System for analyzing blood sample using improved optoelectronic system

Abstract

There is described a system (1) for analysis of a blood sample, comprising at least one detection unit (4) configured to perform an optical absorption measurement of a blood sample contained in a tube (P), moving means (4m) configured to cause a relative movement between the detection unit (4) and the tube (P), and a processing unit (C); the processing unit (C) is suitably configured to command the detection unit (4) to perform at least two different optical absorption measurements on the blood sample, where, in each measurement, the processing unit (C) is programmed to set a respective parameter of the detection unit (4), said parameter being different in each measurement; the processing unit is programmed to create, for each of the different measurements, a reading curve (L) corresponding to the absorption of the radiation emitted by the detection unit (4) from the relative movement between the detection unit (4) and the tube (P); the processing unit is programmed to compare the different reading curves based on one or more references; the processing unit is programmed to select, based on the comparison, a single reading curve (Lopt) among the different reading curves, and the processing unit is programmed to estimate, starting from the selected optimal single reading curve (Lopt), a desired measurement parameter (e.g., a parameter for the measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate).

Description

[0001] manual Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for analyzing biological samples, in particular for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate in blood samples. The following description relates to this field of application, the sole purpose of which is to simplify the discussion thereof. Background Art

[0003] The measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a very common laboratory test used to quickly identify inflammatory processes. Specifically, the rate at which red blood cells in a blood sample fall to the bottom of a tube is assessed.

[0004] As is known in the art, the standard method for calculating ESR is the Westergreen method, which involves diluting the blood to be analyzed with sodium citrate in a graduated tube and measuring the precipitate formed after one hour. Thus, the calculation method envisages the use of dedicated tubes and a predetermined time.

[0005] There are instruments that can measure ESR on standard tubes (such as normal blood cell counting tubes), where by measuring the optical absorption of the blood sample in the tube, a measurement value that conforms to the reference value of the above-mentioned Westergreen method can be obtained. In this case, the measurement is carried out in a relatively short time, for example, the blood sample is allowed to stabilize for about a few minutes before the last reading is taken.

[0006] In such instruments it is very important to obtain an absorption curve that is free of artifacts and irregularities (or at least has them to a very low level) and has such intensity and noise values ​​that an accurate analysis is guaranteed.

[0007] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to devise a system having structural and functional characteristics capable of overcoming the limitations and drawbacks of the related prior art and in particular of creating reading curves of always high quality. Summary of the invention

[0008] The underlying solution concept of the present invention is to develop a system suitable for analyzing blood samples in tubes (also blood cell counting standard tubes) by optical absorption measurement, wherein at least one optoelectronic unit is configured to acquire a plurality of absorption curves related to a determined sample (each curve is acquired under different conditions), while the processing unit is programmed for automatically selecting a single curve having one or more desired determined characteristics (e.g. specific shape characteristics, signal / noise ratio, etc.) among the various absorption curves obtained, in order to estimate a desired quantity (e.g. ESR) starting from said optimal curve.

[0009] Based on the solution concept, the above technical problem is solved by a system for the analysis of a blood sample, the system comprising at least one detection unit configured to perform an optical absorption measurement on a blood sample contained in a tube, a moving device configured to cause a relative movement between the detection unit and the tube, and a processing unit configured to command the detection unit to perform at least two different optical absorption measurements on the blood sample, wherein in each measurement the processing unit is programmed to set corresponding parameters of the detection unit (e.g. radiation emission and / or detection parameters of said detection unit, as well as single parameters), said parameters being different in each measurement; and the processing unit is programmed to, for said different measurements, perform at least two different optical absorption measurements on the blood sample. For each of them, a reading curve corresponding to the absorption of radiation emitted by the detection unit is created according to the relative movement between the detection unit and the tube; the processing unit is programmed to compare the different reading curves based on one or more benchmarks (thus, the comparison is made among the curves or between a single curve and a benchmark, without particular limitation); the processing unit is programmed to select a single reading curve among the different reading curves based on the comparison (the selected single reading curve is also referred to as the optimal reading curve), and the processing unit is programmed to estimate the desired measurement parameters (e.g., parameters for the measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate) starting from the selected optimal single reading curve.

