Blood Coagulation Waveform Analysis for Poor Collection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining poor blood collection in coagulation tests are subjective and lack objectivity, leading to varying accuracy based on the proficiency of the determiner, as they rely on visual observation rather than objective measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method involving mixing a blood specimen with a blood coagulation measurement reagent to create a measurement sample, obtaining coagulation waveform data from the sample, and using this data to objectively determine poor blood collection through analysis of coagulation parameters such as rate and time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual observation is used to determine poor blood collection, then the method is simple and easy to perform, but the determination accuracy varies depending on the proficiency of the determiner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of determinationVSAvoiddetermination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual observation method with an automated image processing system. The system captures images of the blood specimen tube and automatically analyzes coagulation waveform characteristics using computer algorithms, eliminating human subjectivity and proficiency variations while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically analyzing the coagulation waveform characteristics and determining poor blood collection status without requiring skilled human determiners. The automated analysis system independently evaluates specimen quality based on predefined criteria, making the determination process both simple and accurate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If visual observation is used to determine poor blood collection, then no additional equipment is needed, but the determination accuracy is insufficient for reliable coagulation testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoiddetermination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image analysis system that captures and processes images of the blood specimen. The system uses digital imaging and computer algorithms to objectively measure coagulation waveform characteristics, providing high determination accuracy while keeping the overall system relatively simple and integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that bridges the gap between simple visual observation and complex automated analysis. The system captures images as intermediate data and uses algorithms to extract meaningful coagulation characteristics, achieving accurate determination without requiring overly complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If automated image processing is used to determine poor blood collection, then determination accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the poor blood collection determination function into the existing coagulation analysis system, allowing the same system to perform both coagulation testing and specimen quality assessment. This multi-functionality approach improves determination accuracy while avoiding the need for separate, additional equipment that would increase overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the image capture, processing, and coagulation analysis functions into a single integrated system. By merging these functions, the system achieves high determination accuracy through automated image processing while minimizing device complexity through consolidation rather than adding separate independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a standardized and objective method for identifying poor blood collection, reducing variability and improving accuracy by analyzing coagulation waveform data to assess the quality of blood specimens.

Implementation Method 1

If a tissue fluid containing a tissue factor is mixed in a blood specimen, blood coagulation is initiated and fibrin deposition is started

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoagulation: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentEP4394379A1Method for determining bad collection of blood, blood coagulation analysis method, and blood coagulation analysis system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP4394379A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4394379A1 patent drawingFigure 2
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AI summary

Disclosed is a poor blood collection determination method that includes: mixing a blood specimen and a blood coagulation measurement reagent to prepare a measurement sample; obtaining measurement values representing a degree of coagulation of the blood specimen from the measurement sample; obtaining coagulation waveform data of the blood specimen based on a plurality of the measurement values; and performing determination as to poor blood collection of the blood specimen based on the coagulation waveform data.