The Client
Biocode is a company dedicated to advancing inflammation-centred medical technologies. Our focus lies in developing and commercialising diagnostic solutions that play a crucial role in managing and enhancing human health and wellbeing.
Their brand portfolio includes Biocheck, specialising in rapid testing solutions, and Biolab, which focuses on laboratory-based diagnostic tests. Through these brands, they aim to provide innovative tools that contribute to the early detection, monitoring, and treatment of various health conditions related to inflammation.
The Problem
More than 70% of deaths worldwide are caused by inflammation-linked diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
Managing and monitoring inflammation poses significant challenges due to the complexity and variability of inflammatory conditions. Current methods often lack efficiency, requiring extensive time and resources. Additionally, the cost associated with traditional monitoring approaches can be prohibitive for many individuals and healthcare systems alike.
The Thinking
The project set out with a clear set of objectives that shaped the direction of the work:
- Integrating image processing in machine learning into an app to track and monitor inflammation levels.
- Develop a user-friendly interface for seamless data entry and monitoring of inflammation levels.
- Integrate affordable sensor technologies for real-time data collection and analysis.
- Minimise costs associated with testing and procedures to increase accessibility for patients.
The Build
The core of the build was an application to read, through image processing, a sample collector to measure line intensity to indicate inflammation levels. From there, the platform was developed to:
- Develop an app using image processing to analyse sample collectors for inflammation levels.
- Capture images via smartphone cameras.
- Measure line intensity to quantify inflammation severity.
- Utilise validated algorithms for accurate results interpretation.
- Ensure a user-friendly interface for easy operation.
- Enable data analysis, storage, and tracking.
- Ensure compatibility across various devices and operating systems.
This came together as a user-friendly mobile application and robust backend system which stores data and performs image processing. Key features included a streamlined onboarding and image submission flow in the application, and near-instantaneous results from the image processing service to estimate viral load.
The Expertise
Octoco worked closely with Biocode to understand their needs and goals. Delivering this required specialist capability in image processing and machine learning, applied across both the mobile application and the backend system that stores data and performs the image processing behind every result.
The Result
The Biocheck Inflammation rapid test and accompanying app represent a transformative advancement in inflammation detection and management:
- Biocheck Inflammation offers a rapid testing solution that provides results within 15 minutes using just a single finger-prick blood sample, ensuring convenience and accessibility for users at any location.
- The app utilises innovative image processing and machine learning software to capture, calculate, and display test results in real-time, ensuring accuracy and reliability in inflammation assessment.
- It serves as a comprehensive platform for users to track and view their test results over time, empowering proactive management of inflammation-related conditions.
Overall, Biocheck Inflammation's integrated approach enhances healthcare outcomes by enabling early detection and effective management of inflammation, thereby improving patient care and optimising healthcare resources.