Blood Viscosity Analysis via Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring viscosity changes in blood samples due to thrombocyte aggregation and coagulation are unreliable and lack the ability to quantify platelet function effectively, especially in small samples.
Innovation Solution
A blood analyzing device that uses a holder with a cuvette for a small blood sample, inducing means to move blood cells via electric, magnetic, or acoustic fields, and a light source with a detector to monitor changes in blood viscosity, processing data to generate parameters for aggregation and coagulation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Ivy test method is used to measure bleeding time, then platelet function can be assessed, but the test results are unreliable due to external factors such as skin thickness, ambient temperature, and pressure applied when cutting skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Ivy test method (cutting skin and measuring bleeding time) with an optical measurement system. A light source illuminates the blood sample in a cuvette, and a detector measures light absorption changes as blood clots, eliminating the need for mechanical skin incision and removing the influence of external factors like skin thickness and ambient temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system that measures blood coagulation indirectly through light absorption changes in a controlled cuvette environment, rather than directly observing blood flow from a skin incision. This intermediary approach allows precise control of measurement conditions and eliminates the harmful effects of external variables.
2Measurement precision
If Ivy test is used to detect platelet function problems, then qualitative assessment is possible, but quantitative measurement of platelet function cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based optical measurement system where the detector continuously monitors light absorption changes as blood clots. The system measures the time course of coagulation with precise temporal resolution, providing quantitative data on platelet function. The feedback loop allows real-time monitoring and precise measurement of coagulation kinetics.
3Quantity of substance
If small blood samples are used for analysis, then less sample material is required, but current methods lack the ability to reliably monitor viscosity changes due to thrombocyte aggregation and coagulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical viscosity monitoring methods with an optical measurement system that uses light absorption changes to detect blood coagulation and thrombocyte aggregation. This optical approach is highly sensitive and can reliably monitor viscosity changes in small blood samples (e.g., 1-10 µL) contained in a cuvette, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods with small sample volumes.
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 device provides a reliable and standardized method for assessing thrombocyte activity and coagulation efficiency, reducing errors associated with external factors and enabling quantification of platelet function in small blood samples.
Implementation Method 1
The inducing means preferably comprises field appliers for applying a field, such as electric, magnetic or acoustic field
Implementation Method 2
The inducing means preferably comprises field appliers for applying a field, such as electric, magnetic or acoustic field
Implementation Method 3
The inducing means preferably comprises field appliers for applying a field, such as electric, magnetic or acoustic field
Implementation Method 4
Specifically calibrated light passes through a layer of the fluid placed in a cuvette and outgoing light is measured
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A blood analyzing device (100) comprises a holder (110) for receiving a cuvette (20) with a blood sample (30). The device (100) induces a movement of the blood cells in the sample (30) by applying a field (230) over the cuvette (20). A detector (130) detects, based on output light from the blood sample (30) originating from a light source (120), a change in the induced movement of the cells caused by an increase in viscosity of the blood due to an aggregation and/or coagulation process. A processor (140) processes the detector reading and generates a signal representative of the hemostasis function of the tested blood.