Blood Analyzer Plasmodium Detection Scattergram Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting Plasmodium-infected red blood cells using flow cytometry often result in false-positive malaria determinations due to the misclassification of particles in the scattergram analysis.
Innovation Solution
A blood analyzer and method that utilize a sample preparation unit to mix a blood specimen with a fluorescent dye for nucleic acid staining, and a controller to determine Plasmodium infection based on the variation of particle distribution in specific ranges of fluorescence and scattered light intensities, specifically focusing on the single-ring form of red blood cells to accurately differentiate infected cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow cytometry scattergram analysis is used to detect Plasmodium-infected red blood cells, then detection capability is provided, but false-positive results occur due to misclassification of particles
Solution Approach 1:
The scattergram analysis is segmented into multiple distinct regions (first region for single-ring form, second region for multi-ring form, third region for trophozoites/schizonts, fourth region for white blood cells). This segmentation allows differentiated analysis of particles in each region, preventing misclassification and reducing false-positive results while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third dimension by analyzing not only the position of particles in the scattergram but also the variation of their distribution patterns. The controller evaluates whether particles are distributed within a specific variation range, adding a dimensional criterion that distinguishes true Plasmodium-infected cells from other particles that may coincidentally fall in the same scattergram region.
2Productivity
If particle distribution in scattergram is used for malaria determination, then infection detection is enabled, but false-positive occurs when subjects do not suffer from malaria
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from the distribution variation analysis to adjust the determination process. When particles are detected in the scattergram regions, the system evaluates their distribution variation and uses this feedback to confirm whether they represent true Plasmodium infection or false-positive artifacts, thereby improving determination accuracy while maintaining detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of particle distribution patterns before making a final malaria determination. By预先 evaluating whether particles fall within the expected variation ranges for each region, the system filters out false-positives early in the process, ensuring accurate results without compromising detection speed.
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 reduces false-positive results by accurately determining the presence of Plasmodium-infected red blood cells through enhanced analysis of particle distribution patterns, improving the accuracy of malaria diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a sample preparation unit (30) configured to mix a blood specimen and a fluorescent dye for staining nucleic acid to prepare a measurement sample; a light receiver (103, 105) configured to receive fluorescence and scattered light that are generated by light being applied to the measurement sample
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver (103, 105) configured to receive fluorescence and scattered light that are generated by light being applied to the measurement sample
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a blood analyzer that includes: a sample preparation unit configured to mix a blood specimen and a fluorescent dye for staining nucleic acid to prepare a measurement sample; a light receiver configured to receive fluorescence and scattered light that are generated by light being applied to the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparation unit; and a controller programmed to determine whether or not infection with Plasmodium has occurred, on the basis of a value representing variation of a distribution of first particles in a range where single-ring form of red blood cells appear, the range where single-ring form of red blood cells appear being identified according to fluorescence intensities and scattered light intensities obtained by processing of signals from the light receiver.