[0010] More particularly, the present invention comprises the following additional and optional features, which may be used alone or in combination as necessary.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit can be configured to discard reading curves that were not selected.

[0012] According to an aspect of the invention, the reference can correspond to a width value of the curve.

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, the reference can correspond to a form factor (or form factor) of the reading curve, wherein the reference can be stored in a storage unit of the processing unit.

[0014] According to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit can be configured to compare the obtained reading curve with a reference curve model.

[0015] According to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit can be configured to perform the comparison by executing an automatic learning procedure based on machine learning and / or artificial intelligence techniques (eg based on neural networks).

[0016] According to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit can be configured to obtain four reading curves for each blood sample.

[0017] According to aspects of the invention, the detection unit can include at least one emitter and a corresponding detector, which are arranged to illuminate the tube and collect the radiation after it passes through the tube, wherein the emitter is configured to emit radiation having an infrared or visible light wavelength, or to emit radiation having any substantially suitable wavelength.

[0018] According to an aspect of the invention, in each different measurement the processing unit may be configured to set a corresponding different value, in particular a different intensity value, of the radiation emitted by the emitter of the detection unit.

[0019] According to an aspect of the invention, the detection unit can be arranged on a moving device configured to move said detection unit along the longitudinal axis of the pipe to allow acquiring a plurality of measurement points along said longitudinal axis.

[0020] According to aspects of the invention, the system can include a support configured to support the tube, and a shaking element configured to shake the tube.The support and the shaking element can be separate components, or they can also be a single component.

[0021] According to aspects of the invention, the support for the tubes can be included in a movable chain structure defining a closed path for the tubes, the chain structure comprising a plurality of supports for a corresponding plurality of tubes movable integrally with the chain structure in an advancing direction.

[0022] According to aspects of the present invention, the system can include four detection units arranged along a chain structure, such that each of the four detection units is configured to analyze the tube moved by the chain structure at a corresponding moment in time, wherein the processing unit can be configured to perform selection of a single reading curve for each of the four detection units.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present invention, the shaking element may include a guide engaged with a portion of the chain structure, the guide being constructed from parts connected to each other and configured to rotate around an axis parallel to the advancing direction of the tube, the shaking element including a motorized device configured to move the guide and thereby drag the portion of the chain structure engaged with the guide to cause the portion to rotate.

[0024] According to aspects of the present invention, based on a selected single reading curve, the processing unit can be further configured to define an ideal curve of a trapezoidal type adapted to approximate the selected reading curve, perform an optimization procedure on the selected ideal curve to generate an optimized ideal curve, and be configured to generate parameters indicating the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the blood sample contained in the tube based on the optimization procedure.

[0025] According to an aspect of the invention, the processing unit can be configured to perform the optimization of the ideal curve by least-squares minimization according to the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

[0026] Characteristics and advantages of the system according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of indicative and non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In said drawings: - Figure 1 is an overall scheme of a system for analyzing a blood sample according to the present invention; - Figure 2 is a perspective view of an optical detection unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 3 is a top view of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a shaking element for a tube according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pipe holder and a moving system thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention; - Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is an example of a reading curve obtained using the system of the present invention; and - Figure 7 is an example of a trapezoidal type theoretical curve adapted to approximate a true reading curve in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 A system for analyzing a blood sample according to the invention is schematically shown as a whole.

[0029] It should be noted that the drawings represent schematic views and are not always drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize important features of the invention. Furthermore, in the drawings, various elements are shown in a schematic manner, and their shapes may vary depending on the desired application. It should also be noted that in the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to elements that are identical in shape or function. Finally, specific features described in connection with the embodiments shown in the drawings may also be used in other embodiments shown in other drawings.

[0030] It should also be noted that unless explicitly stated, the process steps described can also be performed in reverse if necessary.

