medical component or a non-medical component, for example, which can be dissolved in a carrier fluid and, for example, is an additive which merely serves to detect the at least one medical fluid. For example, a medical fluid to be detected with a dye and / or a fluorescence tracer or the like for better identification of the fluid and / or class of fluids to which this fluid belongs, by the user, the patient and / or a device. The component to be tested may therefore be, for example, such an additive.

The at least one medical fluid and / or the at least one component of the at least one medical fluid can be compared with at least one element of at least one comparison list, such that at least one evaluation resulting from the comparison can be assigned to the at least one element.

By means of the at least one rating, e.g. It is determined whether the at least one element, at least part of the at least one element and / or at least one reference or similar to the at least one element and / or its parts is part of at least one display list, will and / or remain, and at which position in which at least one display list is arranged, is and / or remains.

The thus arranged display list and / or parts of the thus arranged display list can be made available to the at least one user visually, acoustically and / or haptically.

With the invention, the above-mentioned disadvantages are avoided or at least mitigated and there is an increased security for clinics, treatment centers, hospital pharmacies or other pharmacies or facilities, their employees and customers.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assaying at least one medical fluid and / or at least one component of a fluid as defined in claim 1.

According to one aspect, the method for testing at least one fluid for medical application comprises the following steps:
Providing at least one medical fluid,
automated testing of the at least one medical fluid and / or at least one component of the at least one medical fluid,
Comparing the at least one medical fluid and / or the at least one component of the at least one medical fluid with at least one element of at least one comparison list, such that at least one evaluation resulting from the comparison can be assigned to the at least one element,
Determining, on the basis of the at least one assessment, whether the at least one element, at least part of the at least one element and / or at least one reference or the like to the at least one element and / or its parts is a component of at least one display list, and / or stays,
Determining at which position the at least one element, the part of the at least one element and / or the at least one reference or the like is to be arranged or arranged on the at least one element and / or its parts, in the at least one display list,
Create an ordered display list, and
Providing the thus arranged display list and / or at least part of the display list arranged in this way for at least one user in visual, acoustic and / or haptic form.

The at least one medical fluid and / or the at least one component of the at least one medical fluid may be e.g. to be a therapeutic and / or a drug and / or an infusion solution and / or a nutritional solution and / or blood and / or other, a living organism advantageously be supplied, liquid. But it may also be, for example, an anesthetic gas.

The comparison list and / or the display list may e.g. also be supplemented, corrected and / or reduced by comparison or link with another comparison list.

The at least one element may e.g. at least one reference fluid for medical use and / or at least one reference component of the at least one reference fluid are assigned for medical application. The at least one score and / or part of the at least one score resulting from the comparison may e.g. at least one statement about the similarity, the correspondence and / or the probability of correspondence or the like. between the at least one fluid for medical application and / or the at least one component of the at least one fluid for medical use and the at least one reference fluid for medical use and / or the at least one reference component of the at least one reference fluid for medical use.

The method may include, for example, providing at least one fluid, eg, a medication and / or the at least one component of the fluid or medication, which may be an active agent. The medication may include or be a medicament or drug or the like. The fluid provided, eg the medication, or the at least one component, or both the fluid and at least a component are checked automatically, wherein at the same time or in a separate step, the probabilities of correctness of recognition of the detected during the test, at least one fluid and / or at least one component can be determined. This allows a precision / accuracy estimation where the hit probability can be taken into account. The security with which the probabilities can / could be determined is, moreover, information that can also advantageously be taken into account in the recognition, exclusion, sorting and user information process. Both are particularly advantageous in cases where the fluid, medication or component detection and / or rejection (exclusion) is not sufficient security, for example, with one hundred percent certainty guaranteed. For example, if no element of a comparison list could be determined to be correct with sufficient probability and / or certainty, but all elements except one element of the comparison list could be excluded with sufficient probability and certainty, the tester may assume, for example, that the comparison list completes the use case covering (ie an element must apply), come to a rating, such as: "the probability / certainty that the fluid and / or the component is the element x (ie the only non-excludable) is indeed lower as necessary to arrive at a unique recognition (at least, for example, alone), but is sufficient in combination with the fact that all the rest are ausschliessbar to recognize the element x as correct - at least after, for example, the confirmation by a user. Such an assessment can also be displayed to the user in text, sound, image (also eg as color coding), etc. - eg in the form of a display list comprising only one, eg yellow colored, element and / or in the form of the associated decision criteria and Fact Sheets. The advantage of such a strategy, which is not only the "positive recognition" (identification) but also the "negative recognition" (exclusion) and / or the "application restrictions" (eg restriction on the comparison list) and / or "sorting" ( the display list according to probabilities and / or collateral), can be exemplified in particular by the following example, in which at the end of the test process, a display list that contains more than one possible element, eg three elements: in the first place eg with second, one with a smaller but still acceptable probability and certainty, and lastly, an element for which there is insufficient information (eg, no associated probability measure and, for example, no associated security - an element, then) that can not be ruled out, to which, however, no helpful statement can be made). In such a case, the sorting by probability and / or security (and possibly the representation of the elements, eg by color marking of the elements, eg in this case eg deep green, yellowish green and black or the like) is of particular help to the user.]

The detected fluid or component may then be compared to one (e.g., another) comparison list to determine if the detected fluid and / or component is even listed in the comparison list. For example, the comparison list may be in the form of a list of drugs or a list of components, listing, for example, only those drugs or components, e.g. at the drug preparation site such as a laboratory, a department, a clinic, a doctor's office or the like at all in stock or prescribed. It may be in this list of medicines, e.g. to be a drug database that is specific to the place of use or application, for example, in a clinic department, a clinic, a clinic, or the like, listing the medicines that are ordinarily prescribed or administered there. Alternatively or additionally, the comparison list can also be a list of components, in which components, in particular active ingredient components, are listed which usually or exclusively, i.e., exclusively, at the preparation or application site. enumerating, to be used. However, this comparison list can also be, for example, a (patient-specific) prescription list or a list which can be obtained from the logical association of e.g. Drug database and prescription list (e.g., by logical AND).

As a further step, the result obtained in the comparison may be used to classify or mark as excluded fluids, medications or components that have been positively identified in the comparison as not in the tested fluid (s), medications or component (s) available. As a result of this step of selectively excluding fluids, medications or components, the result of the hit is automatically reduced to only those hits that have been recognized at least with a certain hit probability exceeding or reaching a certain probability threshold, for example. By means of this step of deliberate exclusion, the number of fluids listed in the hit list, eg medications, is reduced to those with at least a certain accuracy reaching or exceeding the probability threshold were recognized. From a list comprising, for example, a total of 100 fluids, such as medicaments or components, in which all fluids applied to the treatment or test site, such as medicines, are listed, for example, the list to be checked and / or eg the list to be evaluated and / or that to be displayed is reduced then, for example, only one to six hits, which then can be worked exclusively on each further.

Those remaining after the step of excluding, with a probability exceeding the given probability threshold, as correctly recognized hit, i. the at least one fluid or component is then sorted in dependence on the determined probabilities of correctness of the recognition, so that only an ordered list of the list recognized with a threshold reaching or exceeding the probability results (and possibly also of those elements to which there is insufficient information available from measurement and / or underlying comparison lists or databases). The sorting of the display list according to the determined probabilities can be done by decreasing probability level so that the most likely hits are at the top. However, sorting by probabilities may also be e.g. take place in ascending order so that the hits with the least probability (but still above the probability threshold or just reaching it) are listed above and the list is then built down with increasing hit accuracy.

This display list of detected fluids and / or components may be e.g. be displayed on a monitor and / or be registered, stored, printed or the like in a log printout. Preferably, the display is in the form of an optical or visual display, but may also be e.g. in speech or other, for example, acoustic, haptic, tactile or otherwise.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, on the display list, or in addition to the display list, also the probabilities of correctness of the detection and / or the associated collateral can be displayed. This can also be done in optical form of a display, in acoustic form or in any other form, as stated above. Thus, the viewer or evaluator of the display list also receives additional information regarding the reliability of detection of medications or components.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a comparison list is preferably stored in advance, temporarily or permanently, in a database, e.g. be stored in an in-house memory or in the device according to the invention itself or else via remote access, e.g. via access to a server connected to the Internet, can be queried. In an advantageous embodiment, the comparison list may e.g. patient-specific, hospital-specific, department-specific or dependent on other criteria. Through this specification of the comparison list, it is also possible in a simple manner to adapt and modify them depending on the particular situation.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the automatic testing of a respective, e.g. at least one medicament and / or the fluids containing at least one component are carried out using an evaluation carried out by means of RAMAN radiation, in particular by means of RAMAN spectroscopy or in another form.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, there may be a feed element through which the fluid can be conveyed, e.g. contains at least one drug to be tested or the at least one component. The supply element may for example be part of a supply system, an automatic infusion device, a fluid transport system, an infusion syringe and / or an infusion tube, or the like.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a measuring device for carrying out the measurement and testing can be arranged on the feed element. This measuring device can operate, for example, in optical or acoustic or other form and, for example, generate a directed to the fluid to be tested laser beam. The laser beam passing through the fluid or the radiation generated in response to the laser beam, for example RAMAN radiation, may be detected by a sensor disposed on the opposite side of the laser beam generator with respect to the fluid path, but in the preferred embodiment on the same side as the laser beam generator is positioned so that it is measured in backscattering.

According to a further aspect of the invention, which may be implemented together with the aspect of the invention discussed above, but also independently of this, the measuring device provided for fluid testing comprises an adjustable focusing device. This can, for example, a motor or otherwise manual or be automatically displaceable or changeable focusing device by which the measurement beam generated for measurement, for example, laser beam, on a certain volume (eg substantially a punctiform volume) can be focused. The focussing point can be displaceable or displaced during the measurement so as to be able to measure successively both regions on the edge of a feed element conveying the fluid to be tested and also outside thereof, and additionally by shifting the focal position within the feed element, for example within one Infusionsschlauchs to measure, in which the fluid to be measured is stationary or in transit. However, the focus volume can also be enlarged and / or reduced and / or changed in shape or similar, for example.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, during focus adjustment, i. e.g. the focus position shift detected measuring signals are evaluated in multiple ways to thereby be able to recognize, for example, both a wall of the supply element such as an infusion tube, and additionally and primarily to evaluate the liquid present in the supply element (fluid). So it can be e.g. the measurement signal is traversed starting with a signal dominated by the wall material towards a fluid-material-dominated signal and thereby the two superposed signal components are separated from one another and / or e.g. determines the wall thickness and / or the focus position for fluid measurement can be optimized. In addition, if the wall material and the wall thickness are known, the falsification can be e.g. of signal amplitudes by e.g. the absorption by the wall (and / or the signal path through the fluid) are advantageously taken into account / compensated and similar.

The measurement is optionally carried out in backscatter, in one or more embodiments of the invention, such that the generator generating the measuring beam, e.g. Laser, as well as a backscattered signal detecting sensor can be arranged close to each other. The generator and the sensor can be arranged, for example, optionally on or in a common, positionally adjustable carrier or housing. By arranging on a common carrier or housing, the positional relationship between the generator and the sensor remains permanently stable, so that reproducible, störungsunanfällige measurement conditions are created or can be. For example, it is also possible for only the signal path connected to the generator and the sensor to converge appropriately, for example by means of two converging glass fibers. The signal path part that is common in this example can then contain, for example, a displaceable and / or changeable element, the displacement and / or change of which then takes place, for example. essentially equally affects the signal path portion of the generator as well as the sensor, which is common. In this way, e.g. the focus volume for the excitation path can be changed substantially in a synchronous manner to the focus volume of the detection path - e.g. also only need one focus element for both paths. As a result, e.g. It also has a positive impact on design, production (for example permissible production tolerances), manufacturing, weight and cost.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the measurement or testing of the fluid may be made, for example, in terms of the drugs and / or components contained therein during a dialysis. Thus, the dialysis and its proper course as well as its course and the results obtained can be recorded and evaluated even more accurately and stored.

According to one or more embodiments of the invention, a container may be provided in which the medication or components to be tested are stored, the fluid being delivered via a supply element, optionally an automatic infusion device, to a target object, e.g. to a patient or a non-human animal or other object, such as a test object, can be fed.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for testing at least one fluid, e.g. a medication or at least a component thereof as defined in claim 16. The apparatus may in this case comprise a provision device for providing the at least one fluid and / or components thereof, a test device for automatically checking the fluid and / or components thereof, a determination device for determining the probabilities of recognition correctness, a comparison device for comparing the cognizing and / or the detected fluid (s) and / or one or more recognized components with a comparison list, means for excluding fluids or components recognized as not present, a sorting device for sorting recognized or not excluded fluid ( en) and / or component (s) as a function of the determined probabilities and / or eg associated security, and a presentation device such as a display device for, for example, visual, audible or haptic representation of the e.g. have lists sorted by probabilities.

The further aspects and optional features discussed above or listed below can optionally also be implemented completely, partially or individually in the device outlined above according to an aspect of the invention.

In one aspect of a device according to the invention, regardless of the aspects outlined above, a measuring device can be configured with an adjustable focusing device whose focus position and / or shape can be displaced and / or changed during a measurement of a fluid to be tested. This makes it possible to optionally measure portions at the edge of a lead member such as a lead tube as well as inside and outside the lead member as needed or desired.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a computer program product is provided, which can be embodied as a data carrier, for example, but alternatively can also be stored in a memory device of, for example, a computer system or, for example, via a server accessible via a data network, e.g. Internet server, is available. The computer program product includes code instructions that may cause a processor device of a computer, such as a workstation or measurement station, to perform a method according to the above or following statements, such as a method as defined in the method claims.

The evaluation of RAMAN scattering advantageously used according to one or more aspects of the invention, e.g. in backscatter also allows reliable testing of non-transparent fluids, e.g. contain or can present at least one medication to be tested. While optical transmitted light methods can be used essentially only with transparent, or at least sufficiently transparent, fluids, RAMAN scattering can also offer very good measurement results, even with non-transparent fluids. For this purpose, the aforementioned focus-varying device can also be advantageously used, since the optimum focus volume (position and / or shape) can also depend on the transparency of the liquid.

