Blood Analyzer Optical Platelet Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood coagulation analyzers face challenges in accurately determining the influence of platelet counts in plasma samples, as improper centrifugation can lead to varying platelet levels, affecting measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that acquire optical information from the coagulation reaction of a blood sample with a reagent, allowing for the estimation of platelet counts based on changes in optical information, enabling the assessment of platelet influence on measurement results and determining the need for additional sample processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centrifugal separation is performed at 1500 g or more for 15 minutes or longer to reduce platelet count, then measurement reliability is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugal separation system with an optical detection system. The blood analyzer uses light transmission or scattering measurements to detect platelet aggregates in the plasma sample, eliminating the need for complex centrifugal equipment and operations while maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct platelet count (requiring centrifugation) to optical properties (light transmission or scattering) that reflect platelet aggregation state. By measuring optical density or light scattering characteristics, the system can assess platelet influence without mechanical separation.
2Measurement precision
If centrifugal separation is performed properly to ensure platelet count below 10,000 cells/μL, then measurement accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical assessment of platelet aggregation state directly on the plasma sample before measurement. By detecting optical characteristics that indicate high platelet content, the system can identify samples requiring additional processing in advance, avoiding unnecessary centrifugation time for samples that don't need it.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical centrifugation with rapid optical detection. The light transmission or scattering measurement provides immediate information about platelet aggregation state, reducing processing time from 15+ minutes to seconds while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If optical detection method is used to estimate platelet count, then operation simplicity is improved, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical properties (light transmission or scattering) as an intermediary indicator of platelet aggregation state. Instead of directly counting platelets, the system measures optical characteristics that correlate with platelet concentration and aggregation, providing indirect but sufficiently precise measurement for clinical decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the optical detection results are compared against reference values or thresholds. The system can provide feedback indicators (such as aggregation indices or risk levels) that guide further processing decisions, improving the practical precision of platelet assessment through iterative evaluation.
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 accurate determination of platelet counts and their impact on measurement results, facilitating proper sample preparation and reducing the need for re-acquisition or re-centrifugation, thereby improving the reliability of blood coagulation analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring unit for irradiating light to a mixed liquid in which a blood sample and a reagent for coagulation time measurement are mixed and for detecting light generated from the mixed liquid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A blood analysis method comprising acquiring optical information which changes over time (S2) from a mixed liquid of a blood sample and a reagent (S1) for coagulation time measurement after mixing the blood sample and the reagent and acquiring information related to a coagulation time (S3) and information related to a number of platelets in the blood sample based on the acquired optical information (S4).