Device, method and arrangement for treating the waste fluid of a haematological analysis device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device, method and arrangement for treating the waste fluid (1) of a haematological analysis device (2), in particular for reducing or removing contaminants from the waste fluid (1) of a blood count apparatus, comprising: – an inlet (3) for introducing the waste fluid (1), – a filter device (5) disposed downstream of the inlet (3) in the flow direction (4) of the waste fluid (1) and serving to filter the waste fluid (1), – a sterilisation device (6) disposed downstream of the inlet (3) and in particular downstream of the filter device (5) in the flow direction (4) of the waste fluid (1) and serving to at least partially sterilise the waste fluid (1), – an outlet (7) for discharging the treated waste fluid (1).

Description

[0001] Device, method and arrangement for treating the waste fluid of a hematological analysis device

[0002] In vitro analysis devices, particularly hematological analysis devices such as blood count analyzers, are devices that analyze biological samples to assess the health status of a living organism. To perform various analysis steps, the biological samples are usually mixed with excipients and transported through various analysis stations. The resulting in vitro diagnostics are typically expelled from a so-called waste outlet as waste fluid from the analysis device and disposed of.

[0003] For hospital laboratories and large private laboratories, the general wastewater emission regulations and specific legal regulations for laboratories must be taken into account. Typically, the waste fluid from the analytical devices is collected separately and handed over to a waste disposal company for proper disposal.

[0004] For smaller laboratories or medical practices, there are no clear, uniform regulations, and the waste fluid is often disposed of in the wastewater without any treatment. Along with chemicals such as difluid, lysis fluid, and cleaner, the fluid to be analyzed—especially blood—and any substances contained in the blood, such as viruses, bacteria, or the like, all enter the sewage system untreated.

[0005] Collecting waste fluid and handing it over to a disposal company is not cost-effective for smaller laboratory facilities, especially due to unclear legal regulations.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a device, an arrangement and a method that allows efficient yet environmentally friendly hematological analysis.

[0007] The object of the invention is achieved in particular by the features of the independent patent claims.

[0008] The invention relates, inter alia, to a device for treating the waste fluid of a hematological analysis device, in particular for reducing or removing contamination of the waste fluid of a blood counting device.

[0009] The device may include the following components:

[0010] - an inlet for the introduction of the waste fluid,

[0011] - a filter device arranged downstream of the inlet in the flow direction of the waste fluid for filtering the waste fluid,

[0012] - a sterilization device arranged in the flow direction of the waste fluid after the inlet and in particular after the filter device for at least partially sterilizing the waste fluid,

[0013] - and / or an outlet for the discharge of the treated waste fluid.

[0014] It is preferably provided that the filter device, optionally together with the sterilization device, has a cleaning rate that reduces the SO4 content of a waste fluid of a blood counting device to below 200 mg / l.

[0015] It may be advantageous if the filter device is an ion exchange filter or comprises an ion exchange filter. In particular, it may be advantageous if the ion exchange filter is a mixed-bed resin filter. For example, iron, manganese, copper, sulfide, sulfate, calcium carbonate, silica, salts, lead, zinc, nitrate, phosphate, ammonium, carbonic acid, and / or silicate are at least partially filtered out.

[0016] It may be advantageous if the sterilization device is a UV sterilizer or comprises a UV sterilizer.

[0017] The device may comprise a buffer storage device upstream of the filter device for buffering or collecting the waste fluid introduced through the inlet.

[0018] The device preferably comprises a pump arrangement for conveying the waste fluid through the filter device, through the sterilization device and to the outlet.

[0019] Optionally, it is provided that the pump arrangement comprises a first pump which conveys the waste fluid to be treated from the buffer storage through the filter device and the sterilization device.

[0020] If necessary, the first pump is arranged after the buffer tank and before the filter device.

[0021] Optionally, it is provided that the pump arrangement comprises a second pump which is provided along the flow direction downstream of the sterilization device and which transports the waste fluid towards the outlet after a set residence time in the sterilization device.

