Non-invasive Amniotic Fluid Screening via Optical Reflectance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting meconium and bleeding in amniotic fluid during labor are invasive, unreliable, or not widely available, leading to high fetal and neonatal mortality rates due to delayed diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive device using color reflectance measurement with a broad-spectrum light source and an OEM spectrometer to detect the presence of meconium and blood in amniotic fluid without sampling or invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive sampling methods (amniocentesis) are used to detect meconium and blood in amniotic fluid, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and risk to fetus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling (amniocentesis) with non-invasive optical measurement. A probe positioned in the vaginal canal uses light reflection to detect meconium and blood in amniotic fluid without penetrating the amniotic membrane, thus eliminating the invasive procedure while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect the presence of meconium and blood. By measuring light reflection characteristics from the amniotic fluid through the vaginal wall, the system obtains diagnostic information without direct contact or penetration into the fetal environment
2Ease of operation
If ultrasound scanning is used to detect meconium in amniotic fluid, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits color changes and optical reflection characteristics of amniotic fluid to detect meconium and blood. By analyzing the reflection spectrum of light from the amniotic fluid, the system can distinguish between normal fluid and fluid containing meconium or blood, providing both ease of operation and high measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If amniotic membrane is opened early for screening, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light reflection as an intermediary to detect amniotic fluid composition through the intact amniotic membrane. By measuring optical properties from the vaginal canal without opening the membrane, the system achieves early detection while avoiding the infection risk associated with amniotomy
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enables early and accurate detection of meconium and blood in amniotic fluid, reducing neonatal interventions, intensive care unit admissions, and maternal and fetal mortality, while being portable and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
A non-invasive device using color reflectance measurement with a broad-spectrum light source and an OEM spectrometer to detect the presence of meconium and blood in amniotic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of health. In particular, it is used in the fields of midwifery, obstetrics and gynecology, perinatology. During the birth process, it will be determined whether the fetus has meconium in the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus and whether there is bleeding into the amniotic fluid.