Noninvasive Fluorescent Blood Analyzer for Iron Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring iron deficiency, particularly in malarial areas, are invasive, require trained technicians, and are not feasible in resource-limited settings, leading to cessation of iron supplementation programs due to risks of harm to iron-replete individuals and inability to accurately identify deficient individuals.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive apparatus using a tunable filter unit to excite blood at two wavelengths, allowing for the measurement of erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin (eZnPP) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX (ePP) concentrations, which is portable, battery-powered, and provides accurate iron status assessment without the need for blood samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing front-face hematofluorometer technique is used for measurement of eZnPP, then measurement capability is achieved, but the technique requires blood sample obtained by finger- or venipuncture, trained technician, electrical power supply, frequent recalibration, and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood sampling system with a noninvasive optical measurement system. The apparatus uses light sources (laser diodes or LEDs) to excite fluorescent analytes in intact tissue (oral mucosa or skin), eliminating the need for finger- or venipuncture blood samples and complex laboratory processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to function without requiring trained technicians for operation. The device is designed to be simple enough that untrained individuals can perform the measurements themselves, and it does not require frequent recalibration or maintenance of electrical power supplies, making it suitable for resource-limited settings.
2Reliability
If iron supplements are given to children in malaria-endemic areas without screening, then iron deficiency prevention is achieved, but iron-replete children are harmed with increased risk of severe illness and death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary screening for iron deficiency using the noninvasive fluorescent measurement apparatus before administering iron supplements. By measuring eZnPP concentrations in intact tissue, healthcare providers can identify iron-deficient children who would benefit from supplementation while avoiding harm to iron-replete children, thus implementing the WHO recommendation of screening before supplementation.
3Measurement precision
If invasive blood sampling techniques are used for iron status determination, then accurate iron status assessment is achieved, but the techniques are not feasible in resource-limited settings leading to cessation of iron supplementation programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive blood sampling and complex laboratory analysis with a noninvasive optical measurement system that can be operated in resource-limited settings. The apparatus uses simple light sources and detectors to measure fluorescent analytes in intact tissue, eliminating the need for trained technicians, electrical power supplies, and frequent recalibration, thus enabling iron status assessment in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive light sources such as laser diodes or LEDs that can be easily replaced if needed, and the overall device is designed to be low-cost and simple, making it suitable for resource-limited settings where expensive equipment cannot be maintained or replaced frequently.
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 safe and effective prevention and correction of iron deficiency while avoiding harm to iron-replete individuals, providing accurate and consistent measurements suitable for point-of-care use in various settings, including resource-limited areas.
Implementation Method 1
Measurement of a fluorescent analyte concentration in the blood of a patient by exciting the blood and the analyte at two wavelengths
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
An apparatus and method for noninvasive measurement of a fluorescent analyte concentration in the blood of a patient by exciting the blood and the analyte at two wavelength ranges and measuring the emission spectrum of the fluorescent analyte when (i) the difference of emission intensities at the excitation wavelength ranges of the fluorescent analyte is greater than that of background fluorophores, and (ii) when blood absorbance at the two excitation wavelength ranges is similar. An apparatus and method for measurement of a fluorescent analyte concentration in the blood of a patient is provided.