Blood gas analyzers and systems including blood gas analyzers and uses thereof

Abstract

A blood gas analyzer (1) for measuring an analyte parameter in a blood sample, such as a whole blood sample, aspirated from a handheld blood sample container (100) into the blood gas analyzer (1) comprises a controller (8) and a sensor system (5) for detecting the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to an inlet structure (12a / b). An aspiration system is provided for aspirating the blood sample from the handheld blood sample container (100), which aspiration system can be connected to the handheld blood sample container (100). A user interface system is provided for outputting instructions to a user (102) of the blood gas analyzer (1), the instructions being selected from a set of pre-stored instructions. The controller (8) selects one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions based on an evaluation of signals obtained from the sensor system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to blood gas analyzers and systems for measuring analyte parameters in a blood sample, such as a whole blood sample. More specifically, the present invention relates to improvements to the user interface of a blood gas analyzer to facilitate user interaction with the blood gas analyzer, thereby improving safety and efficiency of use. BACKGROUND

[0002] Blood gas analyzers that measure physical parameters of analytes in a blood sample by means of analyte sensors are widely used in the medical and clinical industry. Blood gas analyzers used in conjunction with handheld blood sample containers typically comprise a suction point for contact with a front end of a handheld blood sample container. When a fluid flow path is established between the blood sample container and an internal flow conduit of the blood gas analyzer, a blood sample or a portion thereof can be aspirated to an analyte sensor.

[0003] Blood gas analysis is often performed by users, such as by nurses, who can not be professional users of blood gas analyzers, in the context of point-of-care (POC) measurement systems, also referred to as "bedside" systems in the art, and laboratory environments. In particular, it has been found that correct placement of a handheld blood sample container, such as a syringe or a capillary, by a user at an inlet structure of a blood gas analyzer when aspirating a blood sample into the blood gas analyzer is a challenging aspect. Incorrect positioning or misalignment of the blood sample container relative to the inlet structure not only causes delays and / or frustration in the daily work of the user, but can even result in loss of the blood sample or contamination of the blood gas analyzer or its surroundings.

[0004] To date, these issues have received little attention by developers and owners of blood gas analyzers, and, in many cases, users experiencing these issues have had to solve them on their own. In particular, inexperienced "novice" blood gas analyzer users often have to learn by doing before they gradually develop into expert users, which causes trouble, inconvenience and loss of efficiency. SUMMARY

[0005] Based on the above background, it is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a blood gas analyzer that facilitates user interaction therewith, in particular with respect to engagement of a handheld blood sample container with an inlet structure of the blood gas analyzer. It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a blood gas analyzer that is easy to use for both novice and expert users.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a blood gas analyzer for measuring analyte parameters in a blood sample aspirated from a handheld blood sample container into the blood gas analyzer, the blood gas analyzer comprising a controller, and:

[0007] - a sensor system comprising at least one sensor for detecting the presence, position and / or orientation of a handheld blood sample container relative to the inlet structure and for outputting at least one sensor signal indicative of the detected presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container;

[0008] - a suction system for aspirating a blood sample from the handheld blood sample container, the suction system comprising:

[0009] - an inlet structure for connecting to the handheld blood sample container;

[0010] - a user interface system comprising:

[0011] - an instruction output device for outputting instructions to a user of the blood gas analyzer;

[0012] - an electronic memory containing at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions;

[0013] wherein the controller is configured to:

[0014] - receive the at least one sensor signal indicative of the detected presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container relative to the inlet structure;

[0015] - select one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions based on an evaluation of the at least one sensor signal;

[0016] - cause the instruction output device to output the selected one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions at the instruction output device.