[0022] Optionally, at least one check valve is provided to prevent backflow of the potentially treated waste fluid against the flow direction through the inlet and / or through the outlet. Among other things, the invention also relates to an arrangement of a hematological analysis device, in particular a blood counting device, and a described device, wherein the waste fluid of the hematological analysis device is directed into the inlet of the device.

[0023] Among other things, the invention relates to a method for treating the waste fluid of a hematological analysis device, in particular for reducing or removing contamination of the waste fluid of a blood counting device

[0024] The procedure may include the following steps:

[0025] - Directing the waste fluid into an inlet,

[0026] - filtering the waste fluid in a filter device arranged downstream of the inlet in the flow direction of the waste fluid,

[0027] - at least partial sterilization of the waste fluid in a sterilization device arranged in the flow direction of the waste fluid after the inlet and in particular after the filter device,

[0028] - and discharging the treated waste fluid through an outlet.

[0029] Preferably, the filter device, optionally together with the sterilization device, reduces the SO4 content of a waste fluid of a blood counting device to below 200 mg / l.

[0030] Preferably, the waste fluid introduced through the inlet is collected in a buffer storage unit upstream of the filter device.

[0031] In all embodiments, the hematological analysis device can be designed, for example, as a blood counting device, in particular as an automated blood counting device. Examples include triple or quintuple differential blood counting devices.

[0032] The waste fluid of a blood count device can include conventional reagents such as diluent, lysis, cleaner and, of course, blood.

[0033] The buffer storage can be designed, for example, as a container. In particular, the buffer storage can be designed as a rigid container or as a bubble-shaped, flexible container. The buffer storage can have a sensor that determines the fill level of the buffer storage. This allows the control device to start treating the waste fluid as soon as the buffer storage reaches a certain fill level. The sensor can be designed, for example, as an ultrasonic sensor, which controls or starts the pump arrangement via the control device at a certain fill level.

[0034] If necessary, the volume flow or a volume flow parameter of the waste fluid is determined or monitored. By controlling or regulating the volume flow, the effectiveness of the filter device and / or the sterilization device can be influenced. For example, a specific irradiation duration of a UV sterilizer is necessary to achieve a specific sterilization performance. By controlling or regulating the volume flow, in particular by controlling the pump arrangement via the control device, the volume flow and thus also the effectiveness of the filtration or treatment can be positively influenced.

[0035] Preferably, the control device can adjust flow times, flow quantities, irradiation times and / or the system pressure.

[0036] Preferably, the device is a laboratory apparatus with a housing. If the device is designed as a medical device, this housing preferably has protection class SKII or VDE0701-0702, which would fulfill the current test standard for medical devices in the laboratory sector. In principle, however, the device can also be designed as a general device that does not require approval.

[0037] The housing is essentially closed and has an inlet and an outlet. The device is preferably configured to be connected to a blood counting device, such as an automated blood counting machine for a differential blood count. Preferably, the volume flow of the waste fluid of the analysis device treated by the device is adapted to the volume flow of the analysis device.

[0038] Optionally, the pump arrangement comprises two pumps, i.e. a first pump and a second pump. The first pump transports the waste fluid through the filter device. The second pump is arranged downstream of the filter device and the sterilization device in the direction of flow and serves to some extent as a barrier or flow regulator. As a result, the inflowing volume can be controlled or regulated with the first pump and the outflowing volume with the second pump. This can improve the effectiveness of the filter device and the sterilization device. Alternatively, one of the two pumps, in particular the second pump, can be designed as a control valve or as a controllable valve in order to achieve a similar effect.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the device has a volume flow of the waste fluid of < 5 l / min, preferably < 3 l / min and particularly preferably about 0-2 l / min.

