Blood cell analyzer and counting method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a blood cell analyzer and a counting method thereof, and the counting method comprises the following steps: carrying out impedance method counting test on a to-be-tested original test solution in a counting chamber, and detecting whether a detection hole is blocked or not in the counting test process; when it is detected that the hole is blocked, at least part of the original test solution is sucked out of the counting chamber; blocking removal operation is carried out on the detection hole; injecting the original test solution sucked out from the counting chamber back to the counting chamber; and carrying out impedance method counting test on the original test solution injected back to the counting chamber again. Wherein the original test solution can be an original test solution obtained by initial sample preparation and can also be an original test solution subsequently diluted by a diluent. Through the scheme, the problems of re-sampling and sample preparation of a user can be avoided, the user experience and the test efficiency are improved, and the accuracy of a counting result can be ensured.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application number 201910815336.6, the application date of August 30, 2019, and the title of "Blood Cell Analyzer and Its Counting Method". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of blood analysis technology, and more specifically to a blood cell analyzer and its counting method. Background Art

[0003] The impedance blood cell analyzer occupies a large market share in the blood cell analyzer market. The main principle is that the diluted blood sample passes through a micropore (also called a detection hole in this article) to test parameters such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Substances other than cells mixed in the sample passing through the micropore will make the micropore smaller. By continuously testing the voltage of the small holes on both sides of the micropore, it is possible to monitor whether the micropore is blocked. When the small hole voltage exceeds the set value, an alarm is given for the blocked sample, and no relevant results of the micropore test are given. After the instrument performs a blockage removal operation, the user can perform the test again. The problem with this operation is that as long as a blockage occurs during the test process, the current test result is invalid; for the test of human capillary venous blood and animal samples such as rats and mice, the user needs to collect blood again, which affects the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the existence of the above problems, the present application provides a new blood cell analyzer and its counting method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] On the one hand, the present application provides a counting method for a blood cell analyzer, and the counting method includes:

[0006] Performing an impedance counting test on the original test solution to be tested in the counting pool, and detecting whether the detection hole is blocked during the counting test;

[0007] When it is detected that a blockage occurs, sucking at least part of the original test solution out of the counting pool;

[0008] Performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole;

[0009] Injecting the original test solution sucked out of the counting pool back into the counting pool;

[0010] Re-performing an impedance counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting pool.

[0011] Exemplarily, performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole includes:

[0012] Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to empty the remaining original test solution in the front pool of the counting pool,

[0013] Perform a backflushing and blockage removal operation on the detection hole, causing the liquid in the rear pool of the counting cell to flow reversely back to the front pool of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the blockage.

[0014] Control the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the front pool of the counting cell.

[0015] Or

[0016] Add a first diluent to the counting cell, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric.

[0017] Apply a voltage across both sides of the detection hole to cauterize the detection hole.

[0018] Control the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the counting cell.

[0019] Exemplarily, the operation of removing blockage from the detection hole includes:

[0020] Control the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the remaining original test solution in the front pool of the counting cell.

[0021] Perform a backflushing and blockage removal operation on the detection hole, causing the liquid in the rear pool of the counting cell to flow reversely back to the front pool of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the blockage.

[0022] Add a first diluent to the counting cell, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric.

[0023] Apply a voltage across both sides of the detection hole to cauterize the detection hole.

[0024] Control the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the counting cell.

[0025] Exemplarily, the operation of removing blockage from the detection hole includes:

[0026] Add a first diluent to the counting cell, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric.

[0027] Apply a voltage across both sides of the detection hole to cauterize the detection hole.

[0028] Control the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the counting cell.

[0029] Perform a backflushing and blockage removal operation on the detection hole, causing the liquid in the rear pool of the counting cell to flow reversely back to the front pool of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the blockage.

[0030] Switch the liquid discharge control valve that controls the counting cell to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting cell.

[0031] Exemplarily, after performing the blockage removal operation on the detection hole, before or after injecting the original test solution aspirated from the counting cell back into the counting cell, it further includes:

[0032] Adding a second diluent to the counting cell to dilute the original test solution; or

[0033] Adding a second diluent to the counting cell to dilute the original test solution;

[0034] Mixing the original test solution injected back into the counting cell and the second diluent.

[0035] Exemplarily, the amount of the second diluent is equal to the amount of the original test solution aspirated from the counting cell.

[0036] Exemplarily, the method further includes:

[0037] Obtaining a detection signal generated after detecting the original solution based on the impedance method;

[0038] Determining a test result based on the detection signal, where the test result includes a counting result;

[0039] Saving and displaying the test result on a display interface.

[0040] Exemplarily, during the counting test, detecting whether the detection hole is blocked includes:

[0041] Real-time detecting the voltage of the detection hole during the counting test;

[0042] Judging whether the detection hole is blocked according to the voltage of the detection hole, where when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is judged that no blockage occurs, and when the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is judged that blockage occurs.

