Erin Coffman

Title: Innovator Spotlight: Erin Coffman

Introduction

Erin Coffman is a notable inventor based in Nashua, NH (US), recognized for her contributions to the field of medical diagnostics. With a total of five patents to her name, she has made significant strides in improving cervical health screening methods.

Latest Patents

Coffman's latest patents include a groundbreaking method of partial lysis and assay. This innovative approach describes a process of treating a sample comprising cells through partial lysing. Cells are subjected to techniques such as bead beating, which lyses some cells in the mixture. The resultant sample mixture is suitable for both cell morphology screening and genetic screening. A first portion of the partially lysed sample can be mounted on a slide for observation of atypical cells and cytologic abnormalities. Meanwhile, a second portion can be screened for genetic markers associated with cervical cancer risk. This method is particularly beneficial for cervical screening, as it combines cytology and genetic screening to provide a comprehensive view of cervical health. The disclosed method streamlines the diagnostic process for protocols requiring both types of assays without compromising screening accuracy.

Career Highlights

Coffman is currently employed at Hologic, Inc., a company renowned for its focus on women's health. Her work has been instrumental in advancing diagnostic techniques that enhance patient care and outcomes.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Erin has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Steven Hecht and Paul MacLean. These partnerships have contributed to the development of her innovative methods and have fostered a collaborative environment for research and development.

Conclusion

Erin Coffman exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the medical field, particularly in cervical health diagnostics. Her contributions through her patents and collaborations continue to pave the way for advancements in women's health.