Blood Component Yield Prediction via Phase Interface Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating whole blood into components, such as plasma and platelets, lack predictability and consistency, leading to variable yields and quality in platelet products used for transfusions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a centrifuge with a set of connected bags and sensors to separate whole blood into plasma, platelet, and red blood cell components, allowing for precise control and prediction of platelet yield through hydraulic squeezing and sensor detection of phase interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional separation methods are used to separate whole blood into components, then separation can be achieved, but the yield and quality of platelet products are variable and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors (optical, electrical, or capacitive) that detect the position of phase interfaces between blood components during centrifugation. This detection provides real-time feedback to a control system, which automatically adjusts centrifugation parameters and transfer timing to achieve consistent platelet yield. The feedback mechanism transforms an otherwise unpredictable process into a controlled, repeatable operation by continuously monitoring and responding to the actual state of separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or purely mechanical separation control with an automated control system that uses sensor data to make real-time decisions. Instead of relying on fixed mechanical timers or operator judgment, the system uses electronic sensors to detect phase interfaces and automatically controls the centrifuge and transfer mechanisms, substituting mechanical/Manual control with an intelligent control system that ensures consistent results.
2Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used to separate blood components, then plasma and cellular components can be separated, but precise control and prediction of platelet yield is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors positioned along the centrifugation path detect the leading and trailing edges of the platelet-rich plasma layer by identifying phase interfaces between different blood components. This measurement feedback is used by the control system to precisely determine when to initiate and terminate component transfer, ensuring optimal platelet recovery while maintaining high productivity through automated, rapid processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensors as intermediary devices that mediate between the physical separation process and the control system. These sensors detect phase interfaces and convert this physical information into electrical signals that the control system can process, serving as an intermediary that enables precise measurement and control without directly interfering with the centrifugation process itself.
3Quantity of substance
If buffy coat or random donor platelet collections are pooled to achieve desired dosage, then platelet product can be produced, but selection of collections to pool is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and prediction of platelet yield during the separation process itself, before pooling is required. By using sensors to detect phase interfaces and calculate expected platelet content in real-time, the system pre-sorts collections that will meet dosage requirements, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-separation testing and selection during the pooling stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses real-time sensor feedback during centrifugation to predict the platelet yield of each collection. This feedback information is used to automatically select which collections to pool together to achieve the desired dosage, replacing manual selection processes with an automated decision-making system that rapidly identifies suitable combinations based on measured parameters.
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 the production of a predictable and consistent platelet dosage, optimizing the selection and pooling of buffy coat or random donor platelet collections, reducing waste and improving transfusion efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifuge adapted to cooperate with various bag sets, in particular a bag set comprising an annular separation bag for whole blood
Implementation Method 2
The transfer is controlled by a sensor detecting the phase interface between the individual components
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and Apparatus for predicting the yield of a selected cellular component from a composite blood product by sensing the movement of the separated cellular component or another component during expression from a separation container (6, 301) to a collection container (3, 4, 5, 302, 315) to produce a signal indicative of the movement, and predicting the yield of the separated cellular component from the signal.