[0043] Exemplarily, the method further includes:

[0044] Continuing to detect whether the detection hole is blocked after the blockage removal operation;

[0045] When it is still detected that blockage occurs, an alarm is given to prompt blockage; and / or

[0046] Invoking a blockage handling process according to the alarm to handle the blockage.

[0047] On the other hand, the present application provides a blood cell analyzer, and the blood cell analyzer includes:

[0048] An impedance method counting test system, which includes a counting cell and a sensor. Wherein, a detection hole is provided on the sensor, and the impedance method counting test system is used to perform an impedance method counting test on the original test solution to be tested in the counting cell;

[0049] A sampling needle assembly, which is used to suck out at least part of the original test solution from the counting cell when a blocked hole is detected, and inject the original test solution sucked out from the counting cell back into the counting cell after the blockage removal operation;

[0050] A blockage removal device, which is used to perform a blockage removal operation on the detection hole;

[0051] The signal processing and control device is used for: detecting whether a blocked hole occurs in the detection hole during the counting test, and controlling the impedance method counting test system to perform an impedance method counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting cell again.

[0052] Exemplarily, the blockage removal device includes a burning circuit and / or a backflush blockage removal device. The burning circuit is used to apply a voltage on both sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole, and the backflush blockage removal device is used to perform a backflush blockage removal operation on the detection hole, so that the liquid in the rear pool of the counting cell flows back reversely to the front pool of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the blocked hole.

[0053] Exemplarily, after the signal processing and control device controls the sampling needle assembly to suck out at least part of the original test solution from the counting cell, it outputs an emptying control signal to the drain control valve, and the drain control valve switches to the open state according to the emptying control signal to empty the remaining original test solution in the counting cell.

[0054] Exemplarily, the blood cell analyzer further includes a liquid adding system, which is used to add a first diluent to the counting cell before burning to serve as the dielectric of the burning circuit.

[0055] Exemplarily, the liquid adding system is further used to add a second diluent to the counting cell after performing the blockage removal operation on the detection hole to dilute the original test solution.

[0056] Exemplarily, the impedance method counting test system is further used to detect the voltage of the detection hole in real time during the counting test;

[0057] The signal processing and control device is used to judge whether a blocked hole occurs according to the voltage of the detection hole. Wherein, when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is judged that no blocked hole occurs; when the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is judged that a blocked hole occurs.

[0058] In summary, through this solution, the counting process of the clogging event can still obtain accurate test results by testing the original test solution, avoiding the problems of users' re-sampling and sample preparation, improving the user experience and test efficiency, and ensuring the accuracy of the counting results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 Shows a schematic block diagram of a blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] Figure 2 Shows a partial schematic diagram of a blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0062] Figure 3 Shows a partial schematic diagram of a blood cell analyzer according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0063] Figure 4 Shows a flowchart of a counting method of a blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] Figure 5 Shows a flowchart of a counting method of a blood cell analyzer according to still another embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 6 Shows a schematic diagram of bubble mixing in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0066] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more obvious, the exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the present application is not limited by the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present application described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0067] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present application may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the present application. It should be understood that the present application is capable of being implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0068] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0069] To thoroughly understand the present application, detailed structures will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solutions proposed by the present application. The alternative embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. However, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present application may also have other embodiments.

[0070] Specifically, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the blood cell analyzer and its counting method of the present application will be described in detail. Without conflict, the features in the following embodiments and implementation manners may be combined with each other.

[0071] First, Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0072] The blood cell analyzer is used to perform various analyses on blood components, such as counting and classifying white blood cells in the blood, detecting the concentration of hemoglobin (HGB) in red blood cells, and counting platelets.

[0073] As Figure 1 shown, the blood cell analyzer includes at least one reaction cell 12 and a sampling needle assembly 11. The reaction cell 12 is used to prepare the blood sample to be measured into a test solution, and the sampling needle assembly 11 is used to discharge the blood sample to be analyzed into the reaction cell 12. In other embodiments, the sampling needle assembly 11 may also be implemented in other ways than using a sampling needle.

[0074] In one example, the blood cell analyzer further includes a liquid adding system 13. The liquid adding system may include a reagent storage device (not shown), which is connected to the reaction cell 12 and is used to provide reagents for preparing the test solution to the reaction cell 12, such as hemolytic agents, diluents, etc. Among them, the number of reagent storage devices is reasonably set according to the types of reagents. For example, the reagent storage device includes a storage device for storing hemolytic agents and a storage device for storing diluents. Among them, the storage device for storing hemolytic agents can also be divided into one or more according to the types of hemolytic agents.

