Hematocrit Measurement via Impedance Phase Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining hematocrit levels are often cumbersome and require specialized equipment, such as Coulter counters, which may not be readily available or practical for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a test strip and a meter with circuitry and a microprocessor that applies electrical energy to the test strip and sample, determining impedance magnitude and phase angle to calculate hematocrit levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized equipment such as Coulter counters is used for hematocrit determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical hematocrit measurement systems (Coulter counters) with an electrical impedance-based system. The meter applies alternating current to the blood sample and measures impedance magnitude and phase angle, which are then used to calculate hematocrit levels. This substitution of mechanical/electromechanical systems with electrical measurement methods simplifies the device while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct mechanical cell counting/volume displacement to electrical impedance characteristics. By measuring impedance magnitude and phase angle at specific frequencies and analyzing their relationship, the system determines hematocrit levels without requiring complex mechanical equipment. This parameter transformation enables simpler device architecture.
2Device complexity
If impedance magnitude alone is used for hematocrit determination, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new measurement dimension by incorporating phase angle measurement alongside impedance magnitude. Instead of relying solely on the magnitude of impedance, the system measures both the magnitude and the phase angle of the impedance response. This two-dimensional measurement approach provides additional information that helps distinguish hematocrit effects from other interfering factors, improving precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement parameters (impedance magnitude and phase angle) to create a composite measurement approach. By analyzing the interrelationship between these two parameters and using their combined information to calculate hematocrit, the system achieves more accurate results than would be possible with either parameter alone, while keeping the overall device relatively simple.
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 method allows for accurate and efficient determination of hematocrit levels using a portable system, reducing the need for specialized equipment and improving accessibility for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
determine an impedance magnitude and phase angle of the test strip and the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a level of hematocrit includes a test strip configured to receive a sample; a meter configured to receive the test strip; and further including circuitry and a microprocessor, the circuitry and microprocessor configured to apply electrical energy to the test strip and the sample and determine an electrical property of the sample, either the impedance phase angle or the impendence magnitude of the test strip and the sample and, based on the electrical property, calculate the level of hematocrit in the sample.