[0017] By detecting the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container relative to the inlet structure, information is obtained about the handheld blood sample container relative to the inlet structure of the aspiration system, based on which the controller can select one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions and subsequently provide the selected set of pre-stored instructions to the user via the instruction output device. Thereby, the blood gas analyzer of the present invention not only provides the user with instructions about the operation of the handheld blood sample container and / or components of the blood gas analyzer by the user, but also takes into account the sensor signals (i.e. the presence, position and / or orientation of the blood sample container) to accomplish such operation in a qualified manner. Thus, the selected set of pre-stored instructions can be matched to the specific assistance needs, which typically reflect the experience level of the user, as well as the specific challenges or problems encountered, such as misalignment of the handheld blood sample container or incomplete engagement with the aspiration point of the blood gas analyzer. Furthermore, the estimation about the level of assistance or guidance needed is made based on the current behavior of the user (i.e. based on what is happening at the time of the current interaction between the user and the analyzer) and not based on user information during previous interactions. This makes the system simple, as there is no need to access historical data. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the assistance provided is matched to the needs of the user in a given situation, such as the actual task being performed, the time of day, etc.

[0018] An advantage of the present invention is that it can adapt to the real-time actions and behavior of the user. Adaptive guidance based on the real-time behavior of the user can create value, as the sample handling approach of the same person can vary or differ depending on the situation and context. For example, in a stressful and critical situation where the life of a patient depends on a fast result, the handling of the same person can differ or deviate from the normal performance compared to a non-critical situation.

[0019] Thus, depending on the operation of the handheld blood sample container by the user relative to the inlet structure, the instructions are selected by the controller and presented to the user via the instruction output device, whereby, for example, instructions to further press the handheld blood sample container or to correct its alignment are only given if this is needed. Thus, inexperienced or inattentive users will receive sufficient guidance, while experienced and / or fully attentive users do not need detailed instructions about specific aspects of the operation, which work is not disturbed by unnecessary instructions that are not needed in a given situation. In this case, for example, the first instruction displayed can be to hold the handheld blood container in the current position if the sensor system detects that the handheld blood sample container is present, positioned and aligned correctly.

[0020] Herein, the presence, position and / or orientation of the blood sample container can specifically refer to the presence, position and / or orientation of the blood sample container relative to the inlet structure, e.g. relative to the mating structure, the aspiration point, the guide rod, the inlet of the blood gas analyzer, etc.

[0021] In this context, the term "blood gas analyzer" is to be interpreted as meaning a device capable of measuring an analyte parameter in a blood sample aspirated from a handheld blood sample container into the blood gas analyzer. For blood gas analysis, the blood gas analyzer may, for example, comprise the structure disclosed in WO 2017 / 108646 and operate according to the principles disclosed therein, which is incorporated herein by reference. The handheld blood sample container may, for example, comprise a syringe or a capillary known per se.

[0022] The blood sample may, for example, be a whole blood sample. In this context, the term "whole blood sample" is to be interpreted as meaning a blood sample having all components, including red and white blood cells, platelets and plasma. The blood can be derived from a human or an animal, e.g. a mammal.

[0023] The at least one sensor of the sensor system may, for example, comprise a proximity sensor. Examples of such proximity sensors include, but are not limited to, a Hall sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor, e.g. a photodiode-based sensor, a capacitive sensor or an inductive sensor. Since a Hall sensor is capable of sensing the proximity of a component, a Hall sensor is particularly suitable for detecting the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container in the inlet structure. Moreover, a Hall sensor can be provided as an inexpensive standard part.

[0024] Alternatively or in addition, the at least one sensor can comprise a vision-based system, e.g. comprising one or more cameras. In this case, based on images acquired by means of the vision-based system, it can be determined whether the handheld blood sample container is in the correct position and / or held in the correct orientation at the inlet structure. To this end, the vision-based system can compare the acquired images with an expected or correct position and / or orientation. Moreover, such a vision-based system can be used to determine the kind of blood sample container present at the inlet structure, e.g. to determine whether the blood sample container is a capillary or a syringe.

[0025] Alternatively or in addition, the at least one sensor of the sensor system can comprise a sensor detecting the presence of blood at the aspiration point. This indicates that a good contact has been established between the handheld blood sample container and the aspiration point and that the handheld blood sample container is thus positioned in the correct manner relative to the inlet structure.

[0026] Alternatively or in addition, other kinds of sensors can be applied, e.g. a force sensor, a mechanical switch, a motion sensor, etc.