[0075] In one example, the liquid adding system 13 further includes a reagent pushing component (not shown), which is used to push reagents such as hemolytic agents, diluents, etc. into the reaction cell 12. Exemplarily, the reagent pushing component can be connected to the hemolytic agent storage device and the reaction cell, so as to push the corresponding hemolytic agent into the reaction cell 12. After injecting the reagent into the reaction cell, the blood sample, hemolytic agent, diluent, etc. are mixed in the reaction cell 12 to obtain the original test solution for impedance counting test.

[0076] The blood cell analyzer 10 further includes a conveying device (not shown). The conveying device is used to convey the original test solution in the reaction cell 12 to the impedance counting test system 14. In this embodiment, the conveying device includes a syringe and a conveying pipeline communicated with the syringe. The syringe, the original test solution outlet of the reaction cell and the inlet of the impedance counting test system are communicated through the conveying pipeline. There can be multiple syringes, and each syringe performs suction and discharge actions under the control of the control device.

[0077] In one example, as Figure 1 shown, the blood cell analyzer 10 further includes an impedance counting test system 14. It can be understood that the impedance counting test system 14 can be integrally formed with the reaction cell 12 or can be separately provided, which is not limited here. The impedance counting test system is used to detect cells in the original test solution and generate detection signals such as pulse signals. For example, the impedance counting test system is used to detect white blood cells in the original test solution and outputs a pulse signal when the white blood cells pass through the detection hole in the impedance counting test system. Among them, the number of the pulse signals is proportional to the number of cells, and the height of the pulse signal is proportional to the cell volume. Thus, the number and volume values of blood cell particles in the blood are obtained.

[0078] In one example, as Figure 2As shown, the structure of the impedance counting test system may include a counting cell 141 and a pulse sensor. Optionally, the pulse sensor may include a small hole tube, on which a detection hole 142 is provided. Optionally, the diameter of the detection hole is less than 100 microns, and the thickness ranges from 60 microns to 90 microns, for example, about 75 microns. The counting cell is filled with a conductive solvent (such as the original test solution), and is divided into a front cell 1411 and a rear cell 1412 by the detection hole 142; a positive electrode 143 and a negative electrode 144 are respectively arranged in the front cell 1411 and the rear cell 1412. The positive and negative electrodes are connected to one end of a constant current source. The electrode arranged in the front cell, the conductive solvent, the electrode arranged in the rear cell, and the constant current source together form a series closed loop (such as an analysis circuit). There is also a liquid outlet (not shown) communicating with a negative pressure chamber on the rear cell 1412 of the counting cell. Among them, since the rear cell 1412 of the counting cell is under negative pressure, in the front cell... When the power is turned on, a stable current is generated between the electrodes on both sides of the small hole tube. Under the action of the negative pressure in the rear cell, the diluted cell suspension (also called the original test solution in this article) flows from the outside of the small hole tube (that is, the front cell of the counting cell) through the detection hole to the rear cell, increasing the resistance in the small hole induction area and causing an instantaneous voltage change to form a pulse signal. The amplitude of this pulse signal is proportional to the cell volume, and the number of pulses is proportional to the number of cells. Thus, the number and volume values of blood cells in the test solution can be obtained, and different types of cells can be distinguished according to the volume distribution.

[0079] Among them, the counting cell and the reaction cell may be the same device or different devices. When the counting cell and the reaction cell are the same device, the liquid adding system and the sampling needle assembly in the previous text can be directly connected to the counting cell, and the original test solution can be obtained by preparing the test solution in the counting cell. For example, controlling the sampling needle assembly to aspirate the blood sample to be tested and inject it into the counting cell; performing a sample preparation operation on the blood sample injected into the counting cell to obtain the original test solution. The sample preparation operation includes injecting a sample preparation reagent into the counting cell to perform the sample preparation operation to obtain the original test solution. The sample preparation reagent includes a diluent and / or a hemolytic agent, etc.

[0080] Continue as Figure 1 As shown, the signal processing and control device 15 receives the detection hole voltage (that is, the pulse signal) and performs processing such as shaping and signal recognition, and finally forms the recognition and statistical results. Optionally, the results can be directly printed out or output to a display for the operator to view. The recognition and statistical results can also be stored for subsequent viewing.

[0081] The diluted blood sample (i.e., the original test solution) is tested for parameters such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets through a detection hole. Substances other than cells mixed in the sample passing through the detection hole will make the detection hole smaller. In current conventional counting methods, by measuring the voltage on both sides of the detection hole in real time, it is possible to monitor whether the detection hole is blocked. When the voltage of the detection hole exceeds the threshold voltage, an alarm is given for the blocked sample, and no relevant results of the detection hole test are provided. After the instrument performs a blockage removal operation, the user can perform the test again. The problem with this operation is that as long as a blockage occurs during the test, the current test result is invalid; for tests on human samples such as capillary venous blood and animal samples such as rats and mice, the user needs to collect blood again, which affects the user experience.