The non-hits detected during the measurement, i. The fluids identified as not present or components of the comparison list are not optionally displayed, e.g. However, the display displayed on the display list may, for example, be stored in a further, separate menu, submenu and / or memory area and / or e.g. to be presented on request. Such non-hits may possibly also be displayed in a visually withdrawn form, for example by graying out, so that it is clearly distinguishable between hits and non-hits. Preferably, according to one or more embodiments of the invention, in addition to the display list, there is a second, complete list, e.g. stored or stored, in which all on a comparison list existing fluids and / or components are included and in both the detected hits, possibly with their probabilities, as well as the unrecognized and thus excluded fluids and / or components are displayed. This allows a user a complete check of which fluids, e.g. Meditations altogether in the comparison list are available and which hits were achieved with which probabilities, and which (unrecognized) fluids could be reliably excluded as nonexistent. Optionally, in spite of the automatic evaluation, the user can correct the evaluation result if necessary, provided that he has additional information that certain fluids, e.g. Medications, drugs or drugs or components thereof are / were included in the fluid (even if they have not been recognized by the device or method). Thus, for example, a service can be offered to the user who informs (and if necessary also controls and / or secures) or offers a preselection (which also makes selection easier, for example), but which does not limit the user. in the case of e.g. clinical therapy at e.g. a device error is not negative, e.g. by restricting the ability to act of the user, may have influence on the therapy and / or must - thus can not have a negative impact on a potentially affected by this therapy patient / must.

Thus, in one or more embodiments of the invention, there are the steps of first obtaining a list of fluids, e.g. a list of medicines or component list, e.g. in the form of the comparison list, wherein this comparison list can be station-specific, hospital-specific, patient-related or otherwise determined and, for example, can also be specified externally. Upon detection of existing or non-excludable fluids, medications or components, e.g. Active ingredients, then sorting the hit list for probabilities and / or collateral takes place. Non-hits are e.g. not displayed or, as mentioned above, for example, grayed out and / or moved to a submenu or the like. This hit list is optionally available only for display, i. the display is used, but not for internal storage, which may contain in its entirety all fluids, medicines, agents, drugs or components of the comparison list.

In the configuration with Fokusverstellmöglichkeit example confocal can be measured with depth selection. The focus optics, ie the adjustable focusing optics can be optimized to improve the spectral detection.

The above-mentioned individual measures and features, as well as the below-mentioned features and measures in any mutual combination may be implemented in embodiments, wherein such a combination of at least two of the above or below listed features or measures to any intermediate combination including a combination of all specified features and measures can be realized. Any combination is possible.

The invention will be described below with reference to embodiments with reference to the drawings. Show it:

1 an embodiment of a device according to the invention for testing a fluid and for creating a display list, hereinafter also referred to as a display list;

2 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention;

3 a measurement setup in 180 degree configuration of light source and detector;

4 an embodiment of the device according to the invention, which works with backscatter (360-degree configuration);

5 a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

6 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention;

7 a schematic block diagram showing comparison lists and display lists according to an embodiment of the invention;

8th a schematic block diagram according to another embodiment of the method according to the invention;

9 a schematic block diagram of embodiments of the invention.

According to one aspect, the device or the method according to the invention may, in one or more embodiments, e.g. at any time, the fluid (s) located in any section of the infusion line, e.g. determine one or more medication (s) and / or their ingredients and / or their concentrations and compare with one or more comparison lists (s) (e.g., a wish list, drug list and / or drug database). This comparison list can e.g. in respective automatic infusion devices or externally thereof, for example in a clinic server or e.g. stored in a program memory of an external device, to which by one or more embodiments of the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention e.g. electronically, wirelessly or via a connection cable. Alternatively, the comparison list can also be input manually or remotely in embodiments of the device according to the invention or of the method according to the invention. For example, it may be provided to enter the comparison list manually, via a barcode, a data code (data code, e.g., dot matrix), to otherwise access the comparison list, or otherwise.

One or more embodiments of the invention may also repeatedly measure the testing of the current fluid, eg, medication, and / or components of a currently flowing or provided infusion solution, such that intermittent fluid changes or changes are detectable, verifiable, and displayable. The display of a sorted list thus changes depending on the currently supplied fluid, such as infusion solution, so that real-time monitoring is possible even with dynamic change of supplied infusion solutions. Thus, for example, countermeasures can also be initiated very quickly if it is recognized via the displayed list that z, B, the medication or the detected ingredients or components do not or no longer correspond to the actually desired fluid, ie for example medicament or active substance. For example, for this purpose, a doctor can create a comparison list in the form of a wish list / prescription list of the fluids currently to be administered, eg medications and / or components and send them, for example, directly or indirectly to an embodiment of the device according to the invention, eg via an automatic infusion device. The device according to the invention may then check according to one or more embodiments and indicate whether the actually administered infusion composition agrees with the wish list (comparison list). Embodiments of the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can for this purpose also, for example, access the delivery rates actually set on automatic infusion devices, for example electronically via remote access wirelessly or by wire, so that it is immediately possible to check which sorted list is shown Ingredients (eg also in what amount per unit of time) are being administered.

The sensor of the device according to the invention may in one or more embodiments, for example, also directly on an application container, e.g. a short infusion bag and / or on a continuous infusion syringe and the respective deviations from the setpoint, i. the comparison list or an element of the comparison list, monitor directly at the infusion sources and e.g. optically over the sorted list and / or further information such as e.g. Show the deviations from the expectation manageable.

In other embodiments, the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can also be developed in such a way that the connected automatic devices, for example automatic infusion devices, dialysis machines, etc., are regulated in this way, e.g. in terms of their delivery rates, that the desired infusion parameters are independent of environmental changes, e.g. the patient situation or temperature changes, remain constant and thus the prescription, i. to meet the wish list. In other embodiments, the connected automatic devices can also be regulated in such a way that the vital parameters of the patient recorded via patient monitoring remain constant. However, it is preferred that the caregiver, for example a doctor, a nurse or the like, determine the composition of the infusion via e.g. to display the sorted list, for example in addition to a detected volume flow, and / or to present, if appropriate, suggestions for changes which allow the user to influence the infusion parameters and / or vital parameters in a desired manner - e.g. to keep constant. In this way, advantageously, e.g. Disposable articles, i. only once usable infusion syringes, infusion bags or the like are used, wherein the transparent monitoring of the composition with obvious optical presentation provides a clear indication of the current infusion situation.

Embodiments of the invention also allow the detection of deviations in the composition of an infusion from the set point (e.g., by mixing communicating infusion lines), and preferably display them in the manner indicated.

The measuring method and the measuring device may have a sensor in contact with the medication to be tested for the measurement. Preferably, however, the measurement is carried out without contact, so that the medication or components of the medication, for example of infusion fluids, can be identified without contact. Thus, the test is independent of the nature of the provision of the medication to be measured. For example, it may be in the form of reusable syringes or infusion containers, but it may also be formed as a disposable disposable article using e.g. the infusion container and / or connected to this infusion hoses are used only once. Such mostly plastic articles are disposed of after a single use, so that no cleaning and disinfecting effort is required and patient safety is increased due to the elimination of cleaning and disinfecting errors. The sensor used for the measurement may in some embodiments be in direct infusion liquid contact. Preferably, however, it is measured without contact, so that the sensor does not make contact with the medication to be tested, e.g. an infusion fluid, or a patient. This also has the advantage, for example, that the sensor does not have to be disinfected in order to prevent the contamination of the infusion.

For non-contact identification testing, for example, one or more of the physical properties listed below may be used: density, e.g. measured via a Coriolis mass flowmeter; Sound velocity, e.g. measured via a piezo Doppler anemometer; Heat capacity, e.g. measured by thermopile-based anemometers; Compressibility, e.g. measured via a pressure impulse response; Viscosity, which is also e.g. can be determined via a Coriolis mass flowmeter; relative electrical permittivity, which can be detected for example via capacitance sensors; relative magnetic permeability, e.g. can be detected via coil-based sensors; Nuclear magnetic resonance, which can be determined by magnetic resonance imaging, MRI; Refractive index, e.g. FS; Luminescence, for example fluorescence or phosphorescence; Absorption; Reflection; Polarization of incident electromagnetic radiation, e.g. measured over a spectrometer, and the like. These physical properties preferably do not come as sole detectors for the identification of the components of the medication, e.g. an infusion mixture, for use, but can be determined as additional auxiliary sizes if necessary. Preferably, however, in particular the optical properties of the medication are tested, such as the absorption behavior, or variables which are dependent on the incident frequency and represent a kind of multi-dimensional measured variables in the form of a spectrum. These optical methods can be easily configured without contact so that contactless measurements can be made.

For testing, ie measuring at least one medication, for example, an absorption spectroscopy, for example in the ultraviolet, visible or near / middle / far infrared range (UV, VIS, MIR range) can be used. Infusion solutions are often sufficiently transparent and contain, for example, water solutions, so that they can be examined by the transmission method. However, if the medication to be tested, eg infusion solution, is opaque, as may be the case with emulsions, for example, absorption spectroscopy is essentially eliminated. Preferably, some or all embodiments of the invention according to the Raman spectroscopy, in particular the laser Raman spectroscopy, eg in backscatter, work.

According to the invention, it has been recognized that in some cases there is no completely reliable identification. For example, typical infusion solutions currently allow a unique detection rate of typically about 60% -70%. In embodiments of the invention, this uncertainty of recognition accuracy is taken into account by using an illustrated, e.g. displayed list (display list, i.e. hit list) depending on the hit probabilities and detection collations, for example such that the hit (s) with the highest hit accuracy are placed at the top of the list and are then listed in descending recognition accuracy. Thus, for example, a correct statement can always be displayed even if the device is e.g. is unable to distinguish between some infusion solutions and / or to recognize some infusion solutions. The precision of the statement can thus adapt depending on the infusion liquid examined - if the liquid to be tested is e.g. clearly recognizable by the device, the statement is very precise and provides e.g. returns only a single-element display list, the liquid to be tested is e.g. not clearly identifiable by the device, but may be associated with a class of fluids, e.g. Electrolyte solutions can be detected, the device can e.g. offer a display list of all possible solutions of this class (e.g., sorted by their probabilities) and / or constitute affiliation to that class. For example, analogous is also true for e.g. the concentrations of liquid components. Here, too, it is possible to precisely report concentrations or merely concentration classes, and here too this can be decided dynamically.

Generally, in one or more embodiments of the invention, Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) spectroscopy (ATR) can be used to mitigate the low penetration problems encountered in mid and far infrared (MIR, FIR). The far-reaching MIR or FIR gives good recognition results for many infusion solutions, i. "Fingerprints". However, most solids are impermeable to this range, so this method is limited in the field of use and, for example, can be used only with special lens and / or disposable / reusable article materials, such as high density polyethylene, HD-PE, "High Density PolyEthylene ".

Advantageously, RAMAN spectroscopy can be used in one, several or all embodiments of the present invention, preferably laser Raman spectroscopy, more preferably in backscatter (referred to in this document as a 360 degree configuration).

In RAMAN spectroscopy, energy differences act as shifts in the wavelengths detected by the sensor relative to the excitation wavelength.

The excitation wavelength of the laser preferably used in laser RAMAN spectroscopy can basically be chosen freely, since the appearance of the obtained spectra (fingerprints) is largely independent of the excitation wavelength. This is due to the fact that the RAMAN spectrum is a "relative spectrum" relative to the excitation wavelength. For example, a green laser diode at 532 nm or even a red laser diode at 785 nm can be used.

The advantageous advantage of the laser Raman spectroscopy used in one or more embodiments of the invention is, inter alia, the positive property that it is a non-contact method in which the sensor does not come into contact with the patient or the infusion liquid. Furthermore, it is a molecular spectroscopy, so that infusion components with a sufficient molecular structure are in principle clearly identifiable. Examples include drugs such as catecholamines, anesthetics, therapeutics, antibiotics and cytotoxic drugs. The laser RAMAN spectroscopy leads to "fingerprints" in contrast to eg UV absorption spectroscopy, thus enabling a high detection rate. Furthermore, these are scattered spectroscopy, so that it is also possible to measure well, for example in backscattering, and, for example, only a common probe for the excitation and the detection is required, which can be arranged, for example, in a common housing. This results in less material and wiring (cable) and also a cost reduction. At the same time, surfaces can also be spectroscoped, including opaque materials such as emulsions, for example lipofundin, or opaque solids.

Furthermore, it is possible to measure focal with this technique, so that the detection volume can be specifically determined and, if necessary, also displaced and / or deformed. As a result, a sample can be scanned to a certain extent by selectively shifting or changing the focus position or shape of the focus volume generated by the adjustable focusing optics step by step or continuously. By way of example, in the case of transparent liquids, the detection volume can thus be automatically placed essentially in the liquid. In the case of opaque liquids, the focus and thus the detection volume can be laid essentially on the surface of the infusion tube or of the infusion article, such as an infusion syringe, and if necessary can also be adjusted stepwise or continuously, so that not only the surface, but also the inner wall the infusion tube and then the liquid can be measured. Also, before or during a measurement, or by a preceding or subsequent (partial) measurement, the vessel wall of the device used for the application such as an infusion syringe or an infusion tube can be qualified and quantified. For example, it can be determined from which plastic a used disposable article consists and how thick its wall is. This allows e.g. also determine its absorption behavior. Thus, RAMAN spectroscopy is also very well suited for quantitative analysis, particularly advantageously also for use of fluid containers with varying wall properties such as plastic composition or wall thickness or impurities, e.g. on the surface of the wall, for example, for the determination of the concentration of the infusion components, wherein large parts of the optics can be advantageously used simultaneously both for the excitation and for the detection.