[0040] In order to operate the filter device and / or the sterilization device at an advantageous operating point or operating range, a buffer storage device can be provided. The waste fluid, which may not be continuously discharged by the analysis device, is collected in this buffer storage device and subsequently conveyed through the device at a selectable volume flow rate. For example, the waste fluid can be collected in the buffer storage device until a certain fill level is reached. The waste fluid collected there can then be conveyed through the device continuously or at a desired volume flow rate. Depending on the volume flow rate delivered by the analysis device, the device for treating the waste fluid can also be operated continuously, as long as there is sufficient waste fluid in the buffer storage device.If necessary, the buffer storage can also be omitted if, for example, the analysis device delivers a constant or predictable volume flow of the waste fluid. The pump arrangement is preferably designed to pump the waste fluid through the device in a desired amount. In particular, the filter device has a preferred operating pressure. This operating pressure of the filter device can, for example, be between 2 and 15 bar, preferably between 6 and 10 bar, and particularly preferably approximately 8 bar. This pressure is preferably built up by a first pump, which is provided upstream of the filter device in the flow direction of the waste fluid. The filter device as such acts as a throttle, so that the desired operating pressure of the waste fluid prevails between the first pump and the filter device, and in particular, of course, also in the filter device.In all embodiments, it can be provided that the pump arrangement comprises a peristaltic pump, wherein the first pump and / or the second pump is designed as a peristaltic pump.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the sterilization device is provided downstream of the filter device in the direction of flow. In this configuration, the waste fluid, which has already been partially treated by the filter device, is then passed through the sterilization device. The sterilization device is preferably a UV sterilizer through which the waste fluid is passed. In order to be able to control or regulate the irradiation time by the UV radiation, a second pump is preferably provided. This is provided downstream of the filter device and in particular also downstream of the sterilization device in the direction of flow. If the pump is arranged downstream of the sterilization device, it may act as a type of flow regulator by which the volume flow in the sterilization device can be adjusted.According to an alternative embodiment, the volume flow can also be adjusted by a second pump arranged upstream of the sterilization device in the flow direction. The UV sterilizer can, for example, comprise a tube having an inlet and an outlet for the passage of the waste fluid. A UV radiation source, such as a UV tube, can be provided in the center of the tube or in the region of a wall. The waste fluid passed through the tube of the sterilization device is thus guided past the radiation source and irradiated by it. An exemplary process sequence is described below:

[0042] In a first step, the hematological analysis device, such as the blood count machine, is operated. This has an outlet, also known as the waste outlet. The waste fluid is expelled through this outlet of the analysis device.

[0043] The inlet of the analyzer is connected to the outlet of the analyzer, for example, a hose or pipe being provided for connection. The waste fluid from the analyzer is thus introduced into the analyzer through the inlet of the analyzer.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the waste fluid is collected in a buffer tank after entering the device. If necessary, the fill level of the buffer tank is monitored by a sensor. If sufficient waste fluid is present in the buffer tank, a control device activates the pump assembly to pump the waste fluid through the device.

[0045] In particular, the waste fluid is conveyed through a filter device. The filter device is preferably designed as an ion exchange filter, particularly preferably as a mixed-bed resin filter. The pump of the pump assembly builds up the necessary operating pressure for treating or filtering the waste fluid in the filter device.

[0046] The waste fluid treated in the filter device is then preferably conveyed through a sterilization device. This can also be accomplished by the pump arrangement, with two pumps optionally being provided. The waste fluid is further treated in the sterilization device. The treated waste fluid can then be discharged through an outlet.

[0047] For example, a waste container can be connected to the outlet, or the outlet can be connected to the sewage system, so that the treated waste fluid is discharged directly into the sewage system. If a collection container is connected to the outlet, this can also be located inside the housing if necessary.

[0048] The housing optionally has a height, width, and depth of < 50 cm. Preferably, the housing is designed such that the device has the shape and size of a conventional desktop laboratory device.

[0049] The buffer storage may have a volume of < 3 l, possibly < 2 l and preferably between 1 and 2 l.

[0050] In all embodiments, it can preferably be provided that the device has its own power supply, which, for example, has its own transformer. In all embodiments, it can be provided that the device comprises its own control device that controls the components of the device.