[0082] Therefore, to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a counting method for a blood cell analyzer. The counting method includes: performing an impedance method counting test on the original test solution to be tested in a counting pool, and detecting whether the detection hole is blocked during the counting test; when it is detected that a blockage occurs, sucking out at least part of the original test solution from the counting pool; performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole; injecting the original test solution sucked out from the counting pool back into the counting pool; and re-performing an impedance method counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting pool. The original test solution can be either the original test solution obtained by initial sample preparation or the original test solution diluted by a diluent subsequently. Through this solution, the counting process with a blockage event can still obtain accurate test results through the test of the original test solution, avoiding the need for the user to re-sample and re-prepare samples, improving the user experience and test efficiency, and ensuring the accuracy of the counting results.

[0083] Next, with continued reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed explanation and description of the counting method of the blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application will be given.

[0084] The counting method of the blood cell analyzer according to an embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

[0085] First, as Figure 4 shown, in step S401, an impedance method counting test is performed on the original test solution to be tested in a counting pool, and it is detected whether the detection hole is blocked during the counting test.

[0086] The original test solution is prepared by the method described in the previous text. The original test solution can be prepared from any animal or human blood sample, which includes white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, etc. It can be obtained by treating whole blood drawn from a human or animal with a diluent, a hemolytic agent, etc. Among them, the diluent is an isotonic solution with acid-base buffering effect, appropriate ionic strength and conductivity. For example, the diluent mainly consists of hypoxanthine or xanthine compounds or their salts, or it can also be other diluents that can play the above roles. The role of the hemolytic agent is to lyse red blood cells for white blood cell classification and counting. The hemolytic agent includes surfactants, specifically cationic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants. Among them, the usage amount and concentration of the hemolytic agent can be reasonably selected according to the actual sample preparation requirements, and no specific limitation is imposed here. The hemolytic agent can mainly consist of quaternary ammonium salt ionic surfactants, or it can also be any other surfactant that can play the above roles.

[0087] In one example, the process of the impedance counting test method for the original test solution to be tested in the counting pool can be as follows: The sampling needle assembly aspirates a quantitative blood sample from the blood collection tube and injects it into the counting pool to be mixed with a quantitative diluent to form a diluted test solution with a fixed dilution ratio, that is, the original test solution. Subsequently, an impedance counting test is performed in the counting pool to obtain a counting result. Among them, first, the original test solution is obtained by dilution in the front pool of the counting pool, and then under the action of negative pressure, it flows from the front pool through the detection hole to the rear pool. During the counting process, the original test solution flows from the front pool into the rear pool to form a stable flow field. Since a constant current source is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a stable electric field is formed, as Figure 2 shown. When blood cells pass through the detection hole 142, a pulse signal will be formed, as Figure 2 shown. When there is a foreign object blocking in front of the detection hole, the voltage of the detection hole will increase or fluctuate abnormally, and thus it can be judged whether the detection hole is blocked.

[0088] In a specific example, during the counting test, detecting whether the detection hole is blocked includes: detecting the voltage of the detection hole in real time during the counting test; judging whether the detection hole is blocked according to the voltage of the detection hole. Among them, when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is judged that no blockage has occurred; when the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is judged that blockage has occurred. Among them, the threshold voltage can be reasonably set according to prior experience, and no specific limitation is imposed here.

[0089] Next, continue as Figure 4 shown. In step S402, when it is detected that blockage has occurred, at least part of the original test solution is aspirated from the counting pool.

[0090] In step S402, the sampling needle assembly can be controlled to suck out a part of the original test solution in the counting cell. The amount of the sucked-out original test solution can be reasonably set according to actual needs. For example, about 50% of the original test solution is sucked out from the counting cell. The sucked-out original test solution can be stored in the sampling needle assembly and / or the pipeline connected to the sampling needle assembly, or other test solution storage devices.

[0091] Next, continue as Figure 4 shown, in step S403, a clogging removal operation is performed on the detection hole;

[0092] For the clogging removal operation on the detection hole, this clogging removal operation can be any suitable clogging removal operation process well-known to those skilled in the art. For example, in this embodiment, the clogging removal operation on the detection hole includes: controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the remaining original test solution in the front pool of the counting cell; performing a backflush clogging removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the back pool of the counting cell flow back reversely to the front pool of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the clogging. Specifically, a positive pressure can be applied to the back pool of the counting cell through a positive and negative pressure device, so that the liquid in the back pool of the counting cell flows back reversely to the front pool of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the clogging, thereby performing the clogging removal. Optionally, the clogging removal operation can further include: after the backflush clogging removal operation, controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the front pool of the counting cell. This step can be selectively performed according to actual needs. For example, when only the backflush clogging removal operation is performed, this emptying step can be performed. If other clogging removal operations are performed after the backflush clogging removal operation and the liquid in the front pool of the counting cell will not affect the subsequent clogging removal operations, this emptying step can also be not performed.