[0027] Experience has shown that insufficient penetration of a handheld blood sample container into an inlet structure, which in some embodiments comprises a cavity surrounding the inlet structure, often leads to delays or operating errors. The sensor system can be configured to determine the position of the handheld blood sample container and / or a movable part of the inlet structure configured to come into contact with the handheld blood sample container relative to a fixed part of the blood gas analyzer and / or the inlet structure, in particular the penetration depth. In case of an insufficient penetration depth, the selected one of the set of pre-stored instructions can be an instruction to the user to push the handheld blood sample container further towards the blood gas analyzer.

[0028] The instruction output device of the blood gas analyzer may, for example, comprise but is not limited to devices known per se, such as a monitor providing instructions by text, images and / or video sequences, a loudspeaker providing sound instructions, such as speech or predetermined sound signals, a light, such as an indicator light, and the like.

[0029] The evaluation of the at least one sensor signal by the controller may, for example, comprise comparing the received sensor signal to a predetermined threshold value and selecting one of the set of pre-stored instructions depending on whether the received sensor signal is above or below the predetermined threshold value. For example, in case of an experienced user operating the blood gas analyzer, the received sensor signal may, for example, be above the predetermined threshold value. In case of a novice user operating the blood gas analyzer, the received sensor signal may, for example, be below the predetermined threshold value. In both cases, a corresponding one of the set of pre-stored instructions can be selected and the instruction output device can output the selected one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions accordingly.

[0030] In order to adapt the instructions provided to the user to the different professional levels of the user, the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions can comprise instructions of different levels of detail. For example, a first one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions can comprise instructions of a first level of detail for the user to interact with the blood gas analyzer, while a second one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions can comprise instructions of a second level of detail for the user to interact with the blood gas analyzer, the first level of detail being higher than the second level of detail.

[0031] In one aspect, the first level of detail may, for example, be tailored to match the needs of a novice user who is not completely familiar with the aspiration process of the blood gas analyzer. Such a user can need more detailed help to operate the blood gas analyzer and / or to complete his interaction with the handheld blood sample container. Thus, the set of pre-stored instructions may, for example, comprise detailed instructions on how to achieve a proper connection of the handheld blood sample container to the aspiration system.

[0032] On the other hand, the second level of detail can be suitable for an experienced user who is more familiar with the aspiration process of the blood gas analyzer and does not need overly detailed assistance. For example, the second of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions can not include further instructions on how to connect the handheld blood sample container to the aspiration system.

[0033] The second set of instructions with the lower level of detail can conveniently constitute a subset of the first set of instructions with the higher level of detail. Thus, memory resources can be saved in the sense that the second set of instructions can be stored as part of the first set of instructions, whereby the second set of instructions does not need separate storage space.

[0034] In order to facilitate the positioning of the handheld blood sample container by the user relative to the blood gas analyzer for proper aspiration of blood from the blood sample, the at least one sensor for detecting a position and / or an orientation of the handheld blood sample container relative to the inlet structure can be configured to detect a displacement of the receiving structure and / or a displacement of the handheld blood sample container relative to an aspiration point of the blood gas analyzer. The aspiration point of the aspiration system can be configured to be in contact with the front end of the handheld blood sample container, and the inlet structure can comprise a receiving structure for receiving at least a portion of the handheld blood sample container therein, the receiving structure and the aspiration point being arranged to establish a fluid flow path between the front end of the handheld blood sample container and the aspiration point upon a displacement of the receiving structure and / or a displacement of the handheld blood sample container relative to the aspiration point.

[0035] The evaluation of the at least one sensor signal can at least indicate whether the front end of the handheld blood sample container is in fluid communication with the aspiration point, and at least one of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions can comprise a signal instructing the user to push the handheld blood sample container further towards the aspiration point. At least one of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions can additionally or alternatively comprise a signal instructing the user to adjust an angle of the blood sample container relative to the inlet structure. In one embodiment, at least one of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions comprises a signal instructing the user to adjust an angle of the blood sample container relative to the inlet structure, followed by a signal instructing the user to push the handheld blood sample container. Thus, the controller can be configured to select a set of pre-stored instructions based on an evaluation of a detected displacement of the handheld blood sample container and / or a displaceable portion of the inlet structure relative to a fixed portion of the inlet structure, in which case at least one of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions can comprise instructions on how to adjust a position and / or an orientation of the handheld blood sample container.

