Electrochemical Hematocrit Sensor with Redox Counter Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring hematocrit (Hct) values are either labor-intensive and complex or require specialized devices, and existing sensor-based methods suffer from accuracy and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

An electrochemical method using a sensor with a working electrode and a counter electrode, where the redox substance is only on the counter electrode, allowing for the detection of oxidation or reduction currents to determine Hct values, eliminating the need for special instruments and improving sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual measurement method (microhematocrit method) is used, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical centrifugation-based microhematocrit method with an electrochemical sensing system. The sensor uses electrochemical reactions to directly measure Hct values, eliminating the need for centrifugation and manual reading procedures, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining equipment simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from physical separation (centrifugation) to electrochemical response. By measuring current or potential changes resulting from electrochemical reactions specific to blood components, the system achieves rapid Hct determination without mechanical processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If automatic blood cell counter is used, then measurement speed is improved, but special large-scale devices are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidspecialized equipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex automated blood cell counters and implements it in a simplified sensor system. By focusing only on the electrochemical detection of Hct-related parameters, the invention achieves rapid measurement without requiring full-featured automated analyzers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable or easily replaceable sensor design that eliminates the need for expensive, complex automated equipment. The sensor can be used once or for limited measurements and then discarded, providing rapid Hct measurement at a fraction of the cost and complexity of automated blood cell counters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If conventional sensor-based electrochemical method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidHct measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces specific mediator substances in the electrolyte solution that enhance the electrochemical response related to Hct measurement. These mediators facilitate electron transfer reactions that are sensitive to blood composition, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining the ease of electrochemical detection method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite electrode structures or electrolyte compositions that combine multiple materials with complementary properties. This composite approach enhances the sensor's selectivity and sensitivity to Hct-related parameters, improving measurement accuracy while preserving the simplicity of the electrochemical method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enables accurate and reliable Hct measurement with high sensitivity, eliminating the need for large-scale devices and improving measurement efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a redox substance is provided on the counter electrode but not on the working electrode... applying a voltage to the electrode system in this state to cause an oxidation current or a reduction current to flow between the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS8088271B2Method of measuring hematocrit (Hct), sensor used in the method, and measuring device

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 PHC HLDG CORP

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value using a sensor, capable of achieving excellent measurement accuracy and reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The method of electrochemically measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of blood include: providing an electrode system having a working electrode (11) and a counter electrode (12), in which a redox substance is provided on the counter electrode (12) but not on the working electrode (11); supplying blood to the electrode system; applying a voltage to the electrode system in this state to cause an oxidation current or a reduction current to flow between the working electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12); detecting the oxidation current or the reduction current; and determining a Hct value based on a value of the detected current.