[0093] In one example, the clogging removal operation on the detection hole further includes: adding a first diluent to the counting cell, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric; applying a voltage on both sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole. On the premise that the first diluent serves as a dielectric, for example, as in Figure 3In the example shown, by burning the circuit, that is, applying a strong current between the positive electrode 143 and the negative electrode 144, when blockage removal is required, the burning circuit is powered on to form a local high temperature at the detection hole 142, even causing the liquid to boil, thereby destroying the foreign object structure near the detection hole 142; after burning, the drain control valve of the counting cell is controlled to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting cell, that is, drain the liquid in the front cell of the counting cell, so as to facilitate the subsequent counting process. Optionally, the following steps can be selectively performed before adding the first diluent: controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the front cell of the counting cell (such as the remaining original test solution), or, the first diluent can also be directly added as a dielectric without performing this draining step, and it can be reasonably selected according to actual needs.

[0094] In one example, for the blockage removal operation of the detection hole, both the backflushing operation and the burning operation can be performed. For example, controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to drain the remaining original test solution in the front cell of the counting cell; performing a backflushing blockage removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the back cell of the counting cell flow back reversely to the front cell of the counting cell to flush away the foreign object causing the blockage; adding the first diluent to the counting cell, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric; applying a voltage across the detection hole to burn the detection hole; controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting cell. The burning operation can also be performed first and then the backflushing operation according to needs. For example: adding the first diluent to the counting cell, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric; applying a voltage across the detection hole to burn the detection hole; controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting cell; performing a backflushing blockage removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the back cell of the counting cell flow back reversely to the front cell of the counting cell to flush away the foreign object causing the blockage; controlling the drain control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting cell.

[0095] Continue as Figure 4 shown, in step S404, the original test solution sucked out from the counting cell is injected back into the counting cell.

[0096] In one example, after performing a plug removal operation on the detection hole, before or after injecting the original test solution aspirated from the counting pool back into the counting pool, it is also possible to selectively: add a second diluent to the counting pool to dilute the original test solution, that is, to dilute the original test solution injected back into the counting pool. Since only a part of the original test solution was aspirated in the previous step, when this part of the original test solution is re-injected back into the front pool of the counting pool, the amount of this part of the original test solution is insufficient. For example, the liquid level of this part of the original test solution is lower than the detection hole, etc., making it impossible to perform the counting test. Therefore, it is necessary to dilute this part of the original test solution injected back into the counting pool. The addition amount of the second diluent can be reasonably selected according to needs. Preferably, the amount of the second diluent is equal to the amount of the original test solution aspirated from the counting pool.

[0097] It is worth mentioning that the second diluent can use the same diluent as the aforementioned first diluent, or different diluents, and specific limitations are not imposed here.

[0098] In one example, it is also possible to selectively: mix the original test solution injected back into the counting pool and the second diluent, so that blood cells and the like in the diluted original test solution are evenly distributed.

[0099] Continue as Figure 4 shown. In step S405, impedance counting test is performed again on the original test solution injected back into the counting pool. The original test solution can be either the original test solution obtained by initial sample preparation or the original test solution diluted by a diluent subsequently. Through this solution, the counting process with a plugging event can still obtain accurate test results through the test of the original test solution, avoiding the occurrence of problems such as users having to re-sample and re-prepare samples, and improving the user experience and test efficiency. The method of impedance counting test can refer to the previous description and will not be elaborated here.

[0100] Figure 5 shows a specific embodiment of first aspirating a part of the original test solution, then performing a plug removal operation, and finally performing a counting test. The specific process is as Figure 5 shown:

[0101] First, a diluted blood sample, i.e., the original test solution, is obtained through sample preparation operations. For specific operations, refer to the description in the previous text and details are not elaborated here. Next, during the counting process, under the action of negative pressure, the diluted blood sample (i.e., the original test solution) flows from the front pool through the detection hole to the back pool, forming a stable flow field. Since a constant current source is applied between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a stable electric field is formed. When blood cells pass through the detection hole, a pulse signal is generated. When a foreign object blocks in front of the detection hole, the voltage of the detection hole will increase or fluctuate abnormally. Thus, it can be determined whether the detection hole is blocked. Then, during the counting process, the voltage of the detection hole is detected in real time. Whether the detection hole is blocked is judged according to whether the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage. Among them, when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is judged that no blockage has occurred, and the following steps are executed:

[0102] Obtain the detection signal generated after detecting the original solution based on the impedance method, such as a pulse signal; determine the test result based on the detection signal, and the test result includes the counting result. Specifically, calculate the detection signal to determine the test result; save and display the test result on the display interface.

