Ruth Eden: From 20 Dollars to 5 Dollars

Ruth Eden’s BioLumix’ device is very practical for someone performing a microbiological test. Her machine takes a few minutes to operate and almost anyone can operate it. The alternative to the BioLumix’ is a very complicated method of sampling and placing pea tree dishes into an incubator for 48 hours. There are many opportunities for error in this method but with the BioLumix’ the computer eliminates the error rate of the microbiologist. I also found it interesting that the cost to analyze each vial with the BioLumix’ is $2-$4 where the laboratory charges around $20 per vial. This puts the product at a break even point of between 834 vial samples and 938 vial samples if only one machine were purchased. This cost savings does not include any labor and carrier savings that will result.

I think that this device is a great invention for microbiological testing. From a business standpoint, they are saving their customers the two most important things - time and money, as well as creating returning customers. Creating reports in a timelier manner is important, and having a machine create them, verses’ writing them by hand is excellent. This device creates a simpler process then the Petri dish method. I know I would love that feature if I were working in this field. Also, a big plus is that you do not need high skilled labor to operate this device, in turning saving the company money. Amy Suich

Ruth Eden does a fantastic job explaining BioLumix and it's benefits to people who may not understand all that goes into microbiological testing. I think that this machine is great, because like someone pointed out earlier, it saves people time and money. What I really liked about this product, was the fact that wait time for results was essentially cut in half from two days to 24 hours. I also think that this is a great way for someone to have little experience with the medical field, but will still enable them to play some part. As far as costs, a lot of people are worried about our current economic state and if we can somehow cut costs somewhere (especially in the medical field) then I think that anyone would be interested to try a new product. As far as "error reports" I would agree that often times doing things by hand produces false reports. Computers and technology open a new door for accuracy in this feild. We are in a time now, where technology rules and tradition "hand" written reports are pretty much considered extinct! My only question would be what would happen to all the educated and trained micro-biologists that are doing this job currently? Is there another area of the field they would work in or would the machine completely wipe out the need for people to have that education? Previously, someone asked if they would be servicing the machine and I would like to expand that question and ask if they would provide an expert in case something were to go wrong with test results or something of that nature? This sounds like a great plan, congrats on your creation so far! Jenna Ellison

Ruth and Her Husband Gideon have this machine that will take different types of micro organisms and will define what they are. This machine is uniquely made for all different types of areas. This system has direct applications with foods (meat, dairy, seafood, beverages, salad dressings, chocolate, desserts, frozen foods, fruits and vegetables, and soy products), cosmetic and toiletry (shampoos, detergents, tooth paste, creams, lotions, etc), nutraceuticals, and applications in non-sterile pharmaceutical products. By going to these different areas they are able to test for all of these different micro organisms including total viable count (or total aerobic count), coliform, E. coli, the combined testing of coliform and E. coli in a single vial, yeast, mold, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, sanitation monitoring, shelf-life predictions, challenge test, and spoilage flora. With this system it is only a 3 step process which is (1) Inoculate the ready-to-use vial with the sample, swab, or filter; (2) Place the vial in the BioLumix instrument; and, (3) Record the sample in the Windows®-based software. With this easy process it will save labs over the long run because the samples would not have to go to a lab and the results with the BioLumix will be ready in 24 hours where as a lab will take longer. Even yeast has a 5-6 day turn around time where when using the BioLumix it is only 48 hours. The benefit of this is that it financed by Angel investors so it will not be more than a $1 million to fund. Which with this decrease in funding they company can keep the costs low. They were not going to get very big so an IPO will be needed. They are just looking for a bigger company to buy them out. That way the larger company can return profits very quickly and current investors can invest in something else or continue with their investment.

This is very interesting video about how to cut costs in this industry. Ruth Eden explains Bio Lumix and how it saves time and money in microbiological testing. The time is cut in half because of the machine. The system is also much more simpler than some of the more traditional methods. The reports are created by a machine instead of by hand which greatly contributes to the time being reduced and also the method being more accurate. This makes for happy customers which allows for customers returning. Another good thing is that it’s not too complex to operate the device so this saves on costs. I just have the question of all the industries would use this method.

This seems to be a wonderful invention for the industry. I think it could creat jobs for people with a limited education while giving them a very meaningful job. The time and money that this device could save is tremendous. You say it will take a five day process and decrease the timetable by three days. You say it will also save money. The old process will cost $15-$20 and this new one will only cost $2-$3. Money will also be saved as the company that runs these test can hire someone at a much lower rate if they are not a skilled microbiologist. The training will only be one half day as opposed to years of education. One thing that I think is most important with the BioLumix system is that it will eliminate human error for the most part. Ruth, is this system already being used in the area? - Crystal Bray