Blood Analyzer Overlapping Sample Preparation and Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyzers for blood specimens face challenges in improving both the throughput of specimen analysis and the accuracy of red blood cell (RBC) measurement, particularly due to the use of optical measurement methods which are less accurate compared to electric measurement methods.

Innovation Solution

The analyzer incorporates multiple sample preparation parts for preparing measurement samples to be measured by both optical and electric measurement parts, allowing for overlapping periods of sample preparation and measurement. This configuration includes first and second sample preparation parts for optical measurement, a third sample preparation part for electric measurement, and a controller that coordinates these processes based on various measurement orders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If optical measurement is used for RBC measurement to improve throughput, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput of specimen analysisVSAvoidaccuracy of RBC measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into two independent paths: one for optical measurement (WBC, platelets) and one for electric measurement (RBC). This segmentation allows each measurement type to use the optimal method without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between throughput and precision for RBC measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sample preparation system is designed to be universal, preparing samples that can be used for both optical and electric measurement. The first and second sample preparation parts create samples suitable for optical measurement, while the third sample preparation part creates samples for electric measurement, allowing the system to handle multiple measurement types through a unified preparation framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple sample preparation parts are added to enable overlapping preparation and measurement periods, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethroughput of specimen analysisVSAvoidnumber of sample preparation parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second sample preparation parts prepare measurement samples in advance during the measurement period of previous samples. This preliminary action allows overlapping of preparation and measurement periods, improving throughput without requiring excessive parallel processing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller integrates the coordination of multiple sample preparation parts and measurement parts into a unified control system. By merging the control functions and optimizing the workflow sequence, the system achieves high productivity while managing device complexity through centralized intelligence rather than distributed complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances the throughput of specimen analysis by allowing overlapping preparation and measurement periods and improves the accuracy of RBC measurement by utilizing electric measurement methods.

Implementation Method 1

an optical measurement part (381) configured to measure the first measurement sample to obtain an optical signal corresponding to white blood cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

an electric measurement part (382) configured to measure the second measurement sample to obtain an electric signal corresponding to red blood cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric measurement: Coulter Counter

Data Source

PatentUS20250093373A1Specification analyzer

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 SYSMEX CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is an analyzer configured to analyze a specimen, including: first and second sample preparation parts configured to prepare a first measurement sample from the specimen by using a first reagent; a third sample preparation part configured to prepare a second measurement sample from the specimen by using a second reagent; an optical measurement part configured to measure the first measurement sample to obtain an optical signal corresponding to white blood cells; an electric measurement part configured to measure the second measurement sample to obtain an electric signal corresponding to red blood cells; an analysis part configured to analyze the specimen, based on the optical signal and the electric signal; and a controller. The controller, according to a plurality of measurement orders, controls sample preparation in the first and second sample preparation parts and sample measurement by the optical measurement part such that at least a part of a period including preparation of the first measurement sample by the first sample preparation part, and measurement, by the optical measurement part, of the first measurement sample prepared in the first sample preparation part, overlaps with at least a part of a period including preparation of the first measurement sample by the second sample preparation part, and measurement, by the optical measurement part, of the first measurement sample prepared in the second sample preparation part.