Automated Analysis Device Synchronizing Biochemical and Coagulation Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated analysis devices for blood and urine samples often require separate devices for different testing fields, leading to delayed reporting of results when one device stalls, as they cannot grasp the measurement state of other samples, resulting in incomplete data availability for clinicians.
Innovation Solution
An automated analysis device with a reaction cell, light source, and light-receiving unit, along with a control unit that manages measurement sequences for multiple samples from the same patient, ensuring timely measurements between different testing units, such as biochemical and blood coagulation analysis, within a predetermined period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for different testing fields (biochemical test and blood coagulation test), then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the reporting time is delayed when one device stalls and cannot grasp the measurement state of other samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple testing devices for different fields (biochemical analysis, immunological analysis, and blood coagulation analysis) into a single integrated automated analysis device. This allows the device to perform multiple types of analyses using a single sample, enabling all measurement results to be reported simultaneously without delay when one measurement completes faster than others.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated analysis device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple testing types. It includes multiple reaction chambers, measurement units for different analysis methods (spectrophotometry, nephelometry, turbidimetry), and a centralized control unit that manages sequencing and integration of different measurement processes, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for comprehensive testing, then complete data can be obtained from different testing fields, but the system complexity increases and coordination between devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple testing functions into a single device architecture, combining biochemical analysis units, immunological analysis units, and blood coagulation analysis units. This unified structure reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage, thereby simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating multiple functions, the device internally segments different measurement processes into separate reaction chambers and measurement units. Each unit is optimized for its specific function (e.g., separate chambers for colorimetric reactions vs. turbidity measurements), allowing independent optimization while maintaining system-wide coordination through the central control unit.
3Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for biochemical and blood coagulation tests, then each device can use optimized reagents and methods, but the integration of results and coordination between devices is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with universal coordination capability to manage multiple types of measurements simultaneously. It tracks the measurement state of all samples across different testing modules, stores results in a unified database, and coordinates the sequencing of measurements to ensure all results are available for reporting without loss of measurement state information.
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
Enables prompt reporting of measurement results for each patient by synchronizing measurement sequences across different testing units, reducing delays and ensuring complete data availability for clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
a biochemical test that causes a reagent to react with a sample and measures components such as saccharide, lipids, proteins and enzymes
Implementation Method 2
measures a change in color due to the chemical reaction by transmitted light
Implementation Method 3
an automated analysis device using a method of optically measuring a change in turbidity accompanying the precipitation of fibrin
Implementation Method 4
measure with high sensitivity due to transmitted light or scattered light using measurement methods such as immunoturbidimetry
Data Source
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AI summary
There has been a problem in that if testing involves measurements with a plurality of different samples for the same patient, and if a measurement at one analysis unit stalls, then the measurement results are not completely available for the patient even though measurements with other testing devices have been completed, and thus the measurement results cannot be reported to a clinician. Provided is an automated analysis device that comprises the following: a first measurement unit comprising a reaction disc for retaining a plurality of reaction cells containing a mixed solution of sample and reagent on a circumference, a light source for irradiating the mixed solution contained in the reaction cells with light, and a light-receiving unit for detecting the irradiated light; a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the reaction cells having undergone measurement at the first measurement unit; disposable reaction containers for containing the mixed solution of sample and reagent; a second measurement unit that has a plurality of measurement channels for retaining the disposable reaction containers, and comprises a light source for irradiating the disposable reaction containers retained in each of the plurality of measurement channels with light, and a light-receiving unit for detecting the irradiated light; a read unit for reading identification information appended to a sample container containing a sample; and a control unit for controlling an analysis condition for the sample on the basis of the information that has been read. If, for a plurality of samples having identification information that indicates the same patient, a first sample for which a testing item that should be measured by the first measurement unit has been ordered and a second sample for which a testing item that should be measured by the second measurement unit has been ordered furthermore have the same identification information pertaining to testing, then the control unit determines, on the basis of a timing at which the measurement for either the first sample or the second sample is to be performed or a timing at which the measurement therefor is to be completed, the timing at which the measurement for the other sample is to be performed, and the relevant retained sample containers are conveyed on the basis of this determined measurement sequence.