Apo B Calculation from Cholesterol Subclass Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining lipoprotein cholesterol profiles are either expensive, time-consuming, or prone to errors, and do not accurately measure apolipoprotein B100, a key risk factor for coronary heart disease, due to their complexity and cost, limiting their routine clinical application.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that calculates apolipoprotein B100 concentrations using existing cholesterol measurement values, eliminating the need for a separate test, by developing formulas based on non-HDL cholesterol subclasses and incorporating LDL pattern information to improve accuracy and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct methods (ultracentrifugation) are used to measure lipoprotein cholesterol, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a computational copy of the ultracentrifugation measurement process by using mathematical models and algorithms that replicate the separation and quantification functions without requiring physical ultracentrifugation equipment. The system uses cholesterol measurement data combined with computational algorithms to generate apo B measurements that mirror what would be obtained through direct ultracentrifugation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ultracentrifugation system with an information-processing system. Instead of using physical centrifugal force to separate lipoproteins, the system uses computational algorithms that process cholesterol measurement data to calculate apo B concentrations, substituting mechanical separation with mathematical modeling.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analyses using different aliquots are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system. Instead of performing separate analyses for different lipoprotein fractions using different aliquots, the system combines cholesterol measurement with computational algorithms that simultaneously determine apo B concentrations, HDL, LDL, and other parameters from a single test, eliminating the need for multiple sequential analyses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The same cholesterol measurement and computational processing yields information about apo B, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and other lipoprotein parameters, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized tests for each parameter.
3Ease of operation
If indirect methods with calculations are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to errors in multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms in the form of validation algorithms that continuously check and adjust calculations. The system uses multiple computational checks and comparison with reference values to ensure measurement accuracy, providing feedback loops that correct potential errors in the calculation process and maintain precision despite the simplified operational approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring apolipoprotein B100 (apo B) during the cholesterol subclass measurement process is provided which obviates the need for a separate apo B test.