[0031] The present invention provides a system for the analysis of a blood sample, in particular (but not limited to) measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in a blood sample contained in a tube (identified by reference numeral P, not limited to a specific type). Tube P can indeed also be a normal blood cell counting tube, but it should be noted that the inventive aspects described herein are not limited to the above-mentioned type of tube.

[0032] In its most general form, the invention provides a system capable of obtaining, by absorption of radiation, a reading curve, said curve always being of good quality, making it easy to carry out subsequent analysis steps on said curve.

[0033] In order to be able to implement the operational objectives of the present invention, the system 1 includes a processing or control unit (identified by the reference numeral C), which includes a suitable storage unit MEM and is appropriately programmed and designated for its management, automatic control and analysis of measurement data. The processing unit C can be, for example, a computerized unit integrated inside or outside the system and operably connected to the system. In addition, it should be noted that the processing unit C can be a single unit or can be composed of multiple local and / or remote units, which may communicate with each other, each of which is designated to perform a specific operation. Therefore, the processing unit C is able to control the system 1 to obtain the required analysis of the blood sample. In any case, the present invention is by no means limited to the structure for the control unit C, which can generally be any suitable computerized unit, which contains one or more units according to the needs and / or environment.

[0034] It should also be noted that the term "system 1" refers to a general analytical device equipped with a suitable housing and comprising a plurality of components cooperating with each other to obtain the desired measurement and calculation operations, said device being by no means limited to a particular type.

[0035] In any case, the invention will be described below with reference to a specific example in which a tube P containing a sample to be analyzed is moved through a chain system along various reading stations, even though, as mentioned above, the teaching described herein is not limited to this embodiment and is also applicable to many other types of devices with different configurations.

[0036] Reference Figure 1 , the system 1 comprises, in its most general form, a support 2 for housing at least one tube P containing a blood sample to be analyzed. In particular, the system 1 comprises a plurality of supports 2 for housing a corresponding plurality of tubes 2.

[0037] The system 1 also comprises a shaking element 3 configured to shake the tube P and thus configured to allow a subsequent evaluation of the sedimentation process. The shaking element 3 is not limited to a specific configuration and depends mainly on the type of support used to accommodate and possibly move the tube. It will be illustrated hereinafter by way of example that the shaking element 3 cooperates with a movable chain structure on which the tube P is arranged, but the scope of protection is not limited to this configuration; indeed it should be noted that when the tube is arranged on other types of supports, such as circular plate supports, then the shaking device will be significantly different and adapted to the specific case.

[0038] Then, at least one optical detection unit (indicated with reference numeral 4 , also referred to below as reading unit or optoelectronic unit) is configured to perform optical measurements on the blood sample contained in the tube P, in particular optical absorption measurements.

[0039] In particular, the detection unit 4 comprises at least one emitter 4' and an associated detector 4'', which are arranged to illuminate the tube P with electromagnetic radiation and to collect the radiation after it has passed through the tube P. The emitter 4' is preferably an LED configured to emit substantially white light, so that the presence of labels on the tube P (and other external factors) does not affect the measurement. Obviously, the emitter 4' is not limited to the above-mentioned types, for example it can be any light source configured to emit radiation of any suitable wavelength, so that the detector 4' can be selected accordingly. For example, the emitter 4' can be an LED configured to emit infrared or visible wavelengths (or in general any suitable wavelength), but also can be configured to emit any type and any suitable wavelength of laser light (so that light sources with different coherence characteristics can be used).

[0040] The detection unit 4 thus allows, by means of an absorption measurement of the blood sample in the tube P, to obtain a reading curve which serves as a starting point for a calculation procedure which will be described in detail below.

[0041] Suitable movement means 4m are also provided, which are configured to cause a relative movement between the detection unit 4 and the tube P during the optical absorption measurement, so as to illuminate said tube P in different parts, so as to obtain n discrete measurement points (indicated by the subscript i) forming a reading curve. In particular, the movement means 4m are configured to cause a step movement of the detection unit 4 (e.g. a lifting and lowering movement relative to the longitudinal axis HH of the tube P). As will be explained in detail below, the obtained reading curve represents the detected light intensity according to reading steps (the steps may be switchable at an instant).

