Telemicrobiology for Mission Support in the Field of Infectious Diseases
Abstract
Infectious diseases are among the most common diseases in missions abroad. Their diagnosis requires special procedures and expertise, both provided by the microbiological field laboratories. In order to support the diagnostic process by means of telemedicine, a modification of the standard telemedical workstation, i.e. a module telemicrobiology with special equipment, camera and software, has been designed and validated. This module, meanwhile installed in six operational theaters, has stood the test in routine practice. It enables the transmission of high-quality static images of microscopic specimens or overgrown nutrient media in a matter of seconds. The telemedical inclusion of experts into diagnostic analysis improves diagnostic specificity by avoiding false positive results and, particularly in medical parasitology, allows a treatment-essential diagnosis without dispatch of specimens to Germany. In bacteriology, telemicrobiology allows the control of the entire diagnostic process by the expert workstation even with a mere technical staff on site.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA596214
Entities
People
- Patrick Scheid