[0036] For example, in case the evaluation indicates that the front end of the handheld blood sample container is not in fluid communication with the aspiration point, the controller may, for example, select a first of said at least two sets of pre-stored instructions. Thus, the first of said at least two sets of pre-stored instructions can comprise a signal instructing the user to push the handheld blood sample container further towards the aspiration point and / or to adjust the angle of the blood sample container relative to the inlet structure.

[0037] In case the evaluation indicates that the handheld blood sample container is fully connected to the aspiration point, the controller may, for example, select a second of said at least two sets of pre-stored instructions. Thus, since the handheld blood sample container is fully connected to the aspiration point, there is typically no need to instruct the user to push the handheld blood sample container further into the inlet structure nor to adjust the angle of the blood sample container relative to the inlet structure.

[0038] The at least one sensor of the inlet structure can comprise at least two sensors, a first sensor configured to detect that the handheld blood sample container is in a position in which the front end of the handheld blood sample container is not in fluid communication with the aspiration point, and a second sensor configured to detect that the handheld blood sample container is in a position in which the front end of the handheld blood sample container is in fluid communication with the aspiration point.

[0039] For example, the two sensors can be in the form of two Hall sensors, each of which detects a respective position of the handheld blood sample container, as described above. As an alternative, the first sensor can be a Hall sensor, and the second sensor can be a sensor detecting the presence of blood at the aspiration point.

[0040] The controller can use the detection of the presence of the handheld blood sample container to select a set of appropriate instructions for the user of the blood gas analyser. For example, if only the first of said at least two sensors detects the presence of the handheld blood sample container, this can indicate that the handheld blood sample container is not in fluid communication with the aspiration point. Accordingly, the controller may, for example, send a signal instructing the user to adjust the angle of the handheld blood sample container relative to the blood gas analyser and / or to push the handheld blood sample container further towards the aspiration point so that the aspiration system can aspirate blood from the handheld blood sample container.

[0041] If the second of said at least two sensors detects the presence of the handheld blood sample container, this can indicate that the handheld blood sample container is in fluid communication with the aspiration point. Accordingly, the controller may, for example, send a signal instructing the user to start the aspiration system, or instructing the blood gas analyser to automatically start the aspiration so that blood can be aspirated from the handheld blood sample container.

[0042] By using at least two sensors to detect the presence of the handheld blood sample container, it can be determined that the handheld blood sample container is in a position enabling the aspiration system to aspirate blood from the handheld blood sample container.

[0043] The aspiration system can comprise a pump controlled by the controller and operably connected to the at least one sensor of the inlet structure, and the controller can be configured to activate the pump only when the handheld blood sample container is detected to be in a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the inlet structure. Thus, the controller can activate the pump in case the at least one sensor detects that the handheld blood sample container is in a specific position and / or orientation relative to the inlet structure. Thereby it can be ensured that the pump is activated when the handheld blood sample container is in a position enabling the aspiration of blood from the handheld blood sample container. This can reduce the number of lost samples, thereby increasing the number of successful handheld measurements. Furthermore, it can reduce or eliminate the risk of cavitation in the internal liquid conduit of the blood gas analyzer.

[0044] For the selection of the instructions depending on specific characteristics of the handheld blood sample container, e.g. its type, e.g. syringe, capillary or vacuum blood collection tube, the inlet structure can comprise an interface allowing a user to manually input the characteristics of the handheld blood sample container, e.g. its type, e.g. syringe, capillary or vacuum blood collection tube, e.g. a touch screen button (e.g. as part of the instruction output device) or a mechanical button.

