Whole Blood Analysis via Mass Spectrometry and Optical Hematocrit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood test systems face challenges in providing timely and accurate results, particularly during peak workloads, and are prone to quality assurance failures due to interference from other substances, leading to delays and inaccurate diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical measurement unit, an ion source, and a mass analyzer that measures optical properties and ion species of a whole blood sample to determine the hematocrit and concentration of analytes like hemoglobin A1c and creatinine without the need for separating blood plasma, using a substrate with capillary action and automated liquid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different blood samples are processed by various different methods at different locations, then multiple analytes can be measured, but turnaround time increases and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analyte measurement capabilities into a single mass spectrometry system that can analyze multiple analytes from a single blood sample in one location, eliminating the need to process multiple separate samples by different methods at different locations
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometry system is designed with universal capability to measure multiple different analytes including hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, and other substances from the same blood sample, making the system adaptable to various clinical testing needs without requiring separate specialized equipment
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional blood test methods are used, then processing can be performed, but quality assurance failures occur due to interference from other substances
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometry system extracts and measures specific analyte ions from the complex blood sample matrix, separating the target analytes from interfering substances through mass-to-charge ratio detection, thereby eliminating interference from other hemoglobin variants and chemical substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/chemical separation and measurement methods with mass spectrometry detection, which uses electromagnetic fields to separate and detect ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio, providing superior specificity and accuracy
3Measurement precision
If plasma separation is performed before analysis, then analyte concentration can be measured, but turnaround time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometry system performs self-service by directly analyzing whole blood samples without requiring external plasma separation processing, using the hematocrit measurement to compensate for and correct the analyte concentration readings to account for the presence of blood cells
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from direct plasma concentration to whole-blood concentration corrected by hematocrit value, allowing accurate analyte measurement without the time-consuming plasma separation step
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 enables rapid and accurate blood test results, reducing turnaround time to minutes while improving the specificity and accuracy of blood tests, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of health conditions with a single blood sample.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measurement unit configured to measure an optical property of a whole blood sample
Implementation Method 2
an ion source configured to cause ions derived from the whole blood sample to be emitted from the substrate
Implementation Method 3
the substrate comprises a layer of porous material such that components of the whole blood sample are transported along the substrate by capillary action
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes an optical measurement unit that measures an optical property of a whole blood sample deposited on a surface of a substrate, an ion source that causes ions derived from the whole blood sample, including ions formed from an analyte of interest present in the whole blood sample, to be emitted from the substrate, a mass analyzer that receives the ions emitted from the substrate and measures an abundance of at least one ion species corresponding to the analyte of interest, and at least one computing device that determines, based on the measured optical property, a hematocrit of the whole blood sample, and determines, based on the determined hematocrit of the whole blood sample and the measured abundance of the at least one ion species, a concentration of the analyte of interest per unit volume of blood plasma.