Likewise, the plastic spectrum is suitable e.g. a "disposable cuvette" for use as a coordinate network. As a result, in one or more exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention, frequency drifts, for example, which may be due to heating of the laser or other influences, may be eliminated. It can e.g. Peaks of e.g. Plastic spectrum but also used in principle for dynamic and / or automatic calibration - both. in the sense of wavelength, as well as e.g. in the sense of amplitude.

The spectrometer for the spectroscopic wavelength range can be further selected relatively freely by the choice of the excitation wavelength of the laser used and can for example be set at 785 nm (red laser diode). In this case, the adjustable focusing optics can use inexpensive standard optical components, e.g. Lenses are used. Furthermore, most transparent plastics such as tubing allow the spectral response to pass well through and from the sensor selectively. There are no expensive measuring containers such. Quartz cuvettes necessary so that even standard disposable items can be measured well. The plastics themselves can be identified at the same time, so that, for example, unsuitable disposable items can be rejected and thus misapplications can be prevented. The plastic spectrum of the tubing can hereby also be used as a grid or standard in the interpretation of the spectra recorded by the sensor.

It is further advantageous that most transparent, e.g. permeable to water based infusion fluids pass well the spectral response, so that possibly also in transmission or e.g. can be measured in a 90 ° configuration in which the excitation beam and the response spectrum generated thereby at right angles to each other or emerge from the infusion tube or infusion container again. There may also be a macroscopic volume of space, e.g. a focus volume, are spectroscopically examined, which is an advantageous contrast to a pure surface spectroscopy. Such a process is less susceptible to contamination such as e.g. Fingerprints on a disposable medical item. Also, the method is less susceptible to deviations of the disposable article at the laser coupling point.

A near-infrared excitation (NIR) employed in one or more embodiments of the invention is also well-suited to measure directly in body fluids, tissue, eye or the like, and also through fingernails.

In further embodiments, RAMAN spectroscopy is made even more sensitive by special surfaces that cause surface enhanced RAMAN scattering (SERS, Surface Enhanced RAMAN Scattering). Preferably, the disposable articles which can be used in embodiments of the invention can also be coated with such signal-enhancing special surfaces.

For example, a metal coating with platinum, gold or silver may be provided.

Furthermore, in one, several or all embodiments of the invention is a Coupling in round geometries advantageously possible, for example in a hose, a syringe, or the like.

In contrast to the absorption spectroscopy which can also be used in embodiments of the invention, in which the Rayleigh scattering can be used, in order also to obtain e.g. Using 90- or 360-degree configurations where the excitation wavelength matches the wavelength of the scattered photon, RAMAN spectroscopy provides an easy way to filter out interfering processes such as reflections from the exciting light source at material transitions. Raman spectroscopy is due to the wavelength shift between the light source and scattered light in a simple manner suitable to easily eliminate the light source due to the wavelength shift by suitable edge filter. RAMAN spectroscopy can therefore be operated quite well in all conceivable configurations, in particular in the 360-degree configuration.

This 360-degree configuration, in which the excitation light beam impinges on the article to be measured in substantially the same direction as the scattered light beam emerging from the article, but with the machine running in opposite directions, is particularly well suited for disposable articles. Disposable items are characterized by their low price usually by associated manufacturing tolerances, but hardly affect the quality of measurement in RAMAN spectroscopy. Despite these typically significant optical deviations of disposable items that affect the signal quality of the sensor, in a 360 degree configuration (in backscatter) the same optical path is used for the excitation (back) and for the detection (back), so much of the disposable imperfections have no effect on signal quality.

In embodiments of the invention, RAMAN spectroscopy is focalized wherein, in contrast to absorption spectroscopy with a 180 degree configuration in which the entire light path through the absorbing material equally enters the spectrum, it can be measured in backscatter. In embodiments, the exciting light source can be focused on and / or in the material to be examined, which means that in the focus volume, the stimulating intensity and thus the probability of scattering of photons at the scattering centers of the excitation focus volume and thus the intensity of scattered radiation emitted in all directions is greatest. Furthermore, the scattered radiation of the scattering centers in the detection focus volume, which substantially coincides with the excitation focus volume, is captured particularly well by the detection optics, since the scattering centers in focus see the largest solid angle of the detection optics, i. to affect this. Because of these two issues, with a focal RAMAN design, i. a measurement and focusing optics and evaluation of the RAMAN scattering, the effectively observed and examined volume by means of the focus shape and focus position are well positioned and limited. Thus, a sample can also be "scanned" well.

This leads, for example, to the following advantages. The focus volume may be spatially limited such that typical disposable article errors or other failures of the medication container or delivery system will not result in portions of the focus volume being outside of the fluid being examined. Furthermore, the focus volume can be positioned so that the beam path for reaching the focus volume only has to pass a minimum distance through the container or hose wall and the liquid, so that absorption losses can be limited or minimized thereby.

In some or all embodiments of the invention, the focus volume may be advantageously shifted such that e.g. Before the actual measurement, the disposable article material can be specifically identified and possibly also quantified with regard to its layer or wall thickness or the like. By focus volume is hereby designated the area around the focal point, from which most of the measuring signal, i. of the RAMAN spectrum. In an analogous manner, for example, soiling, e.g. on the surface of e.g. Hose wall can be detected and / or compensated and / or bypassed, e.g. also by the measuring beam is simply offset laterally after contamination is detected by the pollution.

The associated RAMAN spectrum can be used, for example, to check whether a prescribed disposable article, for example a disposable article which complies with a specific standard, is used or whether there is a significant contamination affecting the measurement quality in the beam path. With knowledge of the particular disposable item used and the expected spectrum caused thereby, an on-line wavelength calibration, i. a calibration of the wavelength before or during the measurement, can be accomplished in a simple way, so that e.g. a compensation of the wavelength drift of a non-long-term frequency stable, inexpensive laser can be made, for example.

The RAMAN spectrum can also be used to estimate the absorption losses and the thickness expected by the disposable material in terms of its type and thickness Subtract / compensate spectral changes. In this case, for example, the RAMAN spectrum can be determined in different material depths and simultaneously closed by comparing the spectra obtained on the frequency-dependent absorption behavior, ie an absorption spectrum.

Alternatively, it may also be concluded that there may be local differences in the concentration of liquid components or the like.

The shift of the focus volume or the focus position and / or the focus shape of the focal point of the laser beam can also or alternatively also be done so that is focused in opaque liquids on the surface of the liquid or tubing, and in transparent liquids into the liquid, and continue to the appropriate intermediate stages or material jumps, eg can be adjusted on the tube wall inside, resulting in analogy to an autofocus automatically an optimal optical response or the focus position is controlled so that this optimal or maximum optical response is achieved. For this, e.g. the size of the signal measured by the sensor is checked and traversed by focus adjustment, such that the focus position with e.g. the greatest response intensity or the best signal-to-noise ratio or similar can be focused. This also allows one-off item variations to be compensated.

A focal working probe is particularly advantageous in the coupling in and out of disposable articles with curved, in particular spherical or cylindrical geometries and / or surfaces. Namely, if the excitation focus and the detection focus are respectively positioned on the center of the disposable article and the center of the associated circle in such cases according to one or more embodiments, all the light paths are automatically perpendicular to the boundary-associated surface, e.g. the disposable article surfaces, or in the case of disposable article defects, at least at nearly vertical angles. This means that the reflection losses at the surfaces / interfaces are automatically minimized both during coupling and when decoupling.

Embodiments of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention will be explained in greater detail below.

In general, one or more embodiments of the device according to the invention may e.g. used in the production of treatment solutions, for example in a preparation robot. During the preparation of treatment solutions such as infusion solutions or injection solutions or drugs or medications, one or more embodiments of the inventive method or device according to the invention can be used, for example, to check whether the infusion solution (or injection solution or the drug or Medication) supplied components correspond to the expected components. For example, the label of the components or treatment solution may be compared to the actual content. This can be done for example at the respective storage containers, or alternatively or additionally performed on the feeding lines, e.g. for example, to detect changes in concentration and content changes due to backmixing and to take appropriate countermeasures, if necessary.

Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, it can also be checked whether the finished, filled infusion solution corresponds to the expected solution. This also allows, for example, contaminants of the treatment solution, e.g. by plastic particles or adhesives or the like. Furthermore, it can be checked whether the material of the plastic walls of the container corresponds to the expected material. As a result, for example, also possible polymer changes as a result of sterilization, e.g. be detected by gamma rays.

Embodiments of the invention can also be used to check the material thickness of the plastic wall of an infusion tube or Injektionsflüssigkeitsbehälters or the like and to compare with the expected actual value. For this purpose, for example, an autofocus operation of embodiments of the device according to the invention can be used.

In the context of the present application, the term "production" is not limited to industrial production facilities, but also includes devices that are for example in pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, preparation laboratories or directly on wards or used in clinics and there fully or partially automatically, for example. Treatment solutions such as infusion solutions or injection solutions mix, which can be done for example by means of a robot (for example, "CytoCare robot").

Exemplary embodiments of devices according to the invention also allow, for example, a check of the label or of a barcode or an RFID tag or other inscription or the like. against the actual content.

Embodiments of the device according to the invention can also be used in many places as a self-sufficient device ("standalone device"), and then represent a far-advanced embodiment, for example in the sense of a barcode scanner. One or more embodiments of the device according to the invention can be used, for example, for testing a manually mixed treatment solution or treatment liquid, for example, for an infusion / injection before or after the labeling by the preparer, eg in a pharmacy, a hospital pharmacy or at the preparation site, for example, on the ward of a clinic used. Embodiments of devices according to the invention can furthermore be used alternatively or additionally to the examination of a manually or automatically mixed treatment liquid or treatment solution (infusion / injection) by the user, eg a nurse on the bed of an intensive care unit. The feedback output by embodiments of the device according to the invention feedback can be compared, for example, on the one hand, for example, the label (label or barcode) and on the other hand with the expected substance, such as a known regulation and / or, for example, knowledge about the condition of the patient. Embodiments of the device according to the invention can be exploited to recognize the validity of the test from plausibility to certainty or sufficient probability.

In embodiments of the device according to the invention, an additional label reader or barcode reader or other identification reader may be provided, which is connected to the one or more embodiments of the device according to the invention. As a result, a diversified label or barcode reader is created by the content verification. The combination of e.g. spectroscopic content identification and bar code interpretation or labeling interpretation can be considered sufficiently secure in the case of a successful unambiguous identification as two-channel and can be interpreted in the event of ambiguous identification, at least as a semi-diverse detection. Such a combination is in any case suitable for significantly increasing patient safety as well as user safety.

A device according to the invention can also be used as an autonomous infusion monitor or injection monitor in one or more exemplary embodiments, if, for example, an embodiment of the device according to the invention is connected to an injection line or infusion line, preferably directly on the patient, e.g. at the catheter entrance. Alternatively or additionally, the embodiment of the device according to the invention may be arranged at a location at which already a further or several or all infusion arms have converged. This allows the infusion to be monitored centrally autonomously. In such an embodiment, an identification of the components and possibly their concentrations is not necessarily required. Exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention in such a case can detect, for example, only changes in the overall composition and thus, e.g. Detect changes in the overall spectrum, resulting for example due to zusetzender filter and thus to a certain extent more and more clamped supply lines or backmixing effects.

In one embodiment of one or more embodiments of the device according to the invention, the device may e.g. may be connected to a syringe, an infusion bag, a piece of tubing, preferably immediately downstream of a syringe or peristaltic pump or similar conveyor, and may be initially unidirectionally, i. at the beginning of a promotion, or cyclically, i. repeatedly check at fixed or variable time intervals whether the medication selected on the pump or communicated to the pump, e.g. from a station-specific or hospital-specific or pharmacy-specific drug database, which is present in the pump and can serve as a comparison list, is selected in accordance with the infusion fluid. Alternatively, it can be excluded in any case that it is another, recognizable liquid that was not selected. The drug database may also be referred to in the drawings as "DrugLib". Instead of the drug database, it is also possible to use e.g. a prescription list or e.g. from one of the links e.g. a prescription list with e.g. a drug database, e.g. application-specific, list selected and / or compared with such.

According to one or more embodiments, one or more embodiments of the device according to the invention are connected to the one or more automatic infusion devices such that the alignment between the selection of the e.g. Drug database and analysis electronically and thus automatically or semi-automatically. As a result, the infusion security is further increased.

In another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device can still before or during insertion or the insertion and selection / input process of a preferably designed as disposable, filled with infusion liquid container such as a syringe in an automatic infusion device to determine which entries of the medicament database of the associated infusion pump or delivery device are the probability with the treatment liquid, eg infusion liquid. In one or more embodiments, for example, only those entries of the drug database are displayed on the automatic infusion device in the drug selection menu, which are possible according to the detection by an embodiment of the device according to the invention. In other words, this means that such entries are not offered for selection, which can be clearly excluded by the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the displayed, eg displayed entries will be sorted according to the probability of correctness with which they match the treatment liquid, eg infusion liquid.

In one or more embodiments, the display list may be constructed such that the medication that is most likely to be in the infusion system according to the analysis of the infusion liquid or treatment fluid device of the invention is preferably at the top, alternatively at the very bottom. in the selection list.

In embodiments of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention, there are inter alia the advantages that the medication selection or confirmation ultimately affects the user and not the device, so that the user assumes the responsibility for the correct treatment. The user is also in embodiments also able to select a medication on the pump or syringe, which has been excluded from the embodiment of the device according to the invention. This allows the user, for example, who does not agree with the automatically made preselection, to select the medication himself. In this case, for example, a warning can be issued by the pump or the device according to the invention, which must first be confirmed by the user before the selection is entered effectively. Alternatively, another embodiment of the device according to the invention can also be designed so that only an indication is generated by one of the devices, which, however, need not be confirmed again.