[0045] For the selection of the instructions depending on specific characteristics of the handheld blood sample container, e.g. its type, e.g. syringe, capillary or vacuum blood collection tube, the inlet structure can comprise an interface for automatically determining at least one characteristic of the handheld blood sample container. Suitable identifiers of the handheld blood sample container can comprise one or more of at least one radio frequency (RF) tag, a Bluetooth transmitter, other types of wireless devices, a protrusion or recess in the outer surface of the handheld blood sample container, or any other mechanically detectable part of the handheld blood sample container, specific external dimensions of the handheld blood sample container or a part thereof, or a machine readable code, e.g. a quick reader (QR) code or a bar code. The interface for automatically determining at least one characteristic of the handheld blood sample container can comprise any suitable receiver or sensor for determining any of the above mentioned characteristics.

[0046] The instruction output device can comprise a monitor and the pre-stored instruction set can comprise an animated video sequence. In this context, the term "animated video sequence" is to be interpreted as referring to a sequence in which visual elements are manipulated to appear as moving images. Animation can be made with computer-generated imagery. The visual effects of animation can be achieved by rapidly presenting a series of consecutive images that differ from each other only slightly. For example, the animated video sequence can show the recommended adjustment of the handheld blood sample container from the user's perspective. Furthermore, the animated video sequence can be generated to enhance the user's perception of any particular action and / or to provide haptic feedback associated with any such action to the user, and to show the envisaged action from various perspectives. The animated video sequence can be generated to simulate the actual situation presented to the user, i.e. to look like the task at hand.

[0047] In addition to comprising an inlet structure to receive a handheld blood sample container, the blood gas analyzer can be adapted to handle blood sample containers that are not handheld but are handled in an automated manner. For example, the analyzer can comprise a sampler bed containing one or more slots, each slot being configured to receive a sampler containing a blood sample. In case the sampler bed comprises two or more slots, the analyzer can further be adapted to perform simultaneous handling of two or more samples, including handling of a queue of samples and keeping track of which information is associated with which sample. At a given point in time, the samples can not be handled in the same way. For example, while one sample is analyzed, one or more other samples can be waiting in the queue for analysis.

[0048] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for measuring an analyte parameter in a blood sample, the system comprising a blood gas analyzer and a handheld blood sample container; the blood gas analyzer comprising:

[0049] - a controller;

[0050] - a sensor system comprising at least one sensor for detecting the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container relative to the inlet structure and outputting at least one sensor signal indicative of the detected presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container;

[0051] - a suction system for aspirating a blood sample from the handheld blood sample container, the suction system comprising:

[0052] - an inlet structure for connecting to the handheld blood sample container;

[0053] - a user interface system comprising:

[0054] - an instruction output device for outputting instructions to a user of the blood gas analyzer;

[0055] - an electronic memory containing at least two sets of pre-stored instructions;

[0056] wherein the controller of the blood gas analyzer is configured to:

[0057] - receive the at least one sensor signal indicative of the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container in the inlet structure;

[0058] - select one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions based on an evaluation of the at least one sensor signal;

[0059] - cause the instruction output device to output the selected one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions at the instruction output device.

[0060] The blood gas analyzer can in particular comprise a blood gas analyzer as described in the first aspect of the invention, including any embodiment of a blood gas analyzer disclosed herein. Accordingly, the discussion given above with reference to the first aspect of the invention equally applies to the system of the second aspect of the invention.

[0061] The inlet structure can comprise an interface for automatically determining at least one feature of the handheld blood sample container. Accordingly, the handheld blood sample container can comprise an identifier identifying at least one feature thereof, and the blood gas analyzer can comprise a data acquisition device for deriving the at least one feature from the identifier of the blood sample container. According to this embodiment, each feature of the handheld blood sample container is preferably determined by a unique identifier of the feature. A suitable identifier of the handheld blood sample container can comprise one or more of at least one radio frequency (RF) tag, a Bluetooth transmitter, other type of wireless device, a protrusion or recess in an outer surface of the handheld blood sample container, or any other mechanically detectable portion thereof, a specific outer dimension of the handheld blood sample container or a portion thereof, or a machine-readable code such as a quick reader (QR) code or a bar code. The interface for automatically determining at least one feature of the handheld blood sample container can comprise any suitable receiver or sensor for determining any of the above-mentioned features.