[0103] Continue as Figure 5 shown, when the voltage of the detection hole is not less than the threshold voltage, that is, greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is judged that a blockage has occurred, and the following operation steps are executed:

[0104] First, suck 50% of the diluted blood sample (i.e., the original test solution) in the counting pool into the pipeline connected to the sampling needle through the sampling needle;

[0105] Next, empty the counting pool. For example, control the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to empty the remaining original test solution in the front pool of the counting pool;

[0106] Next, perform a reverse flushing and blockage removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the back pool of the counting pool flow back reversely to the front pool of the counting pool to flush away the foreign object causing the blockage;

[0107] Next, add diluent to the counting pool; apply voltage on both sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole;

[0108] Next, after burning, control the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the counting pool;

[0109] Next, add the same amount of diluent to the counting pool as the original test solution stored in the sampling needle assembly and the corresponding pipeline;

[0110] Next, mix the original test solution and the diluent injected back into the counting pool;

[0111] Continue as Figure 5As shown, after the above operations, the original test solution in the counting cell (now the diluted original test solution) is re-tested for impedance counting. That is, during the counting process, under the action of negative pressure, the diluted original test solution flows from the front cell through the detection hole to the rear cell, forming a stable flow field. And after the blockage removal operation, continue to detect whether the detection hole is blocked, that is, continue to detect the voltage of the detection hole in real time during the counting process. When the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is determined that no blockage has occurred, and the following steps are then executed: Obtain the detection signal generated after detecting the original solution by impedance method, such as a pulse signal; Determine the test result based on the detection signal, and the test result includes the counting result. Specifically, calculate the detection signal to determine the test result; Save and display the test result on the display interface.

[0112] Continue as Figure 5 As shown, when the voltage of the detection hole is not less than the threshold voltage, that is, greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is determined that blockage still occurs. Obviously, the previous blockage removal operation did not play a role in removing the blockage, and the following steps are then executed: Give an alarm to indicate blockage, that is, report a blockage fault; Call the blockage handling process according to the alarm to handle the blockage. This blockage handling process is to start the fault handling, and it can be a different handling process from the blockage removal operation described above. For example, it can be through the manual blockage removal operation method of soaking the small hole tube including the detection hole in the cleaning solution to remove foreign objects in the detection hole. It can be understood that reporting the blockage fault and starting the fault handling can be selected to be carried out one by one or simultaneously.

[0113] Based on the above-mentioned counting method of the blood cell analyzer, an embodiment of the present application also provides a blood cell analyzer. This blood cell analyzer can be used to execute the counting method in the foregoing embodiment, and the description of some structures of this blood cell analyzer can also refer to the description in the previous text. Here, only some features of this blood cell analyzer are explained and described.

[0114] Continue as Figure 1 As shown, the blood cell analyzer includes an impedance counting test system 14, which is as Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, including a counting cell 141 and a pulse sensor. Among them, a detection hole 142 is provided on the pulse sensor, and the impedance counting test system 14 is used to perform impedance counting test on the original test solution to be tested in the counting cell.

[0115] In one example, the blood cell analyzer 100 further includes a signal processing and control device 15, which is configured to detect whether the detection hole is blocked during the counting test, and to control the impedance counting test system to re-perform the impedance counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting cell. The signal processing and control device 15 may include an analysis circuit as shown in Figure 2 . Specifically, the signal processing and control device may receive a detection signal output by the impedance counting test system 14, such as a pulse signal, and process and calculate the pulse signal, so as to obtain a corresponding counting result.

[0116] The blood cell analyzer 100 further includes a storage device (not shown), which may include one or more computer program products. The computer program products may include various forms of computer-readable storage media, such as volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory, etc. The non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc., which may be used to store test results and the like.

[0117] In a specific example, the signal processing and control device 15 is further configured to: when the proportion of the time during which the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage in the total time of the impedance counting test exceeds the time threshold, the counting result meets the condition, record the counting result, for example, transmit the counting result to an output device. The output device may output various information (such as images or sounds) to the outside (such as the user), and may include one or more of a display, a speaker, etc.

[0118] In a specific example, the blood cell analyzer further includes a clogging removal device, which is configured to: perform a clogging removal operation on the detection hole when a clogging is detected; the signal processing and control device is configured to: after the clogging removal operation, control the impedance counting test system to re-perform the impedance counting test on the original test solution in the counting cell.

[0119] In one example, as shown in Figure 3 , the clogging removal device includes a burning circuit, which is configured to apply a voltage across both sides of the detection hole in the environment of the original test solution to burn the detection hole. Alternatively, the burning circuit may also be configured to apply a voltage across both sides of the detection hole in the environment of the dilution solution to burn the detection hole. Among them, the burning circuit is connected between the positive electrode 143 and the negative electrode 144, and is electrically connected to the power supply during operation.

[0120] In one example, the plugging removal device may further include a backflush plugging removal device (not shown) for performing a backflush plugging removal operation on the detection hole, so that the liquid in the rear chamber of the counting cell flows reversely back to the front chamber of the counting cell to flush away the foreign matter causing the plugging. The backflush plugging removal device may include a positive and negative pressure device to form a positive pressure in the rear chamber of the counting cell, so that the liquid in the rear chamber of the counting cell flows reversely back to the front chamber of the counting cell.