In embodiments of the device according to the invention is in such a case not a safety-relevant, therapy-changing device, so it does not have to be diverse (two-channel) or faulty and / or fail-safe. This is also particularly advantageous because a fail-safe or error-free device according to the current state of the art in terms of construction weight, size, cost and adverse effects on the application such. Increasing the workload by additional work resulting from the operation of such a device, etc. hardly possible or at least hardly seems reasonable. The device according to the invention has only informative character in such embodiments, so that it is effectively a comfort feature. The user should not be limited supported.

The advantages of such a configuration are evident, for example, even in an emergency situation. If the device according to the invention in another embodiment safety-relevant designed and would prevent the start of an infusion electronically, if the device would recognize that the inserted drug due to erroneous detection as ambiguous or wrong, a blocking situation would result in the required emergency infusion is not given quickly enough. Such recognition errors can result despite the correct infusion solution in the inserted drug, for example, if the solution container in the form of a disposable article strong, e.g. is soiled by blood spatter, so that the embodiment of the device according to the invention can not properly recognize the emergency infusion. The embodiment would now hinder the emergency infusion and thereby become therapeutically effective in a negative sense. This is currently unacceptable, impractical and currently not realistic.

Even in a case where the embodiment (s) of the device according to the invention does not have a 100% recognition rate, the advantage is that, despite certain recognition errors, strong selection support by restricting the list only to the drugs that are considered possible and / or likely to be recognized or medications or components is offered. Since the entire drug database in the delivery systems, for example the pumps, can often comprise several tens or even several hundred entries, this restriction to the representation of only the medications or components recognized as likely to be present is advantageous since the user now has a great deal make faster and more comfortable choices. Furthermore, the selection list, i. the display list is smaller and clearer, so that the risk of incorrect selection by the user is reduced. In addition, the sorting contributes to this, so that a false selection is even less likely.

Embodiments of the device according to the invention can also in different applications in numerous combinations with other existing devices are used. For example, a combination with the drug database, prescribed by a doctor recipe and an identifier on the container, such as a barcode can be made.

In the following, several advantages of some, but not necessarily of all, embodiments of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention are summarized in non-exhaustive form. By embodiments of the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention, no negative therapy influence takes place. The user is not blocked in his freedom of choice, but only supported by information, so that only assistance, but not a prevention is offered. Another advantage comes from reinsurance for a caregiver, which in fact contributes to a safety increase. The user is and always will be the last instance. Such embodiments of the device according to the invention are not relevant to safety in the sense of a standard. It is a single-channel solution possible, which is feasible and requires only reduced development effort. The above list is somewhat passive.

Another interesting aspect is the presentation of a reduced list of medication listings. This results in a drug coverage list. This medication list results from the combination of exclusion of unrecognized drugs or medications or components as well as the positive identification of recognized medications or components and, if necessary, their sorting. The reduction of the indicated drug list, i. the display list is by exclusion, as stated above. This results in an increase of the effective recognition rate by specifying the list (e.g., the comparison list) for identification or additional exclusion identification. This also contributes to the safety enhancement due to the improved recognition accuracy (e.g., reduced display list only).

Furthermore, embodiments are very flexible with respect to the comparison list, since, for example, a station-specific and thus environment-specific adaptation of the list is possible. By sorting the remainder list, i. the remaining display list for the probability of ambiguous detection also results in a better recognition accuracy. Also, the effort in drug selection is reduced because only recognized or not excluded components or drugs (medications) are offered for selection. This also reduces the risk of error in the selection, even in the case of ambiguous solutions - in such a display list, e.g. already excluded (not included) some elements of an underlying reference list (e.g., drug database) whose forgery by the user could result in hazards, such as a change in the maximum allowable infusion rate associated with this selection or the like. As a convenience feature, the choice is made easier for the user (fewer choices, the most likely one at, for example, top) and also that the user feels more comfortable / secure with this support. Embodiments of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention can, if appropriate, be based on existing structures such as an already existing list of medicines as a comparison list or at least be based thereon. Furthermore, a combination of features of different drug lists is possible, so that possibly several existing drug lists can be presented together as a comparison list. This can be effective, for example, after combining several drugs or infusion solutions.

A further advantageous complex results from the use of molecular spectroscopy provided in exemplary embodiments, preferably in backscattering. First, it is a non-contact method, so that no contact with the treatment liquid occurs. Molecular properties can also be recognized by the RAMAN radiation, in particular in backscatter, but alternatively also in the evaluation of other embodiments which differ from the excitation detection angle. Both transparent and opaque substances can be detected. Furthermore, both solid and liquid substances can be detected including plastic, so that a distinction between the solid and the liquid substances is possible. In particular, when evaluating the RAMAN radiation results in very good recognition hits (fingerprints) without significantly disturbing water background. Also, no high-resolution spectroscopy is required. Overall, e.g. a cost reduction.

The excitation provided in embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention as well as the spectrum, in particular RAMAN spectrum, are also suitable for transparent plastics and allow their recognition or differentiation. In order for existing disposable items as infusion containers or the like can be used easily, so that there is a good hit rate at low cost.

Further features of embodiments of the invention allow, for example, a focal coupling of the measuring beam, for example, in round geometries, such as infusion tubes. Round geometries of existing disposable items such as tubes can be easily used and analyzed. Even the limited internal volume of existing disposable items offers no problems. The detection volume can be defined, so that only a partial section of, for example, the hose wall or the fluid volume is detected in the interior of the transport system.

In embodiments of autofocus embodiments, one-time article detection, such as plastic detection, may be performed (in the same / similar manner, also, for example, analysis and compensation for other, e.g., perturbations such as surface or gas bubbles in the solid or fluid). A special marketing of own disposable items is also conceivable. Furthermore, the plastic spectrum of infusion containers or infusion tubes can be used as a calibration scale, so that a calibration during the measurement, i. an online calibration is feasible. Wavelength stability is required only in the minute range. Also results in terms of the laser and spectrometer used in embodiments, a cost reduction.

The thickness of the plastic wall can also be determined from the spectrum by evaluating the change in the spectra as the focus changes. Further, e.g. the variance of disposable items properties are excluded. Better quantitative statements are possible. The autofocus realization is easily carried out in the specified embodiments. Furthermore, a compensation of mechanical or optical inaccuracies can be achieved.

Embodiments of the invention may also be used as a hand-held scanner, if appropriate also as a diversified hand-held scanner. In the latter case, a second channel may be provided, for example, for a barcode or label reader (label reader) in which the content is checked against the barcode or the label. In such an embodiment, the probe with probe is preferably connected via cables, for example optical fiber cable to a portable device, so that the measuring point, for example, the infusion tube can be checked directly by the measuring head. Signal processing in such a case preferably takes place in the device carried in the other hand or parked at a suitable location. The device can be used as a self-sufficient device for monitoring or detecting changes in the composition, e.g. an infusion immediately before the catheter are used. In such a case, the device need not recognize the composition of the infusion as such, but should only be able to detect changes. Thus, in the simplest case, a very simple device is conceivable, e.g. only has an on / off switch, a display panel and a warning device such as a beeper.

In embodiments of the invention, it is not necessary to integrate the sensor directly into the disposable article or articles to be measured, so that there are no additional disposable article costs. Also, no additional work, for example, for cleaning and / or disinfection is required, since no fluid contact occurs.

One or more embodiments of the invention may also be used in a dialysis machine. In this case, the device according to the invention can recognize and display the components and any supplied medicaments or components thereof, preferably together with an indication of the recognition accuracy.

In 1 an embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown in more detail. The embodiment has an external controller 1 on, for example, as a server and / or as a portable computer may be in the form of a laptop or as a mobile phone or PDA or PDMS (patient data management system) or similar and wired or wirelessly with a station 2 can communicate. For example, communication may be via WLAN or Bluetooth or infrared interfaces, with wireless communication with the broken line 3 is indicated. The station 2 includes a display panel 4 , which may for example be designed as a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen) and via suitable interfaces or signaling, for example, "Low Voltage Digital Signaling", LVDS (Low Voltage Digital Signaling), with a processor or motherboard or microcontroller or computer 5 in contact. A system component 6 allows the unit 5 the communication with other (external) devices 10 , The communication can for example be wired, eg via CAN bus, serial interface, USB, Firewire, or the like, or even wirelessly, eg via WLAN, Bluetooth or infrared, accomplished. At the device 10 In a particularly advantageous variant, it may be an infusion pump or an infusion system. It may also be, for example, a Medical Grade PC or similar. The station 2 further includes buttons and / or buttons and / or switches and / or light emitting diodes and / or other interaction options presented to the user through the unit 7 which, for example, can be connected to the other station components via suitable interfaces, for example general purpose interfaces, GPIOs. Further, for example, a memory having processing capacity 8th provided, which may be formed, for example, as a field programmable gate array and / or as a digital signal processor and / or as another coprocessor board. A measuring module 9 provides, for example, laser light used for measurement, and may, for example, accommodate the spectrum obtained in response to the laser excitation to analyze the drugs or medications or components. However, the measuring module may also be, for example, two modules, for example if excitation and spectral recording are carried out separately.

On the scoreboard 4 the sorted display list can be displayed after completion of the evaluation and analysis. Due to the design as a touch screen, it is thus comfortably possible for the user to select one or more recognized components or medications. This selection is made by the processor 5 registered. In another embodiment, the display list may also or only on / as well as the selection also or only by means of a controller 1 and / or by device 10 (eg on an infusion pump) are displayed / hit. In the store 8th and / or the computer 5 and / or the controller 1 and / or the device 10 For example, the drug database and / or the spectral library and / or the drug list and / or a preselection list and / or a display list and / or a list of spectra or even a subset thereof as, for example, the respective comparison, display or other data list, temporary or be stored permanently. However, the lists / libraries mentioned can also be used for example in client-server fashion between, for example, the units mentioned 1 . 5 . 8th . 9 and or 10 , eg "on-demand".

In 2 is shown a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. The exemplary embodiment comprises a laser module 20 that generates a laser beam over a fiberglass 20a to a measuring head 22 is directed. The measuring head 22 is for example on a circuit board 21 firmly arranged and has an appearance 22a on, from which the laser beam emerges to the outside. The measuring head 22 is equipped internally with an excitation probe and a measuring probe, for example in the form of an excitation fiber and a measuring fiber. The excitation probe makes the laser beam suitable for optics 22a coupled. The probe detects the backscattered signal received back from the fluid being inspected. This can be a spectrum in a spectrometer 25 is evaluated with the measuring head also via a glass fiber 25a connected is.

On the board 21 is still a hose holder 23 firmly mounted, through which an infusion tube 24 is kept stable for the measurement. This is the location of the coupling of the laser beam into the infusion tube 24 known and stabilized as well as the signal received back, for example, by RAMAN scattering spatially clearly defined in its positional position.

The spectrometer 25 is over a fiberglass 25a with the measuring head 22 connected and evaluates that in response to the laser irradiation of the infusion tube 24 obtained reaction signal, for example, the received in backscatter RAMAN signal from. That from the spectrometer 25 For example, a detected and evaluated spectral signal becomes a processor 26 supplied, which may be designed, for example, as a digital signal processor or as a field programmable gate array, FPGA, or as a microcontroller or motherboard.

In a store 27 a medication list or medication list or component list and / or medication database and / or spectral library and / or preselection list and / or a spectrum list can be stored as comparison list. The processor 26 accesses those in the store 27 existing comparison list (s) to be able to determine from the spectral signal components, medications or drugs and, where appropriate, their associated detection security with the help of the comparison list (s). In this case, the processor can be designed in a particularly advantageous manner such that it excludes the medicaments or medications or components identified as not present from further processing, at least from the display or display, and / or deletes them from the corresponding lists. Further, the processor also determines, for example, measures of the probabilities for the compliance of the non-excluded components, drugs, or medications with which they are actually in the tube 24 For example, you can locate and control a monitor or other type of display or signaling 28 for displaying a display list sorted according to recognition probabilities and / or securities, in which non-excludable components or medicaments or medications are listed in ascending or descending order of the recognized probabilities.

In 3 the optical components which can be used in one embodiment of the invention are shown schematically. A light source 30 , For example, a laser light source, generates a parallel beam 31 in the visible or in the invisible range, for example in the UV range or preferably in the infrared range, such as particularly advantageous in the near infrared range or in the middle infrared range, possibly also in the far infrared range (FIR). An optic eg in the form of a condenser lens 32 focuses the parallel beams of light 31 such that the beam in the illustrated embodiment in the center, ie the center of the cross section of an infusion tube, for example 33 or a syringe or the like. The infusion tube 33 has a hose wall 33a on, wherein the interior of the tube with, for example, an infusion liquid 33b is filled. In 3 is the focal point with " 32a " designated. Since the intensity of the exciting light and thus the excitation in a strongly focused area around the focal point, as well as the solid angle detectable by the detection optics from this area, is particularly great, FIG 3 the effective focus volume for the evaluation 32b in the form of a square around the focal point 32a presented around. In reality, it is a three-dimensional structure iA approximately describable by a rotated about the optical axis body of revolution, for example on the basis of hyperbolic functions whose center of gravity mostly about the focal point 32a matches.

In the embodiment according to 3 the optical components lying to the right of the vertical center plane of the medium are referred to as detection optics and comprise optics, for example in the form of a converging lens 34 that through the infusion tube 33 For example, the radiation beam that has passed through again converts it into a parallel beam, which then reaches a detector 35 meets. The detector 35 generates output signals from the infusion tube 33 , the infusion fluid 33b and the components or medicaments or active substances contained therein are dependent. In the embodiment, therefore, there is a 180-degree configuration with complete passage of the measuring beam through the infusion tube 33 and the infusion liquid contained therein 33b in front.

As in 3 is shown, is the excitation optics, in particular the convergent lens 32 parallel to the direction of incidence of the parallel beam 31 movable back and forth, so that the focus point 32a is displaceable. The focus adjustability is in 3 illustrated by a double arrow. To adjust the converging lens along the optical axis is a lens holder 39 adjustable by an internal or external motor along the optical axis. The optical axis is in 3 through a dotted line between the collecting lenses 32 and 34 illustrated.

