Dry Blood Biomarker Normalization Using Albumin Ratios

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biomarkers for predicting severe diseases such as sepsis, pneumonia, and other lower respiratory infections are complex and require more accurate quantitative measurements, especially in non-venous samples like fingertip blood, which can be diluted and affect measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to determine the quantitative values of biomarkers relative to albumin in dry blood samples, allowing normalization and accurate prediction of disease risk by comparing these values to control samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If quantitative measurements of biomarkers are obtained from complex sample types like dry blood samples, then the applicability and ease of sampling is improved, but the measurement precision and accuracy deteriorates due to sample complexity and potential dilution effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of samplingVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the measurement approach from absolute quantification to relative quantification. Biomarker levels are expressed as ratios relative to albumin concentration rather than absolute values, which compensates for dilution effects and variability in dry blood sample preparation. This parameter transformation enables accurate disease risk prediction despite the complex and variable nature of dry blood samples.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If absolute quantification of biomarkers is performed without normalization, then the measurement process is simplified, but the reliability of disease prediction deteriorates due to variability in sample concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process complexityVSAvoiddisease prediction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses albumin as an intermediary reference substance to normalize biomarker measurements. By expressing biomarker levels relative to albumin concentration, the method creates a stable reference framework that accounts for sample-to-sample variability. This intermediary approach significantly improves the reliability of disease prediction without requiring complex additional measurement steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise prediction of disease risk by normalizing biomarker values in dry blood samples, providing accurate risk assessment for severe infectious diseases and complications, comparable to venous blood measurements.

Implementation Method 1

The quantitative value of the at least one biomarker and the quantitative value of the albumin are measured using nuclear magnetic spectroscopy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance: Nuclear Fission

Data Source

PatentEP4168805B1Method for determining whether a subject has a disease or condition or is at risk of developing a disease or condition

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 NIGHTINGALE HEALTH OYJ

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AI summary

A method for determining whether a subject has a disease or condition or is at risk of developing a disease or condition is disclosed. A method for determining whether a subject is at risk of developing an infectious disease or a complication thereof is also disclosed.