Blood Sample Analysis Using Extraction Markers and Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting, transporting, and analyzing blood samples face challenges such as user discomfort, high costs, variability in sample collection and analysis, hematocrit bias, chromatographic effects, and inefficient analyte recovery, particularly with dried blood spot (DBS) methods, which lead to inaccurate results and increased labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an assay/collection device with absorbent material for capillary action, imaging device for digital image analysis, and computing software to measure sample volume, hematocrit, and analyte concentration, allowing for precise collection, transportation, and analysis of blood samples without refrigeration, and incorporating extraction markers for normalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If dried blood spot (DBS) method is used for sample collection, then transportation cost and complexity are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to hematocrit bias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating extraction markers into the DBS card during manufacturing, before the actual sample collection. These markers are pre-positioned in known quantities and locations, enabling later calculation of extraction efficiency and hematocrit correction factors without requiring additional actions at the time of sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the extracted markers to calculate extraction efficiency and hematocrit values, which then feed back into the analytical process to correct the measured analyte concentrations. This closed-loop approach allows the system to self-correct for variability introduced by the DBS method.
2Device complexity
If conventional DBS extraction method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but analyte recovery efficiency deteriorates due to lack of extraction monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses extraction markers as intermediary substances that facilitate the monitoring of extraction efficiency. These markers serve as a bridge between the extraction process and the analytical measurement, allowing indirect assessment of how effectively the analyte has been extracted without requiring direct measurement of the extraction process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the markers to automatically calculate extraction efficiency and apply corrections to the analyte measurements. This eliminates the need for separate quality control samples or manual assessments of extraction efficiency, streamlining the process while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If conventional DBS method is used, then ease of operation is improved for sample collection, but measurement precision deteriorates due to chromatographic effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical assessment methods with optical detection. Instead of relying on visual inspection or physical measurement of the blood spot characteristics, the system uses imaging devices to capture optical properties of the markers, which are then converted into quantitative data for calculating correction factors.
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
The system provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and accurate method for collecting and analyzing blood samples, reducing hematocrit bias and variability, and improving analyte recovery efficiency, leading to more reliable test results and reduced labor costs.
Implementation Method 1
an assay/collection device with absorbent material for capillary action
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6A~6E
AI summary
A system and method for collecting, transporting, and analyzing dried bodily fluid samples using a sample collection device incorporating extraction markers, an imaging device to take images of dried samples on the collection device, and a computing device to analyze data points from the images so as to measure various properties of the collected sample such as the volume of blood initially collected, and the portion of that volume containing plasma and erythrocytes.