ESR Detection Module Using Optical Aggregation Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The Westergren method for ESR measurement is inefficient and requires large blood samples, while the erythrocyte aggregation method can be unreliable for certain samples, leading to significant differences in ESR values and increased clinical risk.

Innovation Solution

An ESR detection device and method that includes a sample collecting and dispensing module, an ESR detection module, and a data processing module to disaggregate and reaggregate erythrocytes, obtaining optical data to detect sample abnormalities and output alarms for unreliable results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the Westergren method is used for ESR measurement, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but measurement time is excessively long (one hour) and blood consumption is large (1 mL)

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveESR measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical detection to copy the sedimentation process by measuring light scattering changes that correspond to erythrocyte aggregation, creating a virtual representation of the sedimentation phenomenon without requiring actual long-term sedimentation observation. This allows rapid ESR estimation by detecting aggregation dynamics rather than waiting for complete sedimentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/gravitational sedimentation process (Westergren method) with an optical detection system that measures light scattering properties. Instead of relying on gravity-driven sedimentation over one hour, the system uses optical fields to detect erythrocyte aggregation states, substituting a mechanical separation process with an optical measurement approach.

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

2Productivity

If the erythrocyte aggregation method is used for rapid ESR measurement, then measurement time is reduced (20 s) and blood consumption is reduced (100 uL), but measurement reliability deteriorates for special samples

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection efficiencyVSAvoidESR measurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring light scattering changes during the measurement process and comparing them against expected patterns. The system adjusts its assessment based on the observed aggregation dynamics, allowing it to identify when special samples produce unreliable readings and trigger appropriate warnings or retesting protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic measurement by capturing the time-dependent changes in light scattering as erythrocytes aggregate. Instead of a static measurement, the system records the evolution of aggregation over time, allowing it to distinguish between normal and special samples based on their different aggregation kinetics and patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If the erythrocyte aggregation method is used, then detection speed increases, but measurement reliability deteriorates for special samples leading to larger differences from Westergren method results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoidESR value accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of erythrocyte aggregation characteristics before final ESR calculation. By initially assessing the aggregation pattern and comparing it against known patterns for special samples, the system can identify potential reliability issues early in the measurement process and take corrective actions such as warning the operator or initiating additional verification steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The device and method accurately identify sample abnormalities, reducing clinical risk by ensuring reliable ESR measurements and minimizing differences between methods, thereby improving detection efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

disaggregating erythrocytes in the at least part of the blood sample by causing the dispensed at least part of the blood sample to flow back and forth in a detection zone of the ESR detection module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow back and forth:

Implementation Method 2

ESR measurement values are calculated from measuring change in the scattering rate/transmission of light by blood cells during the formation of rouleaux erythrocytes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

measuring change in the scattering rate/transmission of light by blood cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4372362B1ESR detection device and ESR detection method
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SHENZHEN MINDRAY BIO MEDICAL ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4372362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4372362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4372362B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An ESR detection device and an ESR detection method are provided, the ESR detection device including a sample collecting and dispensing module, an ESR detection module and a data processing module. The sample collecting and dispensing module is configured for dispensing at least part of a blood sample to the ESR detection module. The ESR detection module is configured for obtaining disaggregation optical data during disaggregation of erythrocytes and/or aggregation optical data during reaggregation of erythrocytes. The data processing module is configured for obtaining an ESR detection result of the blood sample based on the aggregation optical data, determining, based on the disaggregation optical data and/or the aggregation optical data, whether or not there is a sample abnormality that leads to an abnormality in the ESR detection result, and outputting an alarm prompt when it is determined that the sample abnormality is present, thereby reducing clinical risk.