Clot Mitigating Probe for Blood Analyzers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing titration probes for acquiring whole blood samples are prone to blockage by clots, which can contaminate the sample and lead to inaccurate test results.
Innovation Solution
A titration probe design featuring a bar that bisects the cross-sectional flow path at the distal region and secondary openings on the side wall, preventing clot accumulation and allowing sample collection even when the probe is blocked, by redirecting flow through side holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single distal opening is used for sample collection, then the probe structure is simple, but clots can block the opening and contaminate the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The single distal opening is segmented into multiple openings (first distal opening and second distal opening) positioned at different locations. This allows the probe to collect samples through alternative paths if one opening is blocked by clots, thereby maintaining sample collection reliability while keeping the overall probe structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A clot barrier element is introduced as an intermediary component within the probe. This element acts as a filter that prevents clots from entering the sample collection channel while allowing liquid blood to pass through. The barrier element can be positioned at strategic locations to protect critical openings without requiring multiple complex pathways.
2Productivity
If the probe opening is positioned at the distal end for direct sampling, then sampling efficiency is high, but clots accumulate around the blockage and contaminate the sample
Solution Approach 1:
A clot barrier element is positioned within the probe to act as an intermediary that intercepts clots before they can reach the sample collection openings. This barrier allows efficient sampling to continue while preventing clot accumulation and contamination of the collected sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful clot-containing plasma is extracted or separated from the sample collection path using the barrier element. Clots are trapped at the barrier while clean plasma continues to flow into the sample collection channel, effectively removing the contamination source while maintaining sampling efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If no internal structure is added to the probe channel, then manufacturing is simple, but clots can freely block the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
A clot barrier element is introduced as an internal structure within the probe channel. This element serves as a mediator that prevents clots from blocking the flow path while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes. The barrier can be integrated into the probe construction using standard manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal channel structure is segmented by adding the barrier element, which divides the flow path into regions that guide blood flow around clots. This segmentation prevents complete blockage while adding minimal manufacturing complexity compared to creating entirely new channel geometries.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include a titration probe that mitigate the occurrences of titration probe clots. A bar such as segment of music wire, is extended across the tip of a titration probe and attached at both ends to the titration probe. The bar is configured to catch clots and prevent the clots from being collected along with a blood sample to be analyzed. The bar effectively reduces the cross sectional area of the titration probe tip.