| abstract |
A pathogen detection system (300) includes a pathogen sensing adaptor (308, 310, 312) that detect pathogens present in the breathing circuit (304) associated with a ventilated patient (302). A pathogen sensing adaptor (308, 310, 312) may include a conduit (344), removable cartridges (314, 410) with testing strips (412), an optical sensor (404), and communication circuitry. Upon detecting a colorimetric change (416) on the testing strip (412), the optical sensor (404) generates a signal indicative of the presence and/or level of pathogens. |