Hemoglobin S/C Optical Detection via Deoxygenation Absorbance Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sickle cell diagnostic tests are expensive, time-consuming, and require specialized laboratories, making it difficult to differentiate between sickle cell trait and disease, especially in low-resource settings, and there is a need for a portable, point-of-care system that can perform both screening and confirmatory tests.
Innovation Solution
A method involving absorbance measurements at specific wavelengths under oxygenated and deoxygenated conditions, calculating ratios or percent reductions in absorbance, to identify the presence of haemoglobin S (HbS) or C (HbC) in blood samples, using a device with a light source, detector, and processor for point-of-care diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If confirmatory tests (HPLC, IEF, Hb Electrophoresis) are used to differentiate between SCT and SCD, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity, cost, and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/chemical separation systems (HPLC, electrophoresis) with an optical detection system that measures absorbance changes at specific wavelengths. This substitution enables differentiation of HbS and HbC using simple spectrophotometric measurements rather than sophisticated laboratory equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (absorbance at different wavelengths) under varying oxygenation conditions to identify hemoglobin variants. By measuring absorbance ratios at specific wavelengths (e.g., 540nm, 570nm, 630nm) before and after deoxygenation, the system can differentiate between HbS, HbC, and normal hemoglobin without complex equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional confirmatory tests are performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary deoxygenation of the blood sample before measurement, which induces polymerization of HbS and creates distinct absorbance characteristics. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent measurement process and enables rapid identification of sickle cell variants within minutes rather than hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses excessive deoxygenation (complete reduction of oxygen saturation) to ensure maximum polymerization of HbS, creating a clear diagnostic signal. This excessive action ensures that even trace amounts of HbS produce measurable absorbance changes, enabling reliable detection without requiring sophisticated amplification methods.
3Ease of operation
If screening tests (solubility test) are used, then ease of operation and cost-effectiveness are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates as they cannot differentiate SCT from SCD
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing system that can perform both screening and confirmatory functions using the same simple optical device. By measuring absorbance ratios at multiple wavelengths and comparing them against reference values, the system can identify both the presence of sickle cell variants (screening) and determine zygosity (confirmation), eliminating the need for separate testing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces deoxygenated buffer solution as an intermediary that induces polymerization of HbS and creates a measurable optical signal. This intermediary enables the simple optical system to detect the presence and concentration of HbS by measuring changes in light absorbance caused by polymer formation, bridging the gap between simple screening and complex confirmatory testing.
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 rapid, cost-effective identification of sickle cell trait or disease at the point-of-care, differentiating between homozygous and heterozygous conditions, and managing sickle cell disease through appropriate treatment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring absorbance of the blood sample under different conditions, calculating a ratio of absorbance or a percent reduction in absorbance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides in vitro methods for identifying the presence or absence of haemoglobin S (HbS) or haemoglobin C (HbC) in a blood sample, kits and devices thereof. The inventors have found that HbS shows a substantial decrease in absorption under deoxygenated conditions compared to oxygenated conditions. The inventors expect HbC to show a similar decrease in absorption under deoxygenated conditions compared to oxygenated conditions. The methods, kits and devices of the disclosure employ this decrease in absorption under deoxygenated conditions to identify the presence or absence of HbS or HbC in a blood sample. The methods, kits and devices of the present disclosure are simple, low cost, and provide a rapid way to identify the presence or absence of HbS or HbC in a blood sample in a point-of-care setting.