Preferably, the optics, so for example, the convergent lens 34 the detection optics, along its optical axis displaceable. This can be coupled with the adjustment of the condenser lens 32 so the collection lenses 32 . 34 in a sense, as a unit can be moved together to the left or right, each with the same or a fixed context Verstellbeträgen.

Light source and detector, etc., may also contain other optical components, for example, to make (in each case) focused light from the respective collimated light, depending on the specific light source and / or detector requirements. For this purpose, the collecting lenses 31 and or 34 be designed so that they do not collimate the respective light beam, but for example, directly sensor and / or detectors suitable image, for example, focus, and so make additional optical components unnecessary. Other optical components can be provided to improve the optical performance of the system, for example, to temporarily deviate advantageous from the sketched beam path. The adjustment of the focus optics can also be done in the other two dimensions and / or eg by tilting and / or twisting o.ä. the convergent lens and / or analog optical components are accomplished. The convergent lens can, for example, itself also be changed in shape (eg an adaptive, liquid-filled lens) and / or other components can be moved and / or changed according to their properties.

The design according to 3 can be designed for absorption spectroscopy. With opaque liquids or opaque tube walls, however, strong light or signal losses are to be expected. Due to the lens effect of the tube 33 in interaction with the liquid 33b must shift the focal point out of the tube center point by a displacement of the convergent lens 32 iA with a shift larger or smaller displacement of the condenser lens 34 be compensated in order to obtain a good detector signal, since the exciting light rays are then no longer perpendicular to the interface between the tube wall and liquid 33b and depending on the refractive index of the liquid 33b to get broken.

In 4 a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which, in contrast to the embodiment according to 3 Now a 360-degree configuration is used, which is measured in backscatter and the light source and the detector by a common assembly 36 can be realized. In the design according to 4 is only a single adjustable optics, for example in the form of a converging lens 38 provided that has an adjustable storage 39 , Eg an adjusting motor in directions of the double arrow 39b is adjustable. To the lens holder of the condenser lens 38 is a lens holder 39a provided by the holder 39 , For example, an adjusting motor is movable back and forth, in the direction of the double arrow 39b , In the embodiment according to 4 is the laser beam used for the excitation by the reference numeral 37a designated and by the light source 36 to the optics, eg convergent lens 38 symbolizing pointing arrows. The optics, eg convex lens 38 , is used in the embodiment according to 4 for double function of both the focusing of the laser beam 37a to the focal point 32a who is at the in 4 shown state in the hose center, but also to the left and right thereof to the hose wall 33a and beyond that may be displaceable or displaced. The optics, eg convex lens, 38 converts the divergent beam into a parallel beam, which points to the one in the block 36 existing detector impinges. The detected measurement signals are preferably a spectrum whose beam path is denoted by the reference symbol 37b is designated and has been particularly advantageous generated by RAMAN scattering. In the embodiment according to the 3 and 4 For example, laser Raman spectroscopy based on inelastic scattering can be realized 4 with 360-degree configuration is also particularly well suited for the use of disposable items, ie single-use items such as infusion tubes, infusion containers, injection containers, syringes and the like. In the 4 arrangement shown is particularly advantageous in the desired displacement of the focal point 32a since the beam path of the excitation optics is always substantially identical to the beam path of the detection optics and thus in particular those for the variant 3 mentioned disadvantages are automatically compensated (focus volume of the excitation is always approximately coincident with focus volume of the detection) - it must therefore only a convergent lens 38 be moved and the quality of the detection of the focus volume 32b stays pretty much the same. Further achievable advantages of such a configuration are already set forth above. Otherwise applies to 4 likewise the diversity of 3 torn possibilities of focus adjustment and optimization of optical performance.

In 5 is shown a further embodiment of the invention, wherein a housing 50 with power supply and data network connection (for example, Ethernet). (According to the block diagram in FIG 5 is (to adjust the focusing optics, such as the lens 32 or 38 of the 3 . 4 provided positioning system 51 provided, for example, can be designed as a two- or three-axis positioning system and thus an adjustment not only along the optical axis, but also transversely to this example, particularly advantageous transversely and optionally parallel to the infusion tube or other fluid containers allowed. This allows, for example, particularly advantageous the use of optics for different simultaneously inserted infusion tubes which can be arranged with each other, but also particularly advantageous, for example, the use of different types of tubes with different outer diameters, for example, and this allows particularly advantageous, for example, the compensation of tolerances, eg production tolerances, Insertion tolerances or the like, also this allows particularly advantageous, for example, the dynamic coupling past contamination.

The component 51 thus represents a two-axis or three-axis positioning system, which also allows a selection of stations or mounting positions. Optionally, the positioning system can also be fastened to a positionable holder on which, for example, by screw clamping, the module with the converging lenses 32 respectively. 38 is mounted.

With the block 52 Functional components are represented, for example LEDs LEDs, such as green, yellow, red, blue, a switch or button, for example, for switching on (start) and off (stop), a thermal sensor for temperature detection at the site or infusion liquid, a fan for cooling electronic components and electronic small parts. Furthermore, a laser module 53 provided, for example, as a light source 30 . 36 serve and the laser module 20 according to 2 can correspond. With the block 54 a probe is represented, for example the probe 22 according to 2 can correspond.

In 5 is with the reference numeral 55 an infusion tube recording illustrates, for example, the hose holder 23 according to 2 can correspond.

The block 56 of the 5 contains program components and can be realized for example by a program memory and possibly corresponding processors. The block 56 For example, a laser and spectrometer control program 56a , an autofocus control program 56b , a program 56c for the operation and / or the data processing of the embodiment of the invention, which allows, for example, a preselection, the test and also the observation or monitoring. Furthermore, a spectral analysis program 56d provided, which is designed for spectral analysis, for example, the RAMAN backscattered detection signal.

Furthermore, the embodiment according to 5 a spectrometer module 58 , for example, the component 25 according to 2 can correspond, as well as a converter or converter 57 for signal conversion between USB signals and FIFO signals. A DC-DC converter unit 59a generates low-DC voltages of, for example, 5V and 12V for the operation of the device components. Furthermore, a block 59 provided with the functionality of a coprocessor, coprocessor board or the like. A block 59b serves as a power supply module for converting the mains AC voltage into a suitable DC voltage of, for example, 12 V. Furthermore, an indicator 59c for example, in the form of a monitor such as an LCD / TFT display.

In the 5 shown individual components are connected together in the manner shown by lines, so that a data and information exchange is possible. Furthermore, the mechanical dependencies are exemplified by connecting lines, as well as the power supply, see legend.

In 6 a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention is shown, which can serve for example as a final control device for example, a hospital pharmacy, an institute, a hospital, a station or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the device according to the invention can also be used, for example, as a stationary control device, for example in an intensive care unit.

In the embodiment according to 6 is the device with a scanner 61 combined, which is adapted to read a label on a fluid container such as an infusion container or a code located on the container, such as bar code or RFID. Thus, the content can be optically detected automatically. The embodiment then makes it possible to determine whether the content actually matches the imprint, ie the label or code and the content composition given thereby. In 6 is the bar code or the label with the reference number 61a provided and is through the scanner 61 read and evaluated. Furthermore, an input device 60 provided via which, for example, via a data network (eg Ethernet), a prescription "Proposal" can be entered, indicating the desired drug or the active ingredient, the components and their compositions and / or concentrations. The device for testing at least one medication or components thereof is known in 6 with the reference number 62 designated. A fluid container 62a is for example formed by an infusion container with infusion fluid and is passed through the device 62 analyzed for their content. On a monitor 63 For example, the display list may be visually displayed by the device 62 sorted by detection probabilities, with the restriction being restricted to hits (exactly or as probable or possible recognized substances) excluding unrecognized components. In addition, even an output or input from the user of the device 62 over the monitor 63 be entered, in particular if this is designed as a touch-sensitive screen and / or any other input option such as a keyboard or mouse 64 , Thus, the user can verify or modify the displayed display list by confirming the individual hits, for example, with "OK" or with "NOT OK" discards.

The device according to the invention 62 is still with an input device 64 provided, for example, in the form of a keyboard and / or a mouse or other input device via which, for example, a manual input 65 is possible.

In the part figures 7a . 7b . 7c composite 7 schematically is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention shown. As in 7a shown is a doctor 70 First, a prescription indicating the prescription list to be given to a patient 71 in this example, four elements KCl, Propofol-Lipuro, heparin sodium and glucose at the concentrations indicated in each case. The prescription list will be particularly beneficial in a computer 72 On the one hand, the prescription list becomes an automated infusion system 73 with infusion pumps and on the other hand to a preparation station 75 sends. In the preparation station corresponding fluid containers are filled, for example in the form of infusion syringes containing the prescribed active ingredients and respective concentrations. This is with the reference number 76 represents. The created fluid container, in the present embodiment, for example, infusion syringes 76 , for example, by a colleague or a carer 77 who also has direct access to the prescription list 71 , which may, for example, be handwritten, and thus obtain information about the content and thus can always check the electronic data conventionally.

In the embodiment according to 7 An additional, preliminary examination takes place, whether the medication is on the person's 70 created prescription list 71 in the institute, for example a ward or a hospital at all, ie whether the necessary medicines, medications or ingredients or Components are in stock at all and, for example, are customary at home or in the field. This takes place in a 7a shown block 74 instead, which, when the prescription list is feasible, ie the necessary components and ingredients are present, can provide a signaling, for example a visual indication, indicating that the prescription can be realized, ie that a medication can be created according to the prescription list.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when, for example, suggestion data (prescription or proposal) are created by a user, such as a physician. As an example, a new infusion or the modification of an existing infusion, for example in the case of critical medications with the prescription by the doctor begins. According to the embodiment 7 This prescription is provided directly by the doctor 70 at the computer 72 entered so that it is there then electronically. The computer 72 For example, it can be unambiguously assigned to a patient and, if necessary, also be located immediately next to it, so that the risk of prescription errors is reduced. The doctor then has the patient, his condition and also his current environment in the preparation of the regulation directly in the eye. However, the regulation can according to prescription list 71 Of course, also be created spatially separated. This electronic regulation can now, for example, via an intranet, for example, to a hospital pharmacy, eg 75 , as well as a proposal ("Proposal") are given to the target devices for automatic infusion, so for example, to a perfusor or an infusomaten (automatic infusion device), for example, next to the patient bed and possibly the doctor still located here.

In the exemplary embodiment, the intranet can also be a network in which not all devices, or in the extreme case none of the devices, can establish a direct or indirect electronic connection to devices outside this intranet, not even via USB or WLAN or similar. This increases security by avoiding external hacker attacks.

In the mixing station, for example a hospital pharmacy 75 Optionally, a robot may be present that may be connected to the intranet, such as a clinic intranet, that receives the electronic prescription, mixes the treatment fluid, such as infusions, fully or partially automatically according to this regulation, and labels the containers such as syringes.

In embodiments of the invention such as the embodiment according to 7 Patient data can be recorded so that an infusion can be personalized to an automatic infusion device or other application device.

For this purpose, the patient may be equipped, for example, with a bracelet carrying a code, such as a bar code, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip, by which a patient identification code is given. This patient identification code can, for example, be read in electronically, if necessary via a barcode reader, and sent to target devices for the automatic infusion.

The suggestion data already available there preferably also contain a patient identification code (PID), which has been entered by the physician, for example. Only if the patient identification code PID of the patient matches the PID of the suggestion data is the infusion accepted without an error message or warning from the automatic infusion device. This further increases the security against defective infusions.

On the label of the fluid container (s), such as the infusion container, in addition to a plain text description, a barcode (or RFID or similar) may be present which is computer readable and which (as well as the plaintext description) contains all the ingredients and their concentrations of the infusion solution of the Containers clearly describes, eg through an index from an in-house drug database.

The fluid container, such as the infusion container, can now be connected to the infusion system and the label data can be fed via the barcode reader to the automatic infusion device, which takes over the delivery for said infusion container. In one embodiment of an embodiment of the invention, the automatic infusion device compares the prescription sent by the physician 71 (Proposal data) with the example of the barcode reader received label data of the infusion container. Only if the infusion contained in the infusion container completely coincides with the prescribed infusion, the infusion is accepted by the perfusor or infusion device (Infusomat) without error and the infusion is started.

An embodiment of the device according to the invention 78 analyzes the contents of the infusion syringes of the automatic infusion system 73 , In 7a is the automatic infusion system 73 twice, ie repeatedly displayed, so that the overall picture remains clearer. For example, the employee has 77 the automatically prepared infusion pumps are inserted into the appropriate infusion device. The device 78 now analyzes the contents of all infusion pumps or syringes shown in Example 6. In each of Infusion syringes (infusion pumps), the individual drugs or medications may also be present either unmixed or mixed, for example dissolved in water. For example, one of the syringes may contain only KCl, dissolved in water. Another syringe may only have Propofol-Lipuro. A third syringe may contain heparin sodium dissolved in water without other components. Further, a container may be provided which is filled, for example, with glucose dissolved in water. In this case, the device according to the invention checks whether the individual infusion pumps and containers are actually filled with the respective expected drug or the expected active ingredient component and possibly also with the expected concentration. For this purpose, the device according to the invention 78 Access to a drug database 79 in which the usual, for example in the ward or hospital / available drugs, medications or drugs are listed, preferably completely. Furthermore, a spectral database is preferably 80 provided in the spectral properties or spectral results of the components of the drug database 79 are listed. This is effective for the evaluation of the Raman measurement results.

The device 78 , which may also be referred to as a drug scanner (or "drug scan"), may, for example, access the drug database 79 if necessary (eg in client / server manner), or may contain in another embodiment, the drug database completely stored in itself. Also the spectral library 80 can in the device 78 be permanently stored, or may be available for access in another embodiment, if necessary.

