Clot Detection in Liquid Sample Analyzer Measurement Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood analyzers face challenges in detecting clots within small measurement chambers, which can lead to erroneous analysis results and waste of valuable patient blood, as existing detection techniques may not account for all clot-related artifacts that do not affect flow behavior.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a secondary solution with a different analyte composition is used to detect clots by obtaining initial and subsequent measurement results after filling the measurement chamber, with the presence of a clot determined by comparing these results and setting a threshold for abnormal behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a small measurement chamber is used to minimize blood sample volume, then the quantity of substance is reduced, but the reliability of detection deteriorates due to clot formation and obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a clot detection measurement before the actual blood gas analysis. The measurement chamber is first filled with a test liquid (saline solution) to check for clots, and only after confirming no clot is present is the actual blood sample analyzed. This preliminary detection step prevents clot-related measurement errors while maintaining small chamber volume.
2Device complexity
If traditional flow-based clot detection is used, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates because clots not affecting flow are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from flow-based measurement to analyte concentration-based measurement. Instead of monitoring flow characteristics, the system measures the concentration of analytes (such as glucose, lactate, or electrolytes) in the test liquid passing through the measurement chamber. Since clots alter the local composition and consumption patterns of analytes, this parameter change enables detection of clots that do not significantly affect flow, thereby improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If clot detection is performed using analyte concentration comparison, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional measurement steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clot detection function with the existing quality control and calibration procedures. The same measurement chamber, fluid handling system, and analyte sensors used for routine blood gas analysis and quality control are utilized for clot detection. By combining these functions, the system achieves accurate clot detection without requiring separate dedicated detection equipment or significantly extending total analysis time.
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
This approach allows for rapid and reliable detection of clots, minimizing measurement errors and sample waste, and can be integrated into automated systems for improved precision and accuracy in blood analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an analyte sensor for measuring a physical parameter for a respective analyte in a liquid sample in the measurement chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A method of detecting a clot in a measurement chamber (2) of a liquid sample analyzer (1), the liquid sample analyzer (1) comprising one or more analyte sensors (3, 4), each one of the one or more analyte sensors (3, 4) being arranged for measuring a physical parameter for a respective analyte in a liquid sample in the measurement chamber (2), wherein detection is performed after conclusion of a rinsing procedure with a primary solution (Cal2) having a pre-determined primary composition with a primary level of the analyte, the method comprising the steps of: (a) at least partly filling the measurement chamber (2) with a secondary solution (Rinse/Cal1) having a pre-determined secondary composition with a respective secondary level for each of the analytes, wherein the respective secondary level is different from the respective primary level; (b) immediately after filling the measurement chamber (2) with the secondary solution (Rinse/Cal1), obtaining an initial measurement result by each of the one or more analyte sensors (3, 4); (c) flushing the measurement chamber (2) with the secondary solution (Rinse/Cal1); (d) after a time delay with respect to the initial measurement result, obtaining a subsequent measurement result by each of the one or more analyte sensors (3, 4); (e) comparing the respective initial and subsequent measurement results; and (f) determining presence or absence of a clot in the measurement chamber based on the comparison.