[0042] like Figure 2A non-limiting example of a reading unit 4 is shown, said moving means 4m being able to comprise a trolley moved by a suitable motor unit 4mu (comprising its own control drive board, also indicated with reference numeral 4mu). Thus, the detection unit 4 (in particular the emitter 4' and the detector 4'') are arranged on the trolley 4m, allowing the detection unit 4 to be moved in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis HH of the pipe P and thus allowing a plurality of measurement points to be acquired along said longitudinal axis HH. In this example, the motor unit 4mu moves the headless screw 4v, which in turn causes the movement of the trolley 4m. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 4 , both the emitter 4 ′ and the detector 4 ″ are moved by a trolley 4 m which is suitably shaped to allow the tube to be accommodated in a substantially central position of the trolley ( Figure 2 All of the above components are supported by the support member 4s, which thus serves as a load-bearing structure of the detection unit 4.

[0043] However, it should be noted that the present invention is by no means limited to the configuration of the detection unit 4, and thus any other suitable configuration may be adopted, such as a suitable configuration with regard to the movement of the detector / emitter or its arrangement.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, when there are multiple reading units, relevant calibration (alignment) can be performed between the various reading units by adjusting the positioning of the emitter / detector relative to a test tube (not shown in the figure), acting on the adjustment device to adjust the reading curve relative to the reference provided by the test tube, especially to adjust the detected light intensity.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 3 As mentioned above, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the system 1 comprises a chain structure 10 on which the support 2 for the pipe P is formed. The chain structure 10 is movable and defines a closed path for the pipe P, which is substantially located in a horizontal plane, for example parallel to the surface on which the system 1 is located.

[0046] The chain structure 10 comprises a plurality of parts connected to each other, each part providing support for a corresponding pipe P. In an embodiment, the chain parts 10 are connected to each other by ball joints and are rotatable relative to each other.

[0047] The support 2 of the tube P is thus contained in a movable chain structure 10 defining a closed analysis path for the tube P, the chain structure 10 comprising a plurality of supports corresponding to a plurality of tubes P, so that the chain structure 10 moves integrally with the tubes P.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the system 1 comprises at least two detection units, preferably four detection units, arranged along the chain structure 10, such that each of the four detection units is configured to analyze the pipe P moved by the chain structure 10 at a specific instant when the pipe passes through the detection unit (and the sensor is appropriately raised / lowered by the motor unit).

[0049] In particular, the first detection unit 4a acquires a first reading curve shortly after shaking the tube (thus taking a reference reading), while the second reading unit 4b, arranged at a different position along the chain 10, takes measurements after a certain settling time (in particular after 20 minutes) of the tube P. Optionally, there can also be two further detection units, which are arranged at intermediate points of the chain structure 10, in order to also take measurements at intermediate instants (for example at 12 minutes and 17 minutes).

[0050] In short, in Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the analysis module M of the system 1 comprises a chain structure 10 which can have, for example, eighty-nine recesses into which the tubes P are inserted, which rotate freely at their connection points. The chain 10 rotates clockwise inside the analysis module by two traction wheels 10t driven by a motor unit 10m, transferring the tubes P to the shaking unit and then to the photoelectric unit.

[0051] The movement speed of the chain structure 10 is set to allow the sample to stabilize for 20 minutes before taking the last reading. There are preferably four reading units in the analysis module: the first reader is located directly after the shaking element, the second reader is located at the position where the sample is read after 12 minutes, the third reader is located at the position corresponding to the analysis time equal to 17 minutes, and the fourth reader is located near the sample output position with a reading time equal to 20 minutes.