As in 7b is shown as an example, receives the device according to the invention 78 that is, the drug scanner according to this embodiment, six infusion containers, for example, six infusion syringes for analysis, which are filled with the six drugs shown on the left, namely with glucose 4.8%; KCl 1.51%; Propofol-Lipuro (0.999%); Heparin sodium (20 k IU); Ringer lactate, Ri-Lac, (Hartmann). In the 7 By way of example, three different scenarios / embodiments according to the invention are outlined. First: the combination of an electronic prescription with a drug database and the review by the drug scanner - the details are in the 7a . 7b and 7c As you can see, some of the frame points will be briefly summarized below. In state-of-the-art "Proposal Services", a prescription is electronically sent to an infusion system. Now, all available infusion devices in the system usually signal the presence of a proposal. Since the system has no information as to which infusion pump was fitted with which element of the prescription list, the user at the first device must manually select the correct element from the complete prescription list, at the second device he must select the correct element from the complete prescription list minus the already assigned element This means, in particular, that elements of the regulation can be assigned interchangeably and / or elements can even be allocated to those infusion devices which contain no element of the regulation at all. In the specific case, the embodiment according to the invention can now improve two things: once those infusion devices signal that an electronic prescription is present in which the test device can not rule out that an infusion solution is inserted which can correspond to at least one element from the prescription. In the example, these are the top four devices. On the other hand, the test device ensures that only the elements of the prescription list are displayed on the respective device, which are conceivable. Since in the entire system, only one heparin-sodium solution is inserted, namely on device four, so this comes closest to the prescription element four, this device is indeed also signals the concern of a prescription and heparin sodium displayed, but noted that the Concentration in the device does not comply with the prescription. To further improve the use case before, during or after the test also, for example, a comparison between prescription list and drug database and, for example, in a test based on the test or arising out of the comparison list, here called drug list, lead. In the second scenario presented, the user selects on the infusion device from a drug database stored, for example, in this or made available there. In the third scenario, such a drug database is not active. Since in this case no prescription list comes into play, the test facility can only compare here with the entire spectral library, a limitation to the usual with the drug database and / or prescription list elements is not possible here, which is why the list of drugs contains all entries of the spectral database. In addition, if the system is unable to compare the system (eg with another database, eg an Internet-based clinic-spanning DB or indeed a non-activated but well-known drug endb in the device), the system can compare these to the display list 96 add as not exclude (in the example, for example, lipofundin, for example, although there are no spectroscopic data, which was classified on the station but in principle as known and thus is conceivable). In other words, several information sources can be formulated For example, a superordinate medication catalog (eg the Red List) or an environment-specific (eg station-specific) drug database or a prescription list can advantageously be linked to the spectral library used, depending on the application, and a medication list can be compiled therefrom. The variety of possible combinations is so great that they are not exhaustively described here. However, the basic linking possibilities are in the 7a . 7b and 7c graphically sketched and self-explanatory due to the text implemented in the figures.

In the 7b to the right of the device 78 six short horizontal parallel lines shown correspond to the left on the device 78 illustrated short horizontal lines on which the respective drugs are applied. For the first four devices, the drug scanner uses the same drug list, the top one, as a comparison list. In the drug list 81 has already been pre-selected, because of the regulation 71 It is already known which four components, ie active substances or medicaments, are to be expected (and, for example, in a first round, these could / were assigned to the top four devices in advance either manually or already with the aid of the scanner). The drug list 81 therefore contains only five entries, with the fifth entry stating that heparin sodium is in stock in two different concentrations and from the Regulation 71 no prior knowledge results, which of the two solutions is actually filled in the infusion pumps. The selection or preselection of the drug list 81 on the basis of the restriction on the from the regulation 71 apparent drugs reduces the comparison list formed from this, accelerates the analysis by the device according to the invention and also increases the degree of accuracy of recognition.

Ringer-lactate Ri-Lac (Hartmann), the fifth most commonly used medication, is to be detected using the entire drug database (as the prescription list has already been covered by the first four devices and there is no further analogous limitation due to the application) - ie the user responded to the question eg the infusion pump "underlying drug database" with "yes" - or similar .. Therefore, for this comparison, a more extensive list of drugs with twelve elements is used, namely the drug list 82 in which, in the example, all drugs used in the ward are listed. For the sixth infusion syringe, the content of which is to be detected without the use of the drug database, but under access to all known drugs (this may, for example, also be an external database, eg a central database on the Internet), will be an even more extensive list of drugs 83 provided, which in this example comprises 14 elements.

According to 7c is in this embodiment in the third illustrated representation of the device according to the invention 78 an intermediate result is shown, in each of which a preselection list is formed, in which additionally the probabilities of the correctness of the recognition of the recognized medicament are plotted. These preselection lists are in 7c with the reference numerals 85 to 90 designate and represent intermediate results, but not yet the final display list. In the preselection list 85 , in which "glucose" was identified and a list of only five entries for the comparison was given as a comparison list, glucose could be recognized as a component or sole drug, and with certainty. The other possible components heparin sodium, KCl could be excluded with certainty. In the display list shown on the right, generated for this case 91 Therefore, only a single hit "glucose 5%" is registered, so that the hit list includes only this single entry. This automatically signals the probability of 100% (or close to 100%). At the same time, the user is also prompted for confirmation on acceptance of the correctness or the selection of this medication on the display panel. Otherwise, if the user does not agree with this drug, he has the option of selecting another drug, for example by pressing a certain key, in the example the "C" key. For confirmation, on the other hand, another key, for example a key "OK" to press. The system is waiting for an input from the user, either a confirmation or the selection of another drug by pressing the C. This on the display 91 Case illustrated with the corresponding display list symbolizes drug discovery by sharing the drug database 79 and the suggestion list 71 , The combination of these two sources of information is outlined by the list of drugs on the basis of the drug scanner particularly advantageous now makes the comparison, outlined as an intermediate result in the form of preselection list.

In the case of the preselection list (suggestion list) 86 is seen from top to bottom second drug KCl with a concentration of 1.51%. Since the concentration is not completely consistent and was only detected as 1.49%, is on the preselection list 86 Potassium chloride is classified as possible while other components than unlikely or excluded. From the preselection list 86 Thus, an indication is acceptable, which means that the recognition accuracy is likely, but not certain (near 100%) guaranteed. In the third infusion pump should be recognized Propofol-Lipuro, in the corresponding preselection list 87 , the drugs are glucose, heparin sodium excluded, KCl classified as unlikely and Propofol-Lipuro classified as likely. The final result is based on the preselection list 87 the visual display according to the display list 93 in which Propofol-Lipuro appears likely. In addition, in a further embodiment of the invention, the unlikely component KCl could also be displayed, but preferably with additional indication of the degree of probability, for example by additional specification of the hit probability of, for example, only 30%. Similarly, the display list could 92 In addition to the probable KCl, the unlikely result Propofol-Lipuro is also shown to be much less likely, for example also by indicating the probability of detection and / or the safety of its determination. This additional display of the recognition probability is only optional, so it can be omitted in other embodiments.

Starting from the preselection list 88 , which has also been prepared on the basis of only four possible drugs, it follows that only heparin sodium is considered, but an incorrect concentration is present. In this case, the display list will be 94 only a single hit of heparin sodium is listed. In addition, the detected concentration is preferably displayed in this case, so that the user can decide whether to work with this concentration at all. This selection is also made by pressing the confirm button or selecting another medication. The fact that the concentration is displayed as "unexpected" in this example is due to the fact that the concentration of approx. 20k IU / ml is not standard for the ward (ie not part of the medication DB), but in other cases it could also be because it does not complies with the regulation (in the order shown no restriction is specified, but for example in KCl).

The preselection list 89 is using the entire drug database 79 to detect the drug has been created and therefore contains twelve entries. Ten of the twelve entries are excluded, so that only two entries remain, namely Ri-Lac, or Lipofundin MCT 10%, to which, however, there are no testable spectroscopic data in the underlying spectral library, to which the test facility can make no statement. In order for the user to make an appropriate selection or confirmation here, the display list becomes 95 displayed, on which the possible component Ri-Lac (Hartmann) and in addition still Lipofundin MCT 10% are represented. This example shows that, according to the invention, even missing information and / or recognition capabilities of a scanner can advantageously and meaningfully be integrated into the application in such a way that incomplete information and / or no errors result therefrom.

The lower preselection list 90 is by comparison with the drug list 83 created and includes three possible hits, namely probable, possible and unknown. As from the representation of 7c is apparent, are also the respective preselection lists 85 to 90 sorted so that the most likely hits are at the top of the list, less likely hits just below them, even less likely hits below them, and excluded hits after that. Based on these preselection lists, the display lists then become 91 to 96 shown. In the display list (or synonym hitlist) 96 is also the probable component Sterofundin 1 / 1E shown at the top, including as not quite as likely hit Ri-Lac (Hartmann) and then the unremarkable result Lipofundin MCT 10%. Be seen on the display lists 91 to 96 the excluded hits are no longer displayed. This results in a very clear list representation with only a few hits or in some cases only a single hit. In the display lists 91 to 96 In addition, the hit accuracy / precision and / or probability can also be displayed, as already explained above.

In 8th an embodiment of a method according to the invention is shown in the form of a flow chart. The exemplary embodiment serves to test at least one medication, for example a medicament, an active substance or a component of a treatment medium. The method according to 8th a step S1, wherein the at least one medication or component (s) thereof are provided. Alternatively, several further medications and / or active ingredients or other content components can be provided. The at least one medication can be supplied, for example, via a supply element to a target object, for example a patient, it being possible to measure and check at a suitable point of the supply element. The supply element may be, for example, an automatic infusion device or a component thereof.

In a step S2, the medication and / or components of the medication are checked, the checking preferably taking place automatically or at least substantially automatically. In a step S3, the respective probability of the correctness of the recognition of a respectively recognized medication and / or a recognized component is determined simultaneously with the step S2 or subsequently thereto. This determination can be carried out very finely, for example in steps of 1% probability, but is preferably carried out with a relatively coarse grid in the sense of eg "safe", "probable", "possible", "unlikely", "excluded".

In a step S4, the at least one recognized medication and / or component is compared with a comparison list. For example, the comparison list may be in the form of a list of medicines or component list, e.g. in the form of a drug database. An intermediate step in the sense of creating a preselection list in which the respective medications or components are listed with their respectively recognized probability can also be performed.

In a step S5, medications or components of the comparison list which were identified as not present in the comparison are excluded from the hit list, whereby the then remaining list of hits is significantly shortened. This simplifies the later presentation, e.g. on a screen or a display panel or when saving the list. In a step S6, further sorting of the detected medication (s) or component (s) still remaining after exclusion (step S5) is carried out as a function of the determined probabilities of correctness of the recognition of the medication (s) or component (s). In an optional step S7, the display list of recognized medications or components sorted according to the determined probabilities can be displayed. This representation can also take place, for example, in the form of a storage, but can also be realized in visual form, so that, for example, a visual display takes place on a screen. The steps S3 to S6 may alternatively be processed in any order and / or occur multiple times. For this, the steps may also be e.g. refer to interim results, which are also referred to here as a comparison list simplifying. Accordingly, the steps may also refer to different comparison lists or at least to different evolutionary stages of a comparison list.

In the 9a to 9c Further embodiments of the invention are shown. In the design according to 9a will be at least one fluid 110 for medical use by means of at least one provision device 101 provided. With the fluid 110 it may be, for example, a solution for parenteral administration, for example, an injection or infusion preparation for intravenous injection or infusion, or a solution for enteral administration, for example, a nutritional preparation for nasogastric feeding, or the like. The provisioning device 101 For example, it may be designed as a medical container and / or medical line and / or fluid delivery unit or the like. The medical container can be, for example, an infusion bottle, an infusion bag, a special infusion container (eg an Ecoflac or Ecobag), a syringe or the like. The medical line can be designed, for example, as an infusion tube, catheter, cannula or the like. The fluid delivery unit may be, for example, a roller clamp for manually adjusting a gravity infusion, a syringe or peristaltic pump, an automatic mass flow control unit or the like.

In this embodiment, the fluid 110 or at least one component of the fluid by means of at least one test device 100 checked. For this purpose, the provisioning device 101 for example, mechanically, electrically, electromagnetically and / or communicatively or similarly with the testing device 100 coupled and / or be coupled. The provisioning device 101 For example, it can be inserted into a holder of the test device. The holder may be, for example, an infusion container, infusion tube and / or syringe holder. Alternatively, the providing device 101 but also, for example, be firmly integrated into the testing device and / or be integrated. The testing device 100 includes at least one sensor device 120 , at least one first comparison device 102 , at least one second comparison device 103 , at least one exclusion device 104 or / and at least one sorting device 105 ,

The facilities 101 to 105 and or 120 For example, each may represent one or more mechanically, electrically, electromagnetically and / or communicatively or similarly coupled modules. However, it is also possible for a plurality of said devices to be integrated together in one or more modules and / or to share resources. Particularly advantageously, one or more of the devices mentioned can be implemented, for example, as a software module and share hardware resources. Examples of such shared hardware resources are processors, coprocessors, Controllers, memory, boards or similar. However, the devices mentioned can also share software resources or the like, for example. Example of the electrical coupling of two devices or modules is the electrical power supply of a device or a module by a device or another module. Examples of the communicative coupling of two devices or modules are wired or wireless communication by means of, for example, Ethernet, CAN bus, USB, WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared and / or optical fiber or the like. Example of the electromagnetic coupling is the optical free jet delivery and / or recording, for example, the sensor device can particularly advantageously a free light beam, for example, a laser beam, emit and coupled into the provision device. On the other hand, for example, the provisioning device can particularly advantageously couple the spectral and / or temporal response or the like onto the eg coupled-in laser, for example via a free jet, into the sensor device.

