System and method to interpret tests that change color to indicate the presence or non-presence of a compound

#The present disclosure generally relates to specimen analysis systems and, more particularly, to specimen analysis systems that optically assess specimen test articles.

#Specimen test articles may be used to determine a presence or absence of a test subject substance in a specimen (i.e., the principal substance for which the specimen is being tested). In particular, certain specimen test articles (e.g., lateral flow strips) include at least one optical test substance marker that optically indicates at least the presence or absence of the test subject substance in the specimen. For example, a color of the optical test substance marker may indicate the presence or absence of the test subject substance within the specimen. As one example, a color of the optical test substance marker may remain unchanged from a first color if the specimen does not contain the test subject substance, while the color of the optical test substance marker changes from the first color to a second, different color if the test subject substance is present within the specimen.

#Colorimetric response tests have been traditionally interpreted visually by a human operator. The resulting test colors of such colorimetric tests, however, can vary greatly in color intensity, thus leading to a highly subjective user interpretation. For example, one such colorimetric test is a Guaiac test used to detect hemoglobin in a fecal sample. The Guaiac test indicates the presence of hemoglobin by turning blue. In some instances, positive results may be indicated by indistinct blue auras surrounding the specimen test area. In some cases, operators may interpret this aura as sufficient to indicate a positive result. Other operators may interpret this aura as insufficient to indicate a positive result. In addition, colorimetric analysis typically includes multiple test areas that must indicate a positive response for a positive indication to be found. This is done to minimize false-positive results. However, some operators may nevertheless interpret a positive result when a vibrant colorimetric response is detected in only a single test area.

#In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example specimen analysis system, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

#FIG. 2 is a flow chart diagram showing an example method to analyze specimen test articles, according to at least one illustrated embodiment.

#In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures and methods (e.g., various components of computing devices, principles of operation of a lateral flow strip, etc.) have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

#Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims that follow, the word “comprising” is synonymous with “including,” and is inclusive or open-ended (i.e., does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method acts).

#Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.