[0052] As previously mentioned, prior to taking a blood sample reading, the tube is shaken by a shaking or mixing element, generally indicated by reference numeral 3. Figure 4 As shown, the rocking element 3 can include a guide 3g engaged with a portion of the chain structure 10 (e.g. a side rail), which, as seen above, is constructed from various parts connected to each other and is configured to rotate around an axis YY parallel to the direction of advancement of the pipe P. In addition, there is a suitable motorized device 3m, which is configured to move the guide 3g through a suitable gear system and thus drag the portion of the chain structure 10 engaged with the guide so that it rotates. This essentially creates a guide pad system, which allows the pipe P to be rocked. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in the non-limiting example of , the guide 3 g is formed by two flanges 3 f (for example circular) which move integrally by means of motorized means 3 m.

[0053] As mentioned several times, the invention is not limited to the structure of the components of the system 1, and many other embodiments are possible. For example, in embodiments not shown in the figures, the support 2 and the shaking element 3 can also be a single component of any suitable shape adapted to support and shake the pipe P.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 5 In some embodiments, the system 1 can further include a gripper 6 moved by a suitable device 6m (controlled by a suitable control device), and the gripper 6 is configured to take the tube P from a corresponding rack (not shown in the figure) and arrange the tube P in the support 2 on the chain structure 10.

[0055] There can also be a housing area containing racks of the various tubes P to be analyzed, and there can also be control means configured to verify the correct positioning of the various racks in said housing area. There are also cameras that acquire images of the racks, and after processing said images, a processing unit can verify the presence of the tubes in the racks and their position, thus being able to communicate this information to the control means of the gripper 6.

[0056] In any case, as described above, whatever the way the tube P is supported and moved, the invention envisages processing the signal from the detection unit 4 (indicated by the reference numeral Sgn), which contains information on the radiation absorption of the blood sample, by the processing unit C to create and subsequently process the reading curve.

[0057] In particular, based on said signal Sgn, the processing unit C is configured to first create a reading curve (indicated by reference numeral L) corresponding to the real absorption of the radiation emitted by the detection unit 4. As previously mentioned, the reading curve L comprises n measurement points acquired according to the relative movement between the detection unit 4 and the tube P, such as Figure 2 As shown, for example, it is obtained by stepping the motorized trolley 4m supporting the detection unit 4. In other words, the experimental reading curve L is composed of n points (ie, L i , i=0,…,n-1).

[0058] As mentioned above, the reading curve L is obtained immediately after shaking the tube (reference tube) and then after a specific sedimentation time (up to 20 minutes) to provide information about the sedimentation process of the blood sample in the tube P. In general, the reading curve L shows a clear change in the measured radiation intensity during the transition from plasma to precipitate, especially the higher radiation absorption rate at the precipitate, which causes a decrease in the detected light intensity. There is then a plateau up to the bottom of the tube, such as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown in the embodiment of , it shows an example of a reading curve obtained by the detection unit 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] More specifically, in the readings subsequent to the baseline reading, i.e. the readings occurring after a certain settling time, it is possible to note a drop in intensity caused by radiation absorption occurring at point t1 after point t0 at which the first baseline reading occurred (at a subsequent motor step and therefore at a subsequent instant in time), due to the precipitation formed after a certain period of time (e.g. Figure 6B As shown in the example in , the starting point of the plateau due to the sedimentation of blood cells and the resulting absorption can be seen further to the right: As pointed out, this is due to sedimentation, i.e. separation from the rest of the plasma, in which no significant absorption of radiation is present, e.g. Figure 6B The first part of the right picture S i ), thus providing the necessary information for estimating the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Therefore, the control unit C comprises processing means (e.g. suitable software modules) for processing the required measurements according to a predefined protocol, thus allowing a kinetic analysis of the blood sample. In particular, the calculation of the ESR is associated with the descending phase of the curve, which is why it is very important to have an optimal curve with said clear trend, which is obtained by the invention, as described below.

[0060] Advantageously, according to the invention, the processing unit C is configured to command the reading unit 4 to perform at least two different optical absorption measurements on the blood sample. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the processing unit C is configured to obtain four reading curves for each single detection unit 4 and for each blood sample.