[0121] In one example, the plugging removal device 16 further includes a mixing device, such as Figure 6 shown, for performing a mixing operation on the original test solution in the counting cell after the burning to reduce the influence of the bubbles generated by the burning on the impedance counting test result.

[0122] In one example, the blood cell analyzer further includes a plugging removal device 16 and a sampling needle assembly 11. When a plugging is detected, the sampling needle assembly sucks at least part of the original test solution out of the counting cell; the plugging removal device 16 is used for performing a plugging removal operation on the detection hole; the sampling needle assembly 11 is further used for injecting the original test solution sucked out of the counting cell back into the counting cell after the plugging removal operation; the signal processing and control device 15 is further used for controlling the impedance counting test system 14 to perform an impedance counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting cell again.

[0123] In one example, the counting cell further includes a liquid inlet pipe, a liquid outlet pipe, and a liquid discharge pipe. The liquid inlet pipe is coupled to a liquid addition system, the liquid outlet pipe is coupled to a liquid storage system (not shown), and a liquid discharge control valve (not shown) that can be switched between a closed state and an open state according to a control signal is provided on the liquid discharge pipe.

[0124] In one example, after the signal processing and control device 15 controls the sampling needle assembly to suck at least part of the original test solution out of the counting cell, it outputs an emptying control signal to the liquid discharge control valve, and the liquid discharge control valve switches to the open state according to the emptying control signal to empty the remaining original test solution in the counting cell. Or, after the burning, the signal processing and control device 15 controls the liquid discharge control valve of the counting cell to switch to the open state to empty the liquid in the counting cell.

[0125] In one example, the blood cell analyzer further includes a liquid addition system 13 for adding a first diluent to the counting cell before the burning to serve as the dielectric of the burning circuit. It can also be used for adding a second diluent to the counting cell after performing a plugging removal operation on the detection hole to dilute the original test solution.

[0126] In one example, the impedance method counting test system 14 is further configured to detect the voltage of the detection hole in real time during the counting test; the signal processing and control device 15 is configured to determine whether a blockage occurs based on the voltage of the detection hole. Specifically, when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is determined that no blockage occurs; when the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is determined that a blockage occurs.

[0127] In one example, the blood cell analyzer further includes an alarm device (not shown). After the blockage removal operation, when a blockage is still detected, the alarm device is configured to give an alarm to indicate the blockage. The user can call the blockage handling process according to the alarm to handle the blockage.

[0128] In summary, according to the blood cell analyzer and its counting method of the embodiments of the present application, when a blockage is detected, the test is first paused, a part of the original test solution is aspirated, then the blockage removal operation is performed, and finally the aspirated original test solution is injected back into the counting cell for retesting. This solution enables the counting process in the event of a blockage to still obtain accurate test results through the test of the original test solution, avoiding the problems of the user having to resample and prepare samples again, improving the user experience and test efficiency, and ensuring the accuracy of the counting results.

[0129] Although example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above example embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make various changes and modifications therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application as claimed in the appended claims.

[0130] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0131] In several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0132] In the specification provided herein, a number of specific details are set forth. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the present application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure an understanding of this specification.

[0133] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline the present application and assist in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, in the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application, the various features of the present application are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, the methods of the present application should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed present application requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected by the corresponding claims, the inventive point lies in that the corresponding technical problems can be solved by features less than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim stands on its own as a separate embodiment of the present application.

[0134] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, except where features are mutually exclusive, any combination may be employed of all the features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), as well as of all the processes or units of any method or apparatus so disclosed. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose.

[0135] In addition, those skilled in the art will be able to understand that, although some of the embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, the combination of features of different embodiments means that it is within the scope of the present application and forms different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any one of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0136] The various component embodiments of the present application may be implemented in hardware, or in software modules running on one or more processors, or in a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art should understand that a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP) may be used in practice to implement some or all of the functions of some of the modules according to the embodiments of the present application. The present application may also be implemented as a device program (such as a computer program and a computer program product) for executing part or all of the methods described herein. Such a program for implementing the present application may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or may be in the form of one or more signals. Such signals may be downloaded from an Internet website, or provided on a carrier signal, or in any other form.

[0137] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of the present application rather than limiting the present application, and those skilled in the art can design alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The present application can be implemented by means of hardware including several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims listing several devices, several of these devices may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc. does not denote any order. These words may be construed as names.

