DNA-RNA Dual-Fluorescence Specimen Analysis for Abnormal Cell Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for analyzing specimens, such as blood and body cavity fluids, are limited in their ability to detect and classify a wide variety of abnormal cells, requiring multiple measurements with different reagents and incurring high costs and time.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of two fluorescent dyes, one that binds to DNA and one that binds to RNA, to stain and measure particles in a specimen, allowing for the detection and classification of multiple types of abnormal cells, including DNA aneuploid cells and blasts, by acquiring and analyzing fluorescence and scattered light information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurements are performed by changing reagents to detect different types of abnormal cells, then the detection capability for various abnormal cells is improved, but the cost and time required increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for various abnormal cellsVSAvoidtime required for multiple measurements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single measurement by using two fluorescent dyes simultaneously - one that binds to DNA and another that binds to RNA. This allows detection of different abnormal cell types (DNA aneuploid cells, blasts, abnormal lymphocytes) in one measurement rather than requiring multiple separate measurements with different reagents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The staining reagent system achieves multi-functionality by incorporating two fluorescent dyes with different binding specificities (DNA and RNA) that can detect multiple types of abnormal cells simultaneously. This universal approach eliminates the need for changing reagents between measurements

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurements are performed by changing reagents to detect different types of abnormal cells, then the detection capability for various abnormal cells is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for various abnormal cellsVSAvoidcost of multiple reagents
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple reagents into a single staining reagent composition containing two fluorescent dyes. This eliminates the need to purchase and use multiple separate reagents for detecting different abnormal cell types, thereby reducing material costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal staining reagent system with dual fluorescent dyes can detect multiple abnormal cell types simultaneously, making a single reagent composition replace multiple specialized reagents and reducing overall material expenditure

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

3Device complexity

If conventional analysis methods are used, then the analysis process is simple, but the ability to detect and classify multiple types of abnormal cells is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis process simplicityVSAvoidability to detect and classify abnormal cells
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameters by using two different fluorescent dyes with distinct binding targets (DNA and RNA) and different excitation/emission characteristics. This allows the analysis system to differentiate multiple abnormal cell types based on their unique fluorescence signatures while maintaining a relatively simple flow cytometry-based analysis process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the simultaneous detection and classification of multiple types of abnormal cells in a single measurement, reducing the need for multiple reagents and time-consuming processes while improving the accuracy and efficiency of analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a first fluorescent dye that specifically binds to DNA... acquiring first fluorescence information generated by irradiating a particle in a measurement sample stained with a first fluorescent dye and a second fluorescent dye with light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a second fluorescent dye that specifically binds to RNA... second fluorescence information is fluorescence intensity from the second fluorescent dye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

acquiring first fluorescence information, second fluorescence information, and scattered light information generated by irradiating a particle in a measurement sample with light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP4439042B1Method for analyzing specimen
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP4439042B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4439042B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4439042B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for analyzing a specimen, comprising: acquiring first fluorescence information, second fluorescence information, and scattered light information generated by irradiating a particle in a measurement sample stained with a first fluorescent dye and a second fluorescent dye with light; specifying a particle having a first characteristic based on the first fluorescence information, the second fluorescence information, and the scattered light information; and outputting information indicating presence or absence of a first abnormal cell, information indicating presence or absence of a second abnormal cell, and information indicating presence or absence of a third abnormal cell based on information of the particle having a first characteristic, wherein the measurement sample is prepared by mixing a specimen collected from a subject, the first fluorescent dye, and the second fluorescent dye, the first fluorescence information is fluorescence intensity from the first fluorescent dye, and the second fluorescence information is fluorescence intensity from the second fluorescent dye, and the first fluorescent dye is a fluorescent dye that specifically binds to DNA, and the second fluorescent dye is a fluorescent dye that specifically binds to RNA.