Cytometer Channel Optical Sensing for Blood Cell Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the count and size of particles, particularly cells, face challenges in achieving accurate and efficient measurement and discrimination, especially in blood analysis, due to limitations in signal quality and noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical sensing with a laser source focused into a cytometer channel, featuring a dual slit aperture and high-quality collection optics to produce sharp images of cells, allowing for precise measurement of cell diameter and flow velocity, and enabling the discrimination of cell types based on pulse width and amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensing methods are used for particle counting and sizing, then the system structure is relatively simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is low resulting in poor measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple independent modules: laser source module, flow cell module, dual slit aperture module, collection optics module, and detector module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing optimization of signal quality without requiring complete system redesign. The segmentation enables high signal-to-noise ratio through specialized optical paths while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual slit aperture as an intermediary element between the flow cell and detector. This aperture acts as a spatial filter that blocks scattered light and noise while allowing focused particle images to pass through, significantly improving signal-to-noise ratio. The collection optics serve as another intermediary to focus light from particles onto the aperture, enhancing the measurement precision without requiring complex detector designs.
2Measurement precision
If conventional single slit or no aperture methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of cell diameter and flow velocity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple functional modules including laser source, flow cell, dual slit aperture, collection optics, and detector. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function, achieving high measurement precision without excessive overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual slit aperture serves as a critical intermediary element that enables precise measurement of cell diameter and flow velocity. By positioning the aperture at the focal plane and using two closely spaced slits, the system can accurately determine particle size through pulse width measurement and flow velocity through pulse timing, significantly improving measurement precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If basic optical detection is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the ability to discriminate cell types based on multiple parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple cell analysis functions using a single integrated platform. The system can count cells, measure cell diameter, determine flow velocity, and discriminate cell types based on pulse width and amplitude parameters. This universal approach enables comprehensive cell characterization without requiring separate specialized instruments, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes variations in pulse parameters (width and amplitude) generated by particles passing through the dual slit aperture to discriminate different cell types. By analyzing these parameter changes, the system can distinguish between different cell populations without requiring complex operational procedures or additional sensors, thus improving adaptability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 high signal-to-noise ratio, enabling accurate counting and identification of cells, and calculation of key parameters such as RBC count, MCV, and RDW, with minimal error, improving the precision of blood analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A laser (or other) source may be focused into a cytometer or flow channel
Implementation Method 2
A laser (or other) source may be focused into a cytometer or flow channel, either as an elongated line source or as two separate spot sources
Implementation Method 3
High quality collection optics may be used to form a sharp image of the particles and focus illumination onto a mask, plate or an opaque screen containing one, two or more parallel slits
Implementation Method 4
As the image of a cell passes over a slit, it may partially obscure the light incident on the slit and cause a reduction in the signal on the detector, producing a pulse waveform
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining particle parameters. The system may, for example, may optically determine parameters common to a hematology analysis. Such parameters may include a red blood cell count, a platelet count, a mean cell volume and a red cell distribution width. A hematocrit parameter may be calculated. Also, a measurement of hemoglobin in a blood sample may be obtained leading to a calculation of a mean mass of hemoglobin in a red blood cell and a mean cell hemoglobin concentration. The system may be implemented in a portable cartridge type cytometer.