[0062] The handheld blood sample container can for example comprise a syringe, a capillary tube or a vacuum blood collection tube. The aforementioned features of the handheld blood sample container can for example comprise any feature of its type, such as a numerical identifier recognizable by the controller, or a dimension or volume thereof.

[0063] The present application also provides a use of a system as described in the second aspect of the present application for point-of-care (POC) measurement of an analyte parameter in a blood sample. POC measurement is also referred to as "bedside" measurement in the art. In this context, the term "point-of-care measurement" is to be understood as referring to a measurement that is performed in close proximity to the patient, i.e. not in a laboratory. Thus, according to this embodiment, the user of the blood gas analyzer performs the measurement of the blood sample in the handheld blood sample container in close proximity to the patient from which the blood sample was drawn, e.g. in the patient's room where the patient is accommodated on a bed, or in a nearby room of the same hospital department. In such a use, the professional level of the user often varies greatly, possibly between a novice level and an experienced level, and therefore the ability of the blood gas analyzer to automatically output instructions that match the skill of each user based on sensor input is particularly beneficial in such an environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] The present application will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0065] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a blood gas analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 2 is a side view of a blood gas analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figures 3-10 shows a visual instruction presented by a blood gas analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a blood gas analyzer 1 having a controller 8, one or more analyte sensors 3(a-i) and 4, a measurement chamber 2, and a fluid handling infrastructure 20. For performing a measurement, a user can provide a blood sample at an inlet structure 12a / b of the blood gas analyzer 1 using a handheld blood sample container 100 (see Figures 3-10 Upon connecting the handheld blood sample container to the inlet structure 12a / b, the sensor system 5 detects the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container. From the sensor system 5, a sensor signal is provided to the controller 8 regarding the detected presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample. The controller 8 evaluates whether the detected sensor signal is indicative of the handheld blood sample container 100 being in fluid communication with the aspiration point.

[0069] In case the evaluation indicates that the handheld blood sample container 100 is not fully connected with the aspiration point, the controller 8 may, for example, select a first of at least two sets of pre-stored instructions stored in the electronic memory 8a and output the selected set of pre-stored instructions on an output device, such as the monitor 30. The first of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions may, for example, comprise a signal instructing the user to further push the handheld blood sample container towards the aspiration point, thereby providing the user with further assistance on how to operate the blood gas analyzer 1 and the handheld blood sample container 100. The first of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions may, for example, be tailored to match the needs of a novice user who is not fully familiar with the operation of the blood gas analyzer 1.

[0070] If the evaluation of the sensor signals provided by the sensor system 5 by the controller indicates that the handheld blood sample container is fully connected with the aspiration point, the controller 8 may, for example, select a second of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions. Thus, the output of the first set of instructions is not required when the handheld blood sample container is fully connected with the aspiration point. The output of the first set of instructions may, thus, be omitted.

[0071] The sensor 5 may, for example, comprise at least two sensors, wherein a first sensor may, for example, detect the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container 100 in a position in which the handheld blood sample container 100 is not in fluid communication with the aspiration point. A second sensor may, for example, detect the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container in a position in which the handheld blood sample container is in fluid communication with the aspiration point. Thus, the first or the second sensor may, for example, send a sensor signal to the controller 8 depending on the detected position of the handheld blood sample container 100.

[0072] The blood sample is transferred from the aspiration point through the inlet 6 to the measurement chamber 2 containing a plurality of analyte sensors 3 and 4. The analyte sensors 3 and 4 are arranged to provide a measurement of an analyte parameter in the blood sample. The analyte sensors 3 and 4 generate a signal representative of a physical parameter of the respective analyte and provide the signal to the controller 8. The controller 8 is adapted to receive and process the signals from the analyte sensors 3 and 4 and present the processed signals as output on the monitor 30 to the user. As Figure 1As shown, the fluid handling infrastructure 20 comprises a plurality of reservoirs 21 pre-filled with process liquids, e.g. for flushing / cleaning, calibration and quality control tasks. The precise composition of a given process liquid can be stored in the chip 25. The process liquid for a given process step can be selected by a fluid selection valve 22 and delivered to the measurement chamber 2 via a suction point by a feed line 12c. The correct filling of the measurement chamber 2 is monitored by means of liquid sensors 10(a-c), e.g. at the suction point, at the outlet of the measurement chamber 2 and after the measurement device 9. The fluid flowing through the blood gas analyzer 1 is driven by a pump 23, which is connected to the measurement device 9 via a fluid line 13. The discharged process fluid is delivered to a waste reservoir 24 by a fluid line 14.