Claims

1. A counting method for a blood cell analyzer, characterized in that, The counting method includes: Performing impedance counting test on the original test solution to be tested in the counting pool, and detecting whether the detection hole is blocked during the counting test; When it is detected that the hole is blocked, sucking at least part of the original test solution from the counting pool through the sampling needle assembly; Performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole; Injecting the original test solution sucked out from the counting pool back into the counting pool; Performing impedance counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting pool again; wherein, Performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole includes: Adding a first diluent to the counting pool, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric; Applying a voltage across the two sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole; Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting pool.

2. The counting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole includes: Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the remaining original test solution in the front pool of the counting pool; Performing a reverse flushing blockage removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the rear pool of the counting pool flow back reversely to the front pool of the counting pool to flush away the foreign matter causing the blockage; Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the front pool of the counting pool.

3. The counting method according to claim 1, wherein Performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole includes: Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the remaining original test solution in the front pool of the counting pool; Performing a reverse flushing blockage removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the rear pool of the counting pool flow back reversely to the front pool of the counting pool to flush away the foreign matter causing the blockage; Adding a first diluent to the counting pool, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric; Applying a voltage across the two sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole; Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting pool.

4. The counting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole includes: Adding a first diluent to the counting pool, and the first diluent serves as a dielectric; Applying a voltage across the two sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole; Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting pool; Performing a reverse flushing blockage removal operation on the detection hole to make the liquid in the rear pool of the counting pool flow back reversely to the front pool of the counting pool to flush away the foreign matter causing the blockage; Controlling the drain control valve of the counting pool to switch to the open state to drain the liquid in the counting pool.

5. The counting method according to claim 1, wherein, After performing the blockage removal operation on the detection hole, before or after injecting the original test solution sucked out from the counting pool back into the counting pool, it further includes: Adding a second diluent to the counting pool to dilute the original test solution; Or Adding a second diluent to the counting pool to dilute the original test solution; Mixing the original test solution injected back into the counting pool and the second diluent evenly.

6. The counting method according to claim 5, characterized in that The amount of the second diluent is equal to the amount of the original test solution sucked out from the counting pool.

7. The counting method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: Obtaining the detection signal generated after detecting the original solution based on impedance method; Determine a test result based on the detection signal, where the test result includes a counting result; Save and display the test result on a display interface.

8. The counting method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, During the counting test, detect whether the detection hole is blocked, including: During the counting test, detect the voltage of the detection hole in real time; Judge whether the detection hole is blocked according to the voltage of the detection hole. Among them, when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is judged that the detection hole is not blocked. When the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is judged that the detection hole is blocked.

9. The counting method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: After the blockage removal operation, continue to detect whether the detection hole is blocked; When it is still detected that the detection hole is blocked, an alarm is given to prompt the blockage; and / or According to the alarm, call a blockage handling process to handle the blockage.

10. A blood cell analyzer, characterized in that, The blood cell analyzer includes: An impedance counting test system, which includes a counting pool and a sensor. Among them, a detection hole is provided on the sensor, and the impedance counting test system is used to perform an impedance counting test on the original test solution to be tested in the counting pool; A sampling needle assembly, which is used to suck out at least part of the original test solution from the counting pool when a blockage is detected, and inject the original test solution sucked out from the counting pool back into the counting pool after the blockage removal operation; A blockage removal device, which is used to perform a blockage removal operation on the detection hole; The signal processing and control device is used to: detect whether the detection hole is blocked during the counting test, and control the impedance counting test system to perform an impedance counting test on the original test solution injected back into the counting pool again.

11. The blood cell analyzer according to claim 10, characterized in that, The blockage removal device includes a burning circuit and / or a backflushing blockage removal device. The burning circuit is used to apply a voltage on both sides of the detection hole to burn the detection hole. The backflushing blockage removal device is used to perform a backflushing blockage removal operation on the detection hole, so that the liquid in the rear pool of the counting pool flows back reversely to the front pool of the counting pool to wash away the foreign matter causing the blockage.

12. The blood cell analyzer according to claim 10, wherein After the signal processing and control device controls the sampling needle assembly to suck out at least part of the original test solution from the counting pool, it outputs an emptying control signal to the drain control valve, and the drain control valve switches to the open state according to the emptying control signal to empty the remaining original test solution in the counting pool.

13. The blood cell analyzer according to claim 12, wherein, The blood cell analyzer further includes a liquid adding system, which is used to add a first diluent to the counting pool before burning to serve as the dielectric of the burning circuit.

14. The blood cell analyzer according to claim 13, characterized in that, The liquid adding system is also used to add a second diluent to the counting pool after performing a blockage removal operation on the detection hole to dilute the original test solution.

15. The blood cell analyzer according to any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that The impedance counting test system is further used to detect the voltage of the detection hole in real time during the counting test; The signal processing and control device is used to judge whether the detection hole is blocked according to the voltage of the detection hole. Among them, when the voltage of the detection hole is less than the threshold voltage, it is judged that the detection hole is not blocked. When the voltage of the detection hole is greater than or equal to the threshold voltage, it is judged that the detection hole is blocked.

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