For example, the provisioning device may be functionally only optically connected to the sensor device. The first comparison device 102 receives in the embodiment of the sensor device, for example, at least one measurement result 121 which is associated with at least one measured property of the fluid to be tested and / or one of its components. The associated measurements can be made, for example, once, multiple, cyclic and / or random, for example, as a result of one or more triggering events. For example, the user may trigger the verification of a fluid or fluid component. He can do this, for example, directly by the operation of a control element, eg by pressing a button or touch input or the like. However, the check can also be triggered, for example, indirectly and, for example, by the user unconsciously, eg by changing the test system, operating another device or the test environment. Such a change could be, for example, an infusion container, syringe or infusion tube change. However, such a change could also be, for example, the change in a delivery rate in, for example, an infusion system or, for example, a change in the ambient temperature.

However, one measurement or series of measurements may also be made, for example, by another, e.g. with the testing device directly or indirectly e.g. communicatively connected device triggered or controlled. Such a device may, for example, be infusion devices, such as infusion devices. Spraying or peristaltic pumps, regulatory systems, computers, cell phones, PDAs or the like. For example, a measurement can also consist of several identically and / or differently measured measurements. For example, cyclic measurements and / or series of measurements may serve to periodically check whether the fluid and / or a component of the fluid and / or, for example, a certain property is from e.g. has changed a start time. This start time may, for example, coincide with a check initiated by the user, by the test device and / or one of its components and / or by another device, or be in a defined temporal relationship with such a check.

At the property measured by the sensor device 121 it may, for example, be the spectral response of the fluid and / or one of its components to coupled-in electromagnetic radiation-for example, particularly advantageously a Raman spectrum of the fluid, for example in response to an irradiated laser. The first comparator 102 For example, data provided by the sensor device in this context may already be preprocessed by it. For example, the spectrum provided to the first comparator may already be background corrected or calibrated. In this case, the background can be influenced, for example, by the spectrum of, for example, an optical component of the sensor device or, for example, by the spectrum of a part of the provision device. The underground does not have to be useless. If, for example, the supply device comprises an example of a plastic article, the background spectrum can serve to identify or limit it, its plastic or its manufacturer.

This information can likewise be made available to the test device or a device which is directly and / or indirectly in communication with the test device and, for example, can lead to consequences for the user. For example, the test may only allow the user, i. be released if it is a particular disposable item or a particular class of disposable items. For this, e.g. a comparison of the detected article or its material with an allowed article or material performed and the test will be released only if they match.

In addition, for example, the quality of the test can be evaluated and / or displayed depending on the background. The first comparison device 102 compares the fluid and / or its components with at least one element 112 at least one first comparison list 111 , At the first comparison list 111 it may, for example, be a spectral library. An element 112 the spectral library can do this for example, from the name of a known fluid and / or a known component and, if present, its known spectrum exist. The name (or, for example, an index attributable to a name or the like) can therefore be, for example, typical and / or characteristic, directly or indirectly measurable or determinable properties 122 , eg in the form of results of reference measurements, and / or eg comparison criteria derived from such measurements 125 assigned / provided. Such comparison criteria may be, for example, binary criteria, eg the application or absence of statements, for example the presence or absence of a specific peak in the spectrum of the fluid / fluid component associated with the element. The comparison criteria may, however, also be, for example, natural, complete, rational, irrational, real, complex, measures or the like, for example the ratio of the amplitudes of eg two specific peaks in the spectrum. However, the comparison criteria may, for example, also consist of ranges, that is, for example, of a numerical range in which typically a variable derived from the properties, for example, moves for the associated fluid / component (s). However, the comparison criteria may also be proprietary criteria, eg from different statements, for example in text form.

The first comparison list may also be, for example, a link to a base database, such as a database. a spectral library, with an environment or application specific database, e.g. a regulation and / or proposal list and / or drug database and / or the like. For example, the first comparison list may also directly be an environment-specific or application-specific database. An environment-specific database may mean, for example, that for a particular clinic and / or ward a particular e.g. customized database. It may also be, for example, a drug database e.g. an infusion device and / or an infusion system act. In such a case, for example, such a database may be e.g. contain only all medications commonly administered on such a station. An application-specific database may mean, for example, that it is e.g. order a prescription, a suggestion list and / or an e. a specific clinical picture, tailored to a specific (vital) parameter image, to a specific therapy, to a specific patient (condition) or the like, e.g. List of drugs.

The first comparison list and / or the databases leading to the first comparison list can be stored temporarily and / or permanently in the checking device itself, e.g. in a volatile or non-volatile memory, e.g. a RAM, a ROM, an SD medium, a hard disk or the like. Their elements can also be used e.g. on-demand from e.g. a server, e.g. an infusion pump, a medical grade PC, a PDA, a mobile phone, a laptop, another medical device or the like, queried and / or provided. The first comparison list can also be obtained, for example, from the association e.g. a spectral library, drug database and a list of proposals following an electronic regulation. Such an association may then include, for example, all elements of said databases. For example, in the first comparison list, there may also be elements which are incomplete, for example elements which are assigned to a fluid and / or a fluid component, but which are e.g. do not contain any further data, so that therefore a complete comparison is not possible, so that the result will later be e.g. may read: "can neither be identified nor excluded", or similar.

For comparison of a fluid and / or its components with an element of the first comparison list, the comparison device may, for example, the measurement result 121 or parts of the measurement result with the properties 122 compare the element to be compared to the first comparison list, eg by means of subtraction, residual analysis, correlation, (eg linear) regression, (eg iterative) (CurveFits) - eg by Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm, feature analysis, chemometrics, principal component analysis, cluster analysis , graphic methods, neural networks, other analytical and / or numerical and / or combinatorial methods and / or the like (indicated by, for example, the reference numeral 123 ). On the other hand, the comparison device can also, for example, derived from the measurement result criteria 124 with the corresponding comparison criteria 125 to compare. In this case, for example, the methods already enumerated for the comparison measurement result / properties can also be used.

For example, an item of the first comparison list can also be assigned the information as to whether the associated fluid or the associated component can be unambiguously (and / or ambiguously) identified and which threshold values 127 must be above and / or fallen below. The element may also be associated, for example, with the information as to whether and with which thresholds 126 the associated fluid or the associated component, for example, clearly (and / or ambiguous) is ausschliessbar. Thresholds like 126 and 127 can for example also be arranged to a "scale", for example, such that, for example, one from the Comparative value can be classified in the scale and from this a rating 113 or part of a rating is derivable. Such a rating can mean, for example, that the fluid and / or the component "unambiguously does not have the name assigned to the element" and / or "clearly NOT the name assigned to the element" and / or "possibly assigned to the element Names (for example, there are X other elements that are also less likely to be affected, Y other elements that are equally probable and / or Z are other elements that are more likely to be) "And / or" is clearly a fluid and / or a component of a fluid and / or component class to which the element belongs "and / or" clearly NOT a fluid and / or a component of a fluid and / or component class to that the element belongs to "and / or" to a fluid / component to which there is no usable information, to the question of correspondence with the element of the first n Compare or significantly reduce comparison list "and / or the like.

For example, the evaluation can also include measures that indicate the similarity between the measurement result 121 and the properties 122 allow and / or measures that specify, for example, the precision and / or accuracy of, for example, the underlying measurements, the evaluation and / or the associated statement security or the like. A fluid and / or component class may be, for example: a nutritional solution, an anesthetic, a catecholamine, a water-based solution, a lipid-based solution, a volume replacement, an electrolyte solution, a suspension, a highly effective drug, a NOT highly effective drug, a drug short half-life, a long-half-life drug and / or the like.

However, a fluid and / or component class can also be, for example, a concentration range of a specific fluid / component or the like. Thus, for example, all water-based glucose solutions with 5 to 7 percent glucose could belong to a first class and all glucose solutions with a higher glucose concentration than 7% could belong to a second class. The exclusion facility 104 For example, it is now possible to exclude those elements of the first comparison list from the further consideration, which were evaluated by the comparison device as "uniquely excludable". However, it can, for example, also derive from two or more evaluations of two or more elements of the first comparison list that one or more elements can be excluded from further consideration. For this purpose, further information associated with one or more elements can be included. For example, empirical empirical values such as "if the agreement with drug A is much greater than with drug B, B can be clearly excluded, even if the evaluation of drug B alone does not come to this conclusion" - or included similar become.

The exclusion facility 104 For example, further information from the second comparison list 114 or from the sorter 105 or other facilities that have been outlined or outlined below. For example, the exclusion device can also incorporate specifications by the user or additional information resulting therefrom or from the application into the respective exclusion decision. The exclusion facility 104 can also derive exclusions, for example, from the comparison between the first and second comparison lists. For example, the exclusion device may also modify the scores for the elements of the first comparison list determined by the first comparison device by comparison of the fluid / components with the respective element. This can be done by including information from the sources mentioned for the exclusion process. For example, the exclusion itself may also mean, for example, that the exclusion device, for example, only lowers or increases one or more dimensions belonging to the evaluation and thus removes further consideration.

In the 9a By way of example, the two elements "NaCl" and "KCl" of the first comparison list have been evaluated by the first comparison device as "uniquely excludable" and are therefore excluded from further consideration by the exclusion device. The non-excluded elements of the first comparison list are in the embodiment by the sorting device 105 sorted according to their assigned ratings. In the 9a By way of example, this is merely an element associated with glucose. That is, the sorting device 105 For example, an ordering relation and / or an ordering algorithm and / or an order table is known by means of which it can be decided unequivocally whether a first evaluation (and its associated element of the first comparison list) in a list before or after a second evaluation (and their belonging element of the first comparison list) is to be classified. For example, a score may include a number, eg, between 0 and 1, for example, 0.97, associated, for example, with the order relation: "largest number first." The example number can be especially Advantageously, for example, a measure of the similarity of the properties of the associated element with the measurement result to the fluid / component and / or a measure of the likelihood of compliance of the fluid / associated component associated with the elements and the fluid / associated fluid associated with the measurement result Component and / or a measure of the measurement precision, measurement accuracy, measurement uncertainty, the measurement error, the corresponding measures, for example, after the comparison process (eg, determined by eg error propagation through a example comparison algorithm "through") and / or the like act.

However, a rating may also include, for example, statements in e.g. Textual form, e.g. by means of its position in e.g. an associated reference statement list can be ordered. For example, such a list could be made of e.g. There are three entries: "uniquely identified", "undetermined" and "uniquely excluded" whose hierarchy is determined by their order in the list. If it is now e.g. For example, to classify an item with the score / sub-rating "indefinite", it may be ranked "uniquely excluded" before each item and "uniquely identified" after each item.

In order to determine the sequence under the same eg first partial evaluations such as "indeterminate", then, for example, an additional eg second partial evaluation can be used, for example the correlation of certain ranges of the measurement results with certain ranges of the properties or the like. The evaluation may therefore also be, for example, a list of partial evaluations and / or supplementary information or statements whose components may not only be suitable and / or intended, for example, the exclusion facility 104 provide the information required for the exclusion or non-exclusion decision, but may also be suitable, for example, to the sorter 105 to provide the information needed for sorting.

Furthermore, for example, a component, a plurality of components and / or all components of such a list of partial evaluations may also be used or only for user information (for example, provided to a user visually, acoustically and / or haptically or the like). The testing device 100 according to the embodiment of the 9a furthermore, the second comparison device 103 include the elements of the first comparison list 111 with the entries of the second comparison list 114 compares. For example, the first comparison list 111 for example, even before the element-by-element evaluation by the first comparison device 102 through the second comparison device 103 with the second comparison list 114 compared and supplemented and / or corrected, for example, shortened to be. The from the comparison by the second comparison device 103 resulting first comparison list 111 can, for example, contain all elements and entries of the first and second comparison list (in this case, doubly occurring components can also be avoided, for example). However, it may also contain, for example, only all elements to which at the same time the same and / or similar entries in the second comparison list 114 exist. The two above-mentioned links of the first and the second comparison list correspond, for example, to an OR or AND combination of the two lists with one another. Other links are also conceivable, such as XOR (eXclusive OdeR) links, own complex linkage algorithms or the like.

The fact that the second comparator 103 in 9a Crossing the data flow several times, at various points, indicates that such list links, for example, not at all, simply, repeatedly, repeatedly and / or at different points of the test by the test facility 100 can happen. For example, each may only be one, two, or more linked lists. It can also be, for example, a plurality of successive linkage operations. But it can also be, for example, the first comparison list 111 equal to the second comparison list 114 and then, for example, to a comparison of the first and the second comparison list by a second comparison device 103 be waived basically or case-related.

In the 7a to 7c can be the first comparison list 111 be represented for example by the drug database. This can, for example, even before the comparison by the first comparison device 102 via OR link through the entries of the first second comparison list 114 (by means of the first second comparison device), for example the spectral library. Subsequently, for example, the comparison by the first comparison device already 102 take place and then not by the Ausschliessungseinrichtung 104 excluded elements in a second first comparison list. This second first comparison list can then, for example, by a second second comparison device 103 be compared or linked with a second second comparison list, eg a list of drugs resulting from an electronic prescription - in the example of 7 eg AND-linked. On the other hand, the last-mentioned comparison or the latter combination can also be made particularly advantageously, for example, even before the comparison by the first comparison device (and thus, for example, comparison resources be saved) and, for example, lead to a preselection list, which then, for example, by the Ausschliessungseinrichtung 104 reduced to a display list defined below, for example, sorted by the sorting device according to their ratings and so completely or partially eg displayed on a display. The arbitrary sequence also applies, for example, to the other facilities of the test facility. Thus, for example, the sorting device 105 before and / or after the exclusion device 104 Be active, it can also be provided in the other facilities, for example, several cycles, such as sorting-exclusion-sorting-Exclusion or similar.

The testing device 100 created with the help of the facilities 101 - 105 from the elements of one or more first and possibly one or more second comparison list (s) a display list. These or parts of this Anteigelisten be provided to the user visually, acoustically and / or haptic or similar. For example, as in 7c indicated, infusion solutions of a database (eg drug list), from the perspective of the test facility 100 could match the actual infusion solution in the delivery facility, are displayed on a screen in the order in which they are presented with the infusion solution in the delivery facility 101 from the perspective of the test facility 100 actually match. For example, the qualities of the associated measurements and / or evaluations or statements can also be displayed (in 7c not indicated) - eg in the form of a color scale, eg green for very good measurement and / or match probability, red for bad measurement and / or match probability or the like.

