Automated Analyzer Line Range Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated analyzers face challenges in accurately determining the line range for laboratory test value conversion due to inclusion of lag phases and curve parts in reaction curve data, leading to errors in slope calculation and increased reexamination needs.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer with a measurement point data acquisition unit, data processing unit, and storage unit that uses approximation formulas to accurately determine the line range from reaction curve data, predicting the line range and outputting an index of precision to ensure precise laboratory test values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed time range is used for laboratory test value conversion, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but the precision of the result deteriorates due to inclusion of lag phases and curve parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the line range determination adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically identifies the linear range for each individual reaction curve by detecting where the curve transitions from non-linear (lag phase) to linear behavior, allowing the measurement range to adapt to each sample's specific characteristics while maintaining measurement speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using a predetermined fixed time range with a computational method. The system uses mathematical analysis of the reaction curve data to automatically determine the optimal linear range, substituting rigid mechanical timing with flexible algorithmic determination that achieves both speed and precision.
2Productivity
If the measurement time is shortened to report results faster, then productivity increases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing mathematical approximation and line range determination during the measurement process itself, rather than waiting for the complete reaction. The system continuously analyzes the reaction curve as data is collected and can determine the linear range and calculate results before the full reaction time elapses, enabling early reporting without sacrificing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mathematical approximation formulas to create a simplified model (copy) of the reaction curve behavior. By fitting approximation formulas to the measured data points, the system can predict the linear range and extrapolate results, effectively creating a computational copy of the reaction progress that allows early accurate determination without waiting for complete reaction.
3Device complexity
If conventional linearity check methods are used with fixed absorbance limits, then the device complexity remains low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false abnormality notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from fixed, predetermined absorbance limit values to dynamic, data-driven determination of line range boundaries. The system changes the parameters defining the measurement range based on the actual reaction curve characteristics, using mathematical analysis to identify where linearity begins and ends, thereby eliminating false abnormality notifications while maintaining simple device architecture.
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
This approach allows for precise laboratory test values by accurately setting line ranges for each sample, reducing reexaminations and ensuring the precision of predictive values by using approximation formulas to analyze reaction curve data.
Implementation Method 1
measures the absorbance of a reaction solution for a fixed period of time
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
There is provided a technique for automatically determining or predicting a line range specific to a sample that appears in a reaction curve in an automated analyzer for mixing a specimen and a reagent and measuring a change in a mixture of the specimen and the reagent with time. This invention approximates reaction curve data by a function and automatically determines a curve part at an early stage or a second stage of a reaction. The invention determines a line range not including a curve part for each sample and calculates a laboratory test value using absorbance data within the determined line range. This invention also automatically determines a start time of line at the early stage of the reaction on the basis of absorbance data obtained up to a point halfway through the reaction curve, predicts a line range on the basis of the end time of line and a planned end time of line, and calculates a predictive value on the basis of a result of the prediction.