SpectraDx
AI/ML
Spectral Preprocessing for Clinical ML: Methods Compared
Spectral preprocessing determines model performance more than architecture choice. SNV, MSC, Savitzky-Golay, EMSC, and rubberband correction compared.
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Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
FTIR Clinical Workflow Software
Connect Bruker, Thermo Fisher, and Agilent FTIR spectrometers to clinical workflows. SpectraDx handles instrument control, spectral processing, ML classification, and HL7/FHIR output — so FTIR results reach clinicians in minutes, not hours.
Overview
What is FTIR in Clinical Diagnostics?
FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared) spectroscopy works by shining infrared light through a sample and measuring which wavelengths get absorbed. Different molecular bonds absorb at different frequencies, producing a unique chemical fingerprint for every substance — the same principle behind breathalyzers and airport explosive detectors, now applied to clinical diagnostics.
In clinical settings, FTIR enables rapid pathogen identification, tissue characterization for cancer screening, and unknown substance identification — all without reagents or consumables. A single measurement takes seconds, and the instrument requires minimal operator training compared to mass spectrometry or PCR.
The challenge isn't the spectroscopy — it's everything around it. FTIR instruments produce data files, not clinical results. Translating a spectrum into a diagnosis requires classification models, patient context, clinician-friendly reporting, and integration with hospital information systems.
Clinical Applications
Pathogen Identification
Rapid bacterial ID and antimicrobial resistance profiling from clinical isolates
Tissue Analysis
Intraoperative tissue characterization for surgical margin assessment and cancer screening
Drug Identification
Emergency department substance testing — identify unknown compounds in minutes
Biofluid Analysis
Cancer screening from blood serum using infrared spectral signatures
Instruments
Supported Instruments
SpectraDx provides modular instrument adapters. Each adapter handles vendor-specific protocols so your clinical workflow stays consistent.
Bruker
Alpha II
Full DDE/Named Pipe integration via brukeropus library. Automated measurement, background collection, and data export.
Supported
Read integration guide →Bruker
IR Biotyper
IR-based microbial identification system. Integration via REST API for automated clinical microbiology workflows.
In Development
Thermo Fisher
Nicolet iS50
OMNIC SDK integration for the Nicolet iS50 and iS20 series benchtop FTIR spectrometers.
Planned
Agilent
Cary 630
MicroLab integration for compact, diamond-ATR FTIR workflow automation.
Planned
PerkinElmer
Spectrum Two
Integration via PerkinElmer Spectrum SDK for portable FTIR applications.
Planned
The Problem
The Software Gap
Instrument vendor software like OPUS (Bruker), OMNIC (Thermo Fisher), Resolutions Pro (Agilent) is designed for research, not clinical deployment.
What vendor software provides
Spectral acquisition and measurement
Data visualization and analysis
Library search and matching
File export and format conversion
What clinical deployment requires
Patient identification and workflow
HL7/FHIR integration with LIS/EHR
Billing codes and reimbursement
Multi-site deployment and management
Clinician-friendly result interface
Regulatory audit trail (21 CFR Part 11)
Multi-vendor instrument support
Platform
How SpectraDx Works with FTIR
01
Instrument Control
Direct control of Bruker Alpha II via DDE/Named Pipes. Automated background collection, sample measurement, and spectral acquisition without manual software interaction.
Learn more →02
Spectral Processing
Parse OPUS .0 files, apply preprocessing pipelines — baseline correction, normalization, derivatives — and extract features for clinical ML models.
Learn more →03
Clinical ML Pipeline
Deploy trained classification models that convert preprocessed FTIR spectra into clinical decisions with calibrated confidence scores.
Learn more →04
Results Integration
Send classified results via HL7v2 ORU messages or FHIR R4 DiagnosticReport resources directly to the hospital LIS/EHR.
Learn more →Resources
FTIR Technical Resources
In-depth technical articles for FTIR integration, clinical workflows, and regulatory compliance.
Deploy FTIR-based diagnostics with SpectraDx
From Bruker OPUS files to clinical results in your EHR. One platform, zero middleware.