Flow Cytometer Scattergram for Plasmodium Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium, such as microscopic examination, are prone to missed diagnoses due to insufficient cell sampling and variability in examiner accuracy, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in malaria diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing forward-scattered light, side-scattered light, and optional fluorescence signals to create two-dimensional or three-dimensional scattergrams, which allow for the identification of red blood cells infected by plasmodium through an automatic analysis process, reducing human error and ensuring comprehensive cell analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microscopic examination is used to identify infected red blood cells, then the method is simple and equipment-free, but the accuracy is low due to insufficient cell sampling and examiner variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical microscopic examination system with an automated flow cytometry system that uses optical scattering and fluorescence detection. This substitution eliminates examiner variability and enables comprehensive cell analysis, directly resolving the contradiction between improving identification accuracy and avoiding equipment complexity by using standardized automated instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital scattergram representation (a type of copy or model) of the blood cell population based on forward-scattered light and side-scattered light signals. This scattergram copy allows automated identification of infected cells without requiring direct visual inspection, improving accuracy while using relatively simple optical equipment.
2Productivity
If manual microscopic examination is performed, then the equipment requirement is low, but the detection speed is slow and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cytometry system enables continuous automated analysis of blood cells through the flow cell, with cells being processed one after another without interruption. This continuous operation dramatically increases detection speed and productivity compared to manual examination, while the equipment complexity remains manageable through standardized flow cytometer design.
3Measurement precision
If a larger number of cells are analyzed to avoid missed diagnosis, then the identification accuracy improves, but the time required for examination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated sorting and identification of cells based on their scattergram characteristics before final classification. By pre-processing and organizing cell data automatically, the system can rapidly analyze large numbers of cells without proportionally increasing examination time, thus improving accuracy while maintaining efficient throughput.
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 enhances the accuracy and speed of identifying infected red blood cells, minimizing the risk of missed diagnoses by analyzing all cells in a blood sample and providing a more reliable method for malaria diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining a forward-scattered light intensity, a side-scattered light intensity and an optional fluorescence intensity of cells in the blood sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the field of medical technology, which provides methods and apparatuses for identifying red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The methods may include: obtaining a forward-scattered light signal, a side-scattered light signal and an optional fluorescence signal from cells in a blood sample; obtaining a first two-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal and the side-scattered light signal, or obtaining a three-dimensional scattergram according to the forward-scattered light signal, the side-scattered light signal and the fluorescence signal; and identifying cells located in a predetermined area of the first two-dimensional scattergram or the three-dimensional scattergram as the red blood cells infected by plasmodium. The apparatuses perform the methods. The methods and apparatuses can have better identification accuracy.