Contact Optical Microscopy Hemoglobin Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring hemoglobin content in blood are complex and require significant sample preparation, making them unsuitable for point-of-care diagnostic devices, especially in resource-limited regions.
Innovation Solution
A method using contact optical microscopy (COM)-based microspectrometry to quantify hemoglobin content by forming a thin film of diluted blood on a sensor, illuminating with specific wavelengths, and processing images to determine mean corpuscular hemoglobin, which includes using nitrite to convert hemoglobin forms for improved measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectroscopic methods are used to measure hemoglobin content, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but device complexity and sample preparation requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex traditional spectroscopic systems. By using a simple camera-based optical system to capture images of blood samples, it eliminates unnecessary components while retaining hemoglobin measurement capability through image analysis algorithms that quantify hemoglobin content from color information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical spectroscopic instrumentation with an optical imaging system. Instead of using sophisticated spectrometers and mechanical scanning systems, it employs a camera to capture optical images of blood samples, then uses computational algorithms to extract hemoglobin concentration data from the image color information.
2Measurement precision
If traditional hemoglobin measurement techniques are implemented, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to extensive sample preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary actions into the measurement system itself rather than requiring separate preparation steps. The device automatically performs sample handling, imaging, and analysis in an integrated manner, with the sample preparation and measurement occurring as part of a single automated process that requires minimal user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the captured images to determine hemoglobin content. The image processing algorithms automatically extract color information, calculate hemoglobin concentration, and provide diagnostic results without requiring manual intervention or interpretation, making the device easy to operate while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
3Reliability
If conventional spectroscopic systems are used for hemoglobin measurement, then measurement reliability is achieved, but device portability and suitability for point-of-care use are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sample holders or test strips that contain the blood sample. These single-use components eliminate the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures, reduce cross-contamination risks, and enable the main device body to be simpler and more portable while maintaining measurement reliability through consistent, pre-prepared sample presentations.
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 simplifies hemoglobin measurement, reducing complexity and sample preparation needs, providing accurate and reliable results with high precision and low variability, suitable for point-of-care diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating red blood cells within a portion of the thin film of the diluted sample using light of a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 2
using nitrite to convert hemoglobin forms for improved measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, a diluted sample is generated based on mixing a small sample of blood with a one or more diluents. A thin film of the diluted sample is formed on the surface of a contact optical microscopy sensor. Red blood cells within a portion of the thin film of the diluted sample are illuminated using light of a predetermined wavelength. One or more images of the diluted sample are acquired based on illuminating the red blood cells within the portion of the thin film of the diluted sample. The acquired one or more images of the diluted sample are then processed. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin in the red blood cells within the portion of the thin film of the diluted sample is determined based on processing the acquired images of the diluted sample.