[0051] The invention will be further described below with reference to the figure.

[0052] Unless otherwise stated, the reference numerals correspond to the following components: waste fluid 1, analysis device 2, inlet 3, flow direction 4, filter device 5, sterilization device 6, outlet 7, buffer storage 8, pump arrangement 9, first pump 10, second pump 11, check valve 12, control device 13, housing 14.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device for treating a waste fluid 1 and a schematic view of a hematological analysis device 2. The two components together form an assembly. In the present embodiment, the device is designed as a standalone component that can be flexibly connected to a hematological analysis device 2.

[0054] The device preferably has its own power supply. For connection to the in-vitro analysis device 2, an output of the analysis device 2 is connected to the input 3 of the analysis device 2 in order to transfer the waste fluid 1 of the analysis device 2 to the device. According to an embodiment not shown, the arrangement of the hematological analysis device 2 and the device can also be designed as a single apparatus and / or be provided in a common housing 14.

[0055] The device comprises an inlet 3 into which the waste fluid 1 is introduced. The device comprises a filter device 5 in which the waste fluid 1 is treated. In the present embodiment, the filter is designed as an ion exchange filter and preferably as a mixed-bed resin filter. Such filter devices are also referred to as demineralizers.

[0056] The ion exchange filter may, as in the present embodiment, comprise two columns that remove contaminants from the waste fluid 1 or reduce contaminants in the waste fluid 1.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the device comprises a sterilization device 6. This is preferably arranged along the flow direction 4 of the device after the filter device 5.

[0058] If necessary, such a sterilization device 6 can also be arranged in front of the filter device 5.

[0059] The sterilization device 6 is preferably designed as a UV sterilizer.

[0060] In particular, in all embodiments, the sterilization device 6 can be designed as a UV sterilizer through which the waste fluid 1 flows. A UV light source is, in particular, a UV-C light source and irradiates or passes through the waste fluid 1 for a specific period of time to render organic material, in particular bacteria, harmless.

[0061] The combination of a filter device 5 and a sterilization device 6, in particular the combination of a mixed-bed resin filter with a downstream UV sterilizer, has proven particularly advantageous. In principle, however, other combinations are also conceivable, depending on the waste fluid 1. For example, the sterilizer can be omitted if the filter device 5 already achieves sufficient treatment of the waste fluid 1.

[0062] In the present embodiment, a buffer reservoir 8 is provided. This buffer reservoir 8 is a type of container in which waste fluid 1 supplied to the device can be collected. The buffer reservoir 8 serves, in particular, to temporarily store the waste fluid 1, which may be discharged from the hematological analysis device 2 at an irregular volume flow. If necessary, the waste fluid 1 is discharged from the hematological analysis device 2 in a timed or irregular manner. The buffer reservoir 8 allows the volume flow in the device, in particular in the filter device 5 and in the sterilization device 6, to be selected or adjusted essentially flexibly.

[0063] In order to prevent a backflow of the waste fluid 1 from the buffer tank 8 through the inlet 3, a check valve 12 can be provided, as in the present embodiment.

[0064] The device comprises a pump arrangement 9. In particular, the present embodiment comprises a first pump 10 and a second pump 11. The first pump 10 is provided downstream of the buffer storage 8 but upstream of the filter device 5 in the flow direction 4. This first pump 10 conveys the waste fluid 1 from the buffer storage 8 toward the filter device 5.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the pump assembly 9 includes a second pump 11. This second pump 11 is arranged downstream of the sterilization device 6 but upstream of the outlet 7.

[0066] By operating the two pumps 10, 11, the throughput and thus also the residence time of the waste fluid 1 in the filter device 5 and / or in the sterilization device 6 can be controlled or regulated. In addition, the pressure of the waste fluid 1 in the filter device 5 and / or in the sterilization device 6 can also be controlled or regulated. The pump arrangement 9 transports the waste fluid 1 from the inlet 3 through the components of the device and then to the outlet 7. The outlet 7 can, for example, be connected to the sewage system in order to discharge the treated waste fluid 1. To prevent backflow into the device, a check valve 12 can be provided in the region of the outlet 7, in particular upstream of the outlet 7.

