CarbGeM Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masakazu Nakajima) is pleased to announce that a research study conducted in collaboration with Associate Professor Goh Ohji of the Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University, regarding the automated Gram staining device “PoCGS®” has been published in the international academic journal Diagnostics.
The study evaluated the performance of PoCGS® compared to conventional manual Gram staining methods, assessing its bacterial classification accuracy, operational usability, and reproducibility. The findings demonstrated that PoCGS® showed a high concordance rate with manual methods, indicating its high potential as a diagnostic support tool for point-of-care (POC) testing environments.
Gram staining is one of the most fundamental and essential microbiological procedures used in infectious disease diagnosis to rapidly classify pathogens and infer bacterial characteristics. However, manual staining techniques require highly trained personnel, often posing challenges in reproducibility and speed.
To address this issue, Kobe University and CarbGeM Inc. co-developed “PoCGS®,” a compact, user-friendly automated Gram staining device designed for in the point-of-care setting. This study aimed to verify the diagnostic accuracy and practical utility of the device.
A clinical study was conducted to evaluate the performance of PoCGS®. Using 40 urine samples, including both clinical and artificial specimens, the researchers compared three methods: PoCGS®, manual staining by skilled personnel, and manual staining by untrained personnel. PoCGS® achieved a 100% concordance rate with staining results from skilled technicians.
PoCGS® is expected to support the standardization of testing techniques and acceleration of diagnostics, especially in settings with limited medical resources, thereby contributing to high-quality infectious disease care.
By automating the staining process, PoCGS® reduces reliance on individual skill levels and is particularly beneficial for emergency departments, night-time operations, and remote clinical environments. Further joint research and development by Kobe University and CarbGeM Inc. is planned to enhance and expand the system’s capabilities.
Automated Gram Staining Device “PoCGS®” (RUO)
PoCGS®-iE is a compact, automated Gram staining system that completes the staining process in approximately five minutes. With customizable protocols via an intuitive control panel, users can individually configure settings for staining, decolorizing, and rinsing. This automation enhances efficiency, reduces technical burden, and helps address staff shortages and workflow standardization needs.
For product details:
🔗 https://carbgem.com/en/product-en/pocgs-ie-en/
The Research Center for Urban Safety and Security (RCUSS) at Kobe University engages in comprehensive education and research toward the realization of safe and sustainable urban societies. Within the Infectious Disease Risk Communication Division, the center conducts practical research on emerging and re-emerging infections, disaster-time risk communication, and clinical infectious disease education.
CarbGeM is a life science technology company committed to solving challenges such as the shortage of skilled technicians and regional disparities in healthcare by promoting automation, standardization, and diagnostic efficiency.
Through its AI-powered digital platforms, CarbGeM enhances collaboration among researchers and clinicians, contributing to global challenges like antimicrobial resistance.
The company actively pursues open innovation with prominent research institutions to drive future co-creation across industry, academia, and government.
This information and the following content are intended to provide information about our products for healthcare professionals in Japan. Please note that it is not intended to provide information to the general public and/or healthcare professionals outside Japan.