[0061] More particularly, in each measurement, the processing unit C is programmed to set specific emission and / or detection parameters of the detection unit 4, said parameters being different in each measurement. In an embodiment, in each different measurement, a determined value of the radiation intensity emitted by the emitter 4 is set, for example a radiation intensity value that increases with each measurement. In other words, each detection unit 4 performs a determined number of readings (preferably 4 readings) for each sample, for example up-down-up-down readings, wherein different values ​​of the radiation emitted by the emitter 4' of the optoelectronic unit 4 can be set, thereby setting a different set of absorption curves for each unit.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, as described above, the intensity of the light source is varied, but this does not exclude the possibility that other parameters of the light source or detector (such as the wavelength of the light source, the gain of the detector, etc.) are also varied.

[0063] Thus, for each of the different measurements mentioned, the calculation module of the processing unit C is configured to create a corresponding reading curve L representative of the absorption of radiation by the blood sample.

[0064] The processing unit C is then suitably configured to perform a comparison of the different reading curves based on one or more references. It can be immediately noted that the term "reference" should be understood in a broad sense and can include a comparison between identical measurement curves, wherein specific aspects of the curves are evaluated, or it can include a comparison with a reference curve, without being limited to a specific comparison and analysis procedure.

[0065] For example, the reference value can comprise the width of the curve, in which case the reading curve with the largest width is selected, ie the curve with a higher detected intensity relative to the noise background of the measurement.

[0066] Another reference parameter strictly related to the previous one is the signal-to-noise ratio, which is understood as the ratio of the mean intensity of the signal to the background noise, calculated for example as the RMS (abbreviation for Root Mean Square) of the background signal of the detector 4 ″.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, other criteria that can be used for the comparison can be shape factors of the reading curve, such as excessive irregularities, undesired oscillations, the presence of saturation phenomena, etc. The presence of a peak in a parameter that can be assessed can be assessed, for example, based on whether there is an excessive variation (i.e. a variation above a certain threshold) between adjacent measurement points.

[0068] All the above-mentioned references (such as thresholds, reference intensity values, etc.) can be stored in the storage unit MEM of the processing unit C.

[0069] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit C is configured to compare the obtained reading curve with the model of the reference curve, thereby selecting a curve that is closer to the reference model. In this case, the processing unit C can be programmed to perform the above comparison by executing an automatic learning program based on machine learning and / or artificial intelligence technology (e.g., based on a neural network). In other words, in this embodiment, an artificial intelligence algorithm, such as a neural network algorithm, is implemented, wherein the neural network can automatically distinguish the best curve if trained using a suitable curve data set.

[0070] It can also be noted that the above-described acquisition operation of a plurality of curves and comparison curves is valid for each detection unit 4 of the system 1 , whatever their number.

[0071] On the basis of the comparison, the optimal reading curve (in L opt The curve is considered as the best reading curve, and other reading curves are discarded.

[0072] Therefore, from the selected single reading curve L opt Initially, by appropriately processing the curves, the desired measurement parameters can be estimated, for example parameters for the measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

[0073] For example, in an embodiment, to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the processing unit C is configured to define a curve L adapted to approximate the optimal reading. opt The ideal curve of the trapezoidal type (such as Figure 7 , identified by reference numeral T). An optimization procedure of the ideal curve T is then performed, thereby generating an optimized ideal curve, and based on this optimization procedure, all required parameters, such as parameters indicating the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, can be obtained. In a specific example, the processing unit C can be configured to perform the optimization of the ideal curve T by a least squares solution according to the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

[0074] In summary, the present invention is therefore able to brilliantly overcome the technical problems, provide the system and method as described above and solve all the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0075] Advantageously, a simple but efficient automatic calibration procedure of the optoelectronic unit present in the analysis module of the system is provided, so as to always obtain a curve of the best quality, thus greatly improving the analysis process since it is always based on the best curve automatically selected by the system.