[0067] A control device 13 may be provided to control or regulate the device. This control device 13 controls or regulates, for example, the sterilization device 6, the filter device 5, and / or the pump arrangement 9.

[0068] The described device is designed to treat the waste fluid 1 in such a way that contamination is reduced or removed. Preferably, the contamination should be reduced to such an extent that local wastewater regulations are complied with.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for treating the waste fluid (1) of a hematological analysis device (2), in particular for reducing or removing contamination of the waste fluid (1) of a blood counting device, comprising: - an inlet (3) for introducing the waste fluid (1 ), - a filter device (5) arranged in the flow direction (4) of the waste fluid (1) after the inlet (3) for filtering the waste fluid (1), - a sterilization device (6) arranged in the flow direction (4) of the waste fluid (1) after the inlet (3) and in particular after the filter device (5) for at least partially sterilizing the waste fluid (1), - an outlet (7) for discharging the treated waste fluid (1 ).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filter device (5), optionally together with the sterilization device (6), has a cleaning rate which reduces the SO4 content of a waste fluid (1) of a blood counting device to below 200 mg / l.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - that the filter device (5) is an ion exchange filter or comprises an ion exchange filter.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that - that the ion exchange filter is preferably a mixed bed resin filter.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sterilization device (6) is a UV sterilizer or comprises a UV sterilizer.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a buffer storage (8) upstream of the filter device (5) for buffering or collecting the waste fluid (1) introduced through the inlet (3).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a pump arrangement (9) for conveying the waste fluid (1) through the filter device (5), through the sterilization device (6) and to the outlet (7).

8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that - that the pump arrangement (9) comprises a first pump (10) which conveys the waste fluid (1) to be treated from the buffer storage (8) through the filter device (5) and the sterilization device (6), - wherein the first pump (10) is preferably arranged after the buffer storage (8) and before the filter device (5).

9. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that - that the pump arrangement (9) comprises a second pump (11) which is provided along the flow direction (4) downstream of the sterilization device (6) and which transports the waste fluid (1) towards the outlet (7) after a set residence time in the sterilization device (6).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one check valve (12) is provided which prevents a backflow of the optionally treated waste fluid (1) against the flow direction (4) through the inlet (3) or through the outlet (7).

11. Arrangement of a hematological analysis device (2), in particular a blood counting device, and a device according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the waste fluid (1) of the hematological analysis device (2) is directed into the inlet (3) of the device.

12. A method for treating the waste fluid (1) of a hematological analysis device (2), in particular for reducing or removing contamination of the waste fluid (1) of a blood counting device, comprising the following steps: - guiding the waste fluid (1) into an inlet (3), - filtering the waste fluid (1) in a filter device (5) arranged in the flow direction (4) of the waste fluid (1) after the inlet (3), - at least partial sterilization of the waste fluid (1 ) in a Flow direction (4) of the waste fluid (1) after the inlet (3) and in particular after the filter device (5) arranged sterilization device (6), - and discharging the treated waste fluid (1) through an outlet (7).

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the filter device, optionally (5) together with the sterilization device (6), reduces the SO4 content of a waste fluid (1) of a blood counting device to below 200 mg / l.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the filter device (5) is an ion exchange filter or comprises an ion exchange filter, wherein the ion exchange filter is preferably a mixed bed resin filter.

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the sterilization device (6) is a UV sterilizer or comprises a UV sterilizer.

16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the waste fluid (1) introduced through the inlet (3) is collected in a buffer storage (8) upstream of the filter device (5).

17. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that a pump arrangement (9) conveys the waste fluid (1) through the filter device (5), through the sterilization device (6) and to the outlet (7).

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