Automated Blood Plasma Classification via Multi-Wavelength Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assigning blood plasma samples to classes are typically manual and cannot differentiate between samples with labels, hindering automated analysis in labeled vessels.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that expose blood plasma samples to specific wavelengths of light, calculate wavelength-specific measurement values, and assign classes based on these values, allowing for automated classification even in labeled vessels by using ratios and threshold values to distinguish between hemolytic, lipemic, icteric, and good classes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assignment of blood plasma samples is used, then classification accuracy is maintained, but productivity is reduced and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and classification with an automated optical measurement system. A light source emits light through the sample vessel, and a detector measures transmitted light intensity at multiple wavelengths. The system automatically calculates ratios of measurement values and compares them to threshold values to assign samples to classes (hemolytic, lipemic, icteric, or good), eliminating the need for manual classification while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures light transmission at multiple specific wavelengths (e.g., 541 nm, 515 nm, 650 nm, 470 nm) and uses ratios of these measurement values for classification. By changing from single-parameter visual assessment to multi-parameter optical measurement with calculated ratios, the system achieves automated, objective, and rapid sample classification.
2Loss of information
If labels are placed on vessels for sample identification, then sample tracking is improved, but optical measurement capability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple wavelength channels, each providing independent measurement data. By measuring at multiple wavelengths simultaneously, the system obtains sufficient information for classification even when labels are present on the vessel, as the multi-wavelength approach provides redundant measurement paths that can overcome label interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system is designed to perform sample classification regardless of the presence of labels on the vessel. The multi-wavelength measurement approach makes the system universal, capable of handling both labeled and unlabeled vessels, and can classify samples based on intrinsic optical properties that remain detectable despite label interference.
3Productivity
If automated optical measurement is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a light source that emits light at multiple discrete wavelengths in sequence or combination, with the detector measuring transmitted intensity at each wavelength. This periodic or sequential measurement approach at multiple wavelengths enables automated classification while using relatively simple optical components (light source, detector, filters) rather than requiring complex simultaneous multi-wavelength detection systems.
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 reliable and rapid automated testing of blood plasma samples, facilitating high-throughput analysis by distinguishing between different classes without manual intervention, even when samples are labeled.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the blood plasma sample to light. The spectral composition of the light can comprise at least wavelengths from a predetermined set of wavelengths... forming a wavelength-specific measurement value for a respective wavelength from the set of wavelengths. A respective measurement value can be dependent on a light power transmitted through the blood plasma sample and the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for assigning a blood plasma sample to a class from a predetermined set of classes are presented. The set of classes comprises a good class, a lipemic class, a hemolytic class and an icteric class. For assignment to one of the classes, the blood plasma sample is exposed to light and measurement values dependent on transmitted or scattered light power are evaluated in order to carry out an assignment.