In addition, as in 7c hinted at, even more detailed information on the underlying comparison lists and the applied links under the comparison lists are made transparent to the user - in example 91 for example, indicated by the information that a drug database and a suggestion list (and / or associated system services) were used / used - whereas in 95 For example, no suggestion list was considered. The part of the display list displayed in the advertisement has a supporting character, ie in particular that the user has the possibility at any time to distrust and overrule the "presumption" and / or the "test result" of the test device in the form of the display 7c indicated by "selection of another drug: press 'C'".

The user can thus see the result of the test device e.g. ignore and, for example, in another (sub) menu select a drug, e.g. not part of the display list. Does the testing device function e.g. therefore, it is not proper to have an e.g. with an example infusion fluid associated therapy when using a test device is not disturbed or endangered, since the test device does not prevent the user to perform this properly.

9a shows an embodiment in which the provided fluid 110 , in this case glucose 4.99%, is clearly identifiable, is identified and the display list therefore only contains a reference to glucose 5%.

9b shows an embodiment in which the provided fluid 110 , KCl 7.45%, is not uniquely identifiable and in which the display list consequently contains references to all fluids that can not be excluded, in the case KCl 7.45% and NaCl 0.9%, and in which the references to ordered the recognition probabilities - in this case, the actual fluid is in the first place.

9c shows an embodiment in which the provided fluid 110 , NaCl 0.91%, is not uniquely identifiable and in which the display list consequently contains references to all fluids which can not be excluded, in the case NaCl 0.9% and KCl 7.45%, and in which the references to the detection probabilities is ordered - in this case, the actual fluid is only in second place. The test device falsely prefers the wrong fluid in this case. The correct fluid can also be displayed or offered to the user as an option. For example, in such a case the small difference in the evaluations can also be displayed and / or emphasized, ie the user can be prompted for a particularly careful examination, for example. A negative effect on eg a therapy by, for example, a measurement and / or evaluation error by, for example, the test device can thus advantageously be prevented and / or reduced according to the method.

The fluid scanner described, for example a medicament scanner, permits automatic fluid detection and can display a probability list of recognized possible medical fluids sorted according to probabilities. Furthermore, an adjustable focusing optics is provided, which allows a more accurate analysis of the treatment fluid, which further improves the accuracy of accuracy.

Other aspects of the invention, which alone or in any association with other features disclosed herein may be the subject of independent or dependent claims, are, for example, the following aspects, some of which are also mentioned in the description. It is possible to add infusion solutions industrially for better identifiability with dyes and / or eg fluorescence tracers. It is possible to offer the comparison itself or information for comparison (eg the spectral library) as a (eg fee-based) service, eg to operate a corresponding server. In addition to the substance identification, the test can also mean a concentration determination; but it can also mean, for example, that not a substance, but only its substance class (eg, catecholamine, anesthetic, ...) and / or only its concentration class (eg, in rough levels) is determined and / or reported. By means of autofocus it is not only possible to determine and compensate for the material and the thickness of the disposable wall, for example also contaminations can be determined and compensated (eg by lateral displacement of the measuring beam past the contamination and / or similar to the wall itself). The disposable plastic spectrum enables "online calibration" or "online calibration".

In the case of an electronic regulation, a claimable aspect is the automatic assignment of the pumps to the proposal and also to the individual proposal inserts or parts lists. The aspects relating to the coupling and thus to the autofocus are optionally independent of, or in any combination with further disclosed features, an independent invention. A device according to the invention or a method according to the invention can be used as a self-sufficient infusion monitor or injection monitor. For example, an embodiment of the device or method according to the invention is connected to an injection line or infusion line, preferably directly on the patient, e.g. at the catheter entrance. Alternatively or additionally, such an embodiment of the device according to the invention or of the method according to the invention can be arranged in the form of an infusion or injection monitor at a point at which another or several or all infusion arms have already converged. This allows the infusion or injection to be monitored centrally autonomously. In such an embodiment, an identification of the components and, where appropriate, their concentrations may be provided, but is not absolutely necessary and may therefore be omitted. Exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention in such a case can detect, for example, only changes in the overall composition and thus, e.g. Detect changes in the overall spectrum, resulting for example due to zusetzender filter and thus to a certain extent more and more clamped supply lines or backmixing effects.

The invention is not limited to the above-listed embodiments. Other embodiments may be formed by implementing only a single component of the features listed above, or by combining two or more or all of the features listed above in any manner, thereby forming separate embodiments.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2004/033003 A1 [0006]

Claims (28)

Method for testing at least one fluid ( 110 ) for medical use, comprising the steps of: providing at least one medical fluid ( 110 ), automated testing of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) and / or at least one component of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ), Comparing the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) and / or the at least one component of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) with at least one element ( 112 ) at least one comparison list ( 111 ), such that the at least one element ( 112 ) at least one assessment resulting from the comparison ( 113 ), determining on the basis of the at least one evaluation ( 113 ), whether the at least one element ( 112 ), at least part of the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or at least one reference or the like to the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or its parts are part of at least one display list ( 116 ), is and / or remains, determining at which position the at least one element ( 112 ), the part of the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or the at least one reference or the like to the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or its parts containing at least one display list ( 116 ) or arranged, creating at least one ordered display list ( 116 ) and the provision of the sorted display list ( 116 ) and / or at least part of the display list ordered in this way ( 116 ) for at least one user in visual, acoustic and / or haptic form. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) and / or the at least one component of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) is a therapeutic agent and / or a medicament and / or an infusion solution and / or a nutritional solution and / or blood and / or another liquid advantageously deliverable to a living being. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the comparison list ( 111 ) and / or the display list ( 116 ) by comparing or linking with another comparison list ( 114 ) is added, corrected and / or reduced. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one element ( 112 ) at least one reference fluid for medical application and / or at least one reference component of the at least one reference fluid for medical application can be assigned and the comparison resulting from the at least one evaluation ( 113 ) and / or part of the at least one evaluation ( 113 ) at least one statement of the similarity, correspondence and / or probability of correspondence and / or certainty with which the similarity, correspondence and / or probability of correspondence or the like can be determined, or similar. between the at least one fluid ( 110 ) for medical use and / or the at least one component of the at least one fluid ( 110 ) for medical use and the at least one reference fluid for medical use and / or the at least one reference component of the at least one reference fluid for medical use.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, with at least one, in any combination several, or all of the following steps: Determining the probabilities of correctness of the detection of the at least one fluid and / or the at least one component detected in the automated test, Providing the comparison list in the form of a list of medicines or component list, e.g. a drug database, a prescription list and / or a list derived from a drug database and / or a prescription list, Exclude fluids and / or components of the comparison list that were found to be non-existent in the comparison, Sorting the remaining after exclusion, at least one recognized or at least not excluded fluids or recognized components depending on the determined probabilities (and / or the associated collateral) the correctness of the detection of the at least one fluid or the at least one component, Creating the display list of recognized or at least non-excludable fluids and / or components sorted at least substantially according to the determined probabilities (and / or the associated collateral); and Representing the display list of recognized / non-excluded fluids and / or components sorted according to the determined probabilities (and / or the associated collateral). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which in addition to the display list of the detected fluids and / or components, the probabilities of correctness of the recognition and / or the securities with which the probabilities of correctness could be determined are also displayed, eg displayed ,  Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the comparison list is pre-determined temporarily or permanently, e.g. in a database, the comparison list being environment specific, e.g. hospital-specific, station-specific and / or bed-specific, patient-specific, therapy-specific and / or is created depending on other criteria.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the automated testing by means of spectroscopy, e.g. by Raman spectroscopy.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fluid or the at least one component by at least one feed element, the part of an automatic infusion device and / or part of a medical disposable article, e.g. a syringe / infusion bag / infusion line or the like, and / or is part of a medical fluid conduit system, is conductive.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which a measuring device is arranged on a feed element for measuring the at least one fluid contained in the feed element and / or the at least one component.  Method, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in which a measuring device has an adjustable focusing device whose focal position and / or shape can be varied during the measurement in one, in two and / or three dimensions to optionally successively both regions outside and / or at the edge of a supply element as well as within the supply element, for example, at the edge and / or within an infusion tube to be able to measure.  Method according to Claim 11, in which the measurement signals determined during the focal position shift and / or change in focus shape are used both to detect a wall of the supply element, for example an infusion tube, and the fluid in the delivery element, e.g. Liquid, to be evaluated.  A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in backscattering and a generator generating a measuring beam and a sensor detecting the backscattered signal are connected to a substantially common and substantially co-variable measuring beam and signal path, e.g. a common filter, collimating and / or focusing unit and / or in a common, positionally adjustable support or housing are arranged.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the measurement is carried out during a dialysis.  Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which, before or in addition to the creation of the display list, a pre-selection list is created, in which the recognized or not excluded fluids, e.g. Drugs, along with an indication of the likelihood and / or the associated safety of the correctness of their detection as well as the excluded fluids or components are indicated or stored, and / or in which optionally the at least one fluid, eg. A medicament, stored in a container, and / or via a supply element, optionally over part of an automatic infusion device and / or part of a disposable medical article, e.g. a syringe / infusion bag / line or the like, and / or a portion of a medical fluid conduit system, to a target, e.g. a patient, can be supplied. Device for testing at least one fluid ( 110 ) for medical use, with a provisioning device ( 101 ) for providing at least one medical fluid ( 110 ), a test facility ( 100 ) for automated testing of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) and / or at least one component of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ), a comparator ( 102 ) for comparing the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) and / or the at least one component of the at least one medical fluid ( 110 ) with at least one element ( 112 ) at least one comparison list ( 111 ), such that the at least one element ( 112 ) at least one assessment resulting from the comparison ( 113 ), a determination device ( 103 . 104 . 105 ) for determining on the basis of the at least one evaluation ( 113 ), whether the at least one element ( 112 ), at least part of the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or at least one reference or the like to the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or its parts are part of at least one display list ( 116 ), is and / or remains, and for determining at which position the at least one element ( 112 ), the part of the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or the at least one reference or the like to the at least one element ( 112 ) and / or its parts containing at least one display list ( 116 ), a creation device for creating an ordered display list, and a presentation device for making available the display list arranged in this way ( 116 ) and / or at least part of such ordered display list ( 116 ) for at least one user in visual, acoustic and / or haptic form. Apparatus according to claim 16, comprising at least one, in any combination of several, or all of the following features: detection means for determining the probabilities of correctness of recognition of the at least one fluid detected in the test, and / or recognition of those detected during the test at least one component, the comparison list has the form of a drug list or component list, eg a drug database, a prescription list, a spectral library and / or a list derived from a drug database and / or a prescription list and / or spectral library, on an exclusion facility ( 104 ) to exclude fluids or components from the comparison list which were found to be non-existent in the comparison to a sorting device ( 105 ) for sorting the remaining after exclusion, at least one recognized or at least not excluded fluids or the at least one recognized or at least not excluded components depending on the determined probabilities of correctness of the detection (and / or the collateral with the probabilities the correctness could be determined) of the at least one fluid or the at least one component, and for creating a display list of recognized fluids and / or components, at least substantially sorted according to the determined probabilities (and / or collateral), and a presentation device, eg display device, for displaying, eg displaying, the display list of recognized (or not excluded) fluids and / or components sorted according to the determined probabilities (and / or collateral).  Apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the display means is adapted to display in addition to the display list of the detected fluids and / or components also the probability of correctness of the detection, and / or the associated security or the like.  Device according to one of claims 16 to 18, with a storage device in which the comparison list is stored temporarily or permanently, wherein the comparison list is created environment-specific (eg hospital-specific, station-specific and / or bed-specific), patient-specific, therapy-specific and / or dependent on other criteria ,  Device according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 19, in which the testing device for automatic testing by means of spectroscopy, particularly advantageously e.g. using Raman spectroscopy.  Device according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 20, wherein a supply element as part of an automatic infusion device and / or part of a medical disposable article, e.g. a syringe / infusion bag / infusion line or the like, and / or part of a medical fluid conduit system.  Device according to one of the preceding claims 16 to 21, with a measuring device which is arranged on or in a feed element for measuring at least one fluid contained in the feed element and / or a component.  Device, in particular according to one of claims 16 to 22, in which a measuring device has an adjustable focusing device whose focus position and / or shape during a measurement in one, in two and / or three dimensions is variable to optionally successively both areas outside and / or to be able to measure at the edge of a feed element as well as within the feed element, for example at the edge and / or within an infusion tube.  Device according to one of the preceding Claims 16 to 23, in which the test device is designed to evaluate measurement signals determined during the focus change both for detecting a wall of a supply element, for example an infusion tube, and the fluid present in the supply element.  Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 24, wherein the testing means is adapted to measure backscatter and comprises a generator generating a measuring beam and a sensor detecting the backscattered signal applied to a substantially common and substantially collectively adjustable measuring beam - Are connected and signal path, eg a common filter, collimating and / or focusing unit and / or are arranged on or in a common, positionally adjustable support or housing. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims 16 to 25, adapted to create, prior to or in addition to the creation of the display list, a preselection list in which the detected fluids together with an indication of the likelihood of their recognition being correct (and / or associated Collateral) as well as the excluded fluids or components are stored, and / or which optionally has a container in which the at least one fluid, eg a medication or a medicament, is stored, and / or optionally has a supply element, optionally a part of an automatic infusion device and / or part of a medical disposable article, eg one Syringe / an infusion bag / an infusion line or the like, and / or part of a medical fluid conduit system, through which the at least one fluid can be supplied to a target object, for example a patient.  Device according to one of claims 16 to 26, as part of a dialysis machine, for the examination of a fluid component used or usable in dialysis.  A computer program product, optionally in the form of a data carrier, containing code instructions that cause a processor device to carry out a method according to claim 1 or one or more of claims 2 to 15.

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