[0073] Figure 2 is a side view of an inlet structure of a blood gas analyzer. Figure 2 The blood gas analyzer of Figure 1 may be identical to the blood gas analyzer of Figure 1 . Thus, the explanations given above with reference to apply equally here. The blood gas analyzer further has a fixed part 12d and a movable part 12e. The sensor 5 of the blood gas analyzer can be configured to detect the position, in particular the penetration depth, of the movable part 12e of the inlet structure 12a / b of the blood gas analyzer in contact with and / or relative to the handheld blood sample container 100 and / or the fixed part 12d of the blood gas analyzer. In case the detected penetration depth is insufficient, the blood gas analyzer can select a set of pre-stored instructions instructing the user to push the handheld blood sample container further towards the blood gas analyzer, thereby ensuring that the handheld blood sample container is properly inserted into the inlet structure 12a / b.

[0074] Figures 3-10 shows an example of instructions presented by a blood gas analyzer. A user 102 connects a handheld blood sample container 100 to the inlet structure 12a / b of a blood gas analyzer 1. Such a handheld blood sample container 100 can for example comprise a syringe or a capillary. The sensor system 5 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) of the blood gas analyzer can detect the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container 100 and select a set of pre-stored instructions in the manner explained above with reference to Figure 1 . In Figures 3-10 embodiments, the instructions displayed on the monitor 30 instruct the user 102 to push the handheld blood sample container 100 into the inlet structure 12a / b of the blood gas analyzer 1. In Figure 4In the middle, the blood gas analyzer 1 instructs the user 102 to adjust the angular orientation of the handheld blood sample container 100 while the blood gas analyzer 1 instructs the user 102 to push the handheld blood sample container 100 into the inlet structure 12a / b of the blood gas analyzer 1. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the middle, the blood gas analyzer instructs the user 102 to continue pushing the handheld blood sample container 100 into the inlet structure 12a / b of the blood gas analyzer 1 while the user 102 is drawing blood.

[0075] Upon detection of the position of the handheld blood sample container 100 by the sensor system 5, the blood gas analyzer 1 starts to draw a blood sample from the handheld blood sample container 100, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 Upon completion of the drawing, the blood gas analyzer 1 instructs the user 102 to remove the handheld blood sample container 100 from the blood gas analyzer 1, as shown in Figure 9 and starts the measurement of the blood sample, see Figure 10 .

[0076] In case the sensor system 5 indicates to the user that it can be difficult to push the handheld blood sample container 100 to a penetration depth sufficient for its front end to reach the drawing point inside the blood gas analyzer, the controller selects the instructions as shown in Figures 3-7 However, if the sensor system 5 indicates to the user that it is easy to push the handheld blood sample container 100 to a position in which it is in fluid communication with the internal flow conduit of the blood gas analyzer, only the instructions as shown in Figures 7-10 are selected. Thus, it is to be understood that the set of instructions shown in Figures 3-7 shows a first set of instructions having a first, higher level of detail, which matches the skills and experience of a novice user who is inexperienced. Figures 7-10 The subset of instructions shown in Figures 3-6 shows a second set of instructions having a second, lower level of detail, which matches the skills and experience of an experienced user.

[0077] In case the instructions comprise video instructions, e.g. animated video instructions, the subset of video instructions having the first, higher level of detail can be longer, i.e. contain more details, more frames and / or be played at a slower speed, than the subset of video instructions having the second, lower level of detail.

