Flow Optical System for Blood Component Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distinguishing red blood cells from white blood cells and platelets in blood samples require multiple separate analyses, are costly, and fail for species with large red blood cells, leading to inaccurate counts and interference issues.
Innovation Solution
A flow optical system and method using a single reagent and a single measurement cycle that measures light absorption and scatter to differentiate red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets without lysing the cells, utilizing a non-lysing aqueous solution with specific tonicity and surfactants to maximize absorption signal differences and distinguish between cell types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate analyses are performed to distinguish RBCs, WBCs, and PLTs, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate analytical cycles (RBC/PLT analysis, WBC analysis, hemoglobinometry) into a single integrated flow cytometric analysis cycle. This is achieved by measuring multiple optical parameters (light scatter at 90 degrees, light absorption at 0 degrees, and side scatter) simultaneously on the same cell population, eliminating the need for separate analyses and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cytometric system is designed to perform multiple functions within a single analysis cycle: it can identify and count RBCs, WBCs, and PLTs; determine hemoglobin content; and differentiate cell types based on multiple optical characteristics. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized instruments or analysis cycles with a single universal platform
2Device complexity
If light scattering intensity differences are used to distinguish RBCs from WBCs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates for species with large RBCs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from relying on a single dimension (light scatter intensity) to using multiple dimensions of optical measurement simultaneously: light scatter at 90 degrees, light absorption at 0 degrees, and side scatter. By analyzing cells across multiple optical dimensions, the system can differentiate between RBCs, WBCs, and PLTs even when their sizes overlap, thereby maintaining measurement precision while keeping device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures multiple optical parameters (scatter intensity, absorption intensity, side scatter) rather than relying on a single parameter. This multi-parameter approach allows the system to distinguish between cell types based on their unique optical signatures across different parameters, improving measurement precision for species with large RBCs where single-parameter methods fail
3Measurement precision
If expensive fluorescent dyes or monoclonal antibodies are used to distinguish blood components, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent optical properties of blood cells (light scatter and absorption characteristics) without requiring external labeling with fluorescent dyes or monoclonal antibodies. The cells' natural optical signatures are sufficient for differentiation when measured across multiple parameters, eliminating the need for expensive reagents and specialized detectors like photomultiplier tubes while maintaining measurement precision
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 and cost-effective differentiation of red blood cells, including nucleated red blood cells, from white blood cells and platelets in a single analysis cycle, reducing reagent costs and analysis time, and applicable to various chordate species, including humans, avians, and reptilians.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one of an amount of light absorbed by the RBCs to obtain an RBC absorption value
Implementation Method 2
measuring an amount of light scattered by WBCs to obtain a WBC scatter value
Implementation Method 3
measuring an amount of light scattered by PLTs to obtain a PLT scatter value
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring concentrations of blood cell components is provided. The method comprises: obtaining a blood sample from a subject, the blood sample comprising at least one of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLTs); mixing the blood sample with a non-lysing aqueous solution to form a sample mixture comprising a predetermined tonicity; passing the sample mixture through a flow cell; emitting light towards the flow cell; measuring at least one of an amount of light absorbed by the RBCs to obtain an RBC absorption value, an amount of light scattered by WBCs to obtain a WBC scatter value, and an amount of light scattered by PLTs to obtain a PLT scatter value; and determining a concentration of at least one of the RBCs, WBCs, and PLTs present in the sample mixture.