[0076] Suitably, the best curve is automatically identified for each sample, said curve being used for subsequent measurements; this is obtained by determining suitable features of the curve, for example by determining the width of the curve or the presence or absence of peaks, or by machine learning techniques.

[0077] Obviously, in order to meet necessary and specific needs, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the above system, and the modifications and changes are all included in the protection scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system (1) for analyzing a blood sample, comprising: - at least one detection unit (4) configured to perform an optical absorption measurement on the blood sample contained in the tube (P); - a moving device (4m) configured to cause a relative movement between the detection unit (4) and the tube (P); and - a processing unit (C) configured to: - commanding the detection unit (4) to perform at least two different optical absorption measurements on the blood sample, wherein, in each measurement, the processing unit (C) is programmed to set corresponding parameters of the detection unit (4), said parameters being different in each measurement; - creating, for each of the different measurements, a reading curve (L) corresponding to the absorption of the radiation emitted by the detection unit (4) as a function of the relative movement between the detection unit (4) and the tube (P); - comparing said reading curves obtained from said different measurements based on one or more references; - based on said comparison, selecting a single reading curve among said reading curves from said different measurements (L opt ); - Select a single reading curve from the opt ) begins by estimating the desired measurement parameters, such as those for measurement of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The processing unit (C) is configured to discard unselected reading curves.

3. The system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The reference corresponds to a width value of the curve.

4. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reference corresponds to a form factor of the reading curve, the reference being stored in a memory unit (MEM) of the processing unit (C).

5. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing unit (C) is configured to compare the obtained reading curve with a reference curve model.

6. The system (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The processing unit (C) is configured to perform the comparison by executing an automatic learning program based on machine learning and / or artificial intelligence techniques, for example, performing the comparison based on a neural network.

7. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing unit (C) is configured to obtain four reading curves for each blood sample.

8. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The detection unit comprises at least one emitter (4') and a corresponding detector (4"), which are arranged to illuminate the tube (P) and to collect the radiation after it has passed through the tube (P), wherein the emitter (4') is configured to emit radiation having an infrared or visible wavelength.

9. The system (1) according to claim 8, wherein: In each different measurement, the processing unit (C) is configured to set a corresponding different value for the intensity of the radiation emitted by the emitter (4') of the detection unit (4).

10. The system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The detection unit (4) is arranged on the moving device (4m), which is configured to move the detection unit (4) along the longitudinal axis (HH) of the pipe (P) and thereby allows acquiring a plurality of measurement points along the longitudinal axis (HH).

11. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support (2) configured to support the tube (P), and a shaking element (3) configured to shake the tube (P).

12. The system (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The support (2) of the tube (P) is included in a movable chain structure (10), and the chain structure defines a closed path for the tube (P), the chain structure (10) comprising a plurality of supports for a corresponding plurality of tubes, the tubes and the chain structure (10) being movable as a whole in an advancing direction.

13. The system (1) according to claim 12, comprising four detection units arranged along the chain structure (10), such that each of the four detection units is configured to analyze a tube (P) moved by the chain structure (10) at a corresponding instant in time, wherein: The processing unit (C) is configured to perform a single reading curve (L) for each of the four detection units. opt ) selection.

14. The system (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The shaking element (3) includes a guide (3g) engaged with a portion of the chain structure (10), the guide being constructed according to parts connected to each other and being configured to rotate around an axis (YY) parallel to the advancing direction of the pipe (P), and the shaking element (3) includes a motorized device (3m) configured to move the guide (3g) and thereby rotate the portion of the chain structure (10) engaged with the guide.

15. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Based on the selected single read curve (L opt ), the processing unit (C) is further configured to: - Define a single reading curve adapted to the approximate selection (L opt ) of the ideal curve of the trapezoidal type (T); - performing an optimization procedure of said ideal curve (T) so as to generate an optimized ideal curve (T'); and - generating, based on said optimization procedure, a parameter indicative of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the blood sample contained in said tube (P), Therein, the processing unit (C) is configured to perform an optimization of the ideal curve (T) by a least squares solution according to a Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm.

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