Claims

1. A blood gas analyzer (1) for measuring an analyte parameter in a blood sample aspirated from a handheld blood sample container (100) into the blood gas analyzer (1), the blood gas analyzer (1) comprising a controller (8) and: - a sensor system comprising at least one sensor (5) for detecting a presence, a position and / or an orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to an inlet structure (12a / b) and for outputting at least one sensor signal indicative of the detected presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100); - an aspiration system for aspirating a blood sample from the handheld blood sample container (100), the aspiration system comprising: - an inlet structure (12a / b) for connecting to the handheld blood sample container (100); - a user interface system comprising: - an instruction output device for outputting instructions to a user (102) of the blood gas analyzer (1); - an electronic memory (8a) containing at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions, wherein a first set of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions comprises instructions of a first level of detail for the user’s (102) interaction with the blood gas analyzer (1), and wherein a second set of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions comprises instructions of a second level of detail for the user’s (102) interaction with the blood gas analyzer (1), the first level of detail being higher than the second level of detail; wherein the controller (8) is configured to: - receive the at least one sensor signal indicative of the detected presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to the inlet structure (12a / b); - select one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions based on an evaluation of the at least one sensor signal; - cause the instruction output device to output the selected one of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions at the instruction output device.

2. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the first set of the at least two sets of pre-stored instructions further comprises user instructions instructing the user (102) to adjust the position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to the inlet structure (12a / b).

3. The blood gas analyzer (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein - the aspiration system comprises an aspiration point for contact with a front end of the handheld blood sample container (100); - the inlet structure (12a / b) comprises a receiving structure for receiving at least a portion of the handheld blood sample container (100) therein, the receiving structure and the aspiration point being arranged to form a fluid flow path between the front end of the handheld blood sample container (100) and the aspiration point upon displacement of the receiving structure and / or upon displacement of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to the aspiration point; and wherein - the at least one sensor (5) for detecting the position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to the inlet structure (12a / b) is configured to detect the displacement of the receiving structure and / or the displacement of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to the aspiration point.

4. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The evaluation of the at least one sensor signal is indicative of at least whether the front end of the handheld blood sample container (100) is in fluid communication with the suction point, and wherein at least one of the at least two sets of pre-stored user instructions comprises a signal instructing the user (102) to further push the handheld blood sample container (100) towards the suction point.

5. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one sensor (5) of the inlet structure (12a / b) comprises at least two sensors (5), wherein a first sensor is configured to detect the presence of the handheld blood sample container (100) in a position in which the front end of the handheld blood sample container (100) is not in fluid communication with the suction point, and wherein a second sensor is configured to detect the presence of the handheld blood sample container (100) in a position in which the front end of the handheld blood sample container (100) is in fluid communication with the suction point.

6. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least one of the at least one sensor (5) for detecting the presence, position and / or orientation of the handheld blood sample container (100) relative to the inlet structure (12a / b) comprises a Hall sensor.

7. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The suction system comprises a pump (23) controlled by the controller (8) and operably connected to the at least one sensor (5) of the inlet structure (12a / b), and wherein the controller (8) is configured to activate the pump (23) only when the handheld blood sample container (100) is detected to be in a predetermined position and / or orientation relative to the inlet structure (12a / b).

8. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inlet structure (12a / b) comprises an interface for automatically determining at least one feature of the handheld blood sample container (100).

9. The blood gas analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The instruction output means comprises a monitor (30), and wherein the set of pre-stored instructions comprises an animated video sequence.

10. A system for measuring an analyte parameter in a blood sample, comprising a blood gas analyzer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1-9 and a handheld blood sample container (100).

11. The system of claim 10, wherein, The inlet structure (12a / b) comprises an interface for automatically determining at least one feature of the handheld blood sample container (100).

12. The system of claim 11, wherein, The handheld blood sample container (100) comprises an identifier identifying at least one feature, and wherein the blood gas analyzer (1) comprises data acquisition means for deriving the at least one feature from the identifier of the blood sample container (100).

13. The system of any one of claims 10-11, wherein, The handheld blood sample container (100) comprises at least one of a syringe and a capillary.

14. Use of the system according to any one of claims 10-11 for point-of-care (POC) measurement of an analyte parameter in a blood sample.

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