WASPLab® Empowered by bioMérieux* is now available with PhenoMATRIX™, an exclusive expert system module that promises to transform the way that microbiology labs interpret and sort culture plates.

WASPLab® Empowered by bioMérieux is a uniquely flexible automated specimen processing and reading solution that adapts to any lab’s existing setup and routines. With modules including the WASP® automated specimen processor, high-efficiency incubators and sophisticated imaging analysis, it can grow with a lab’s expanding needs. The newest module, PhenoMATRIX™, uses artificial intelligence to enable labs to take their automated processes to the next level.

PhenoMATRIX™ uses a series of algorithms – selected by the user according to their needs – to better evaluate growth on a media plate. Phenomatrix™ then consolidates this result with information from the laboratory information system (LIS) and clinical context to enable even more precise interpretation and sorting. The user defines specific, custom rules to sort both negative and positive plates. For example, negative plates may be automatically discarded or flagged for extended, uninterrupted incubation.

bioMérieux made its first installation of a PhenoMATRIX™ system in routine use at LABOSUD clinical laboratory in Montpellier, France, in April, 2018. LABOSUD Co-Managers Jérémy Bayette and Guillaume Teissier say that the positive impact was rapidly evident throughout their operations.

“We gained time by significantly lowering the time spent reading plates, automatically sorting negative and positive results through PhenoMATRIX™ and reporting a high number of results simultaneously,” explain Bayette and Teissier, adding that 80% of their urine samples are reported "in one click".

LABOSUD uses data including white blood cell count, patient history and the clinical context in their sorting rules to place positives, detected with CHROMID® CPSE media, into different reading categories, such as E. coli or non- E. coli, in order to more rapidly focus on plates most requiring expert attention.

In addition to efficiency, PhenoMATRIX™ has a strong impact on both safety and quality. Plate handling is reduced significantly, while sorting rules reduce human variability for interpretation. The algorithms are highly sensitive and specific, and the two-way communication with the LIS facilitates rapid reporting, reproducibility and traceability. The end result is more rapid delivery of actionable results in the interest of improved patient care.

Learn more about PhenoMATRIX™ Empowered by bioMérieux

and receive your copy of the interview with LABOSUD Co-Managers Jérémy Bayette and Guillaume Teissier

*WASPLab® is manufactured by COPAN and Empowered by bioMérieux for extended integrated services.