Monolithic Diode-Array Spectrophotometer for Hemoglobin Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemoglobin measurement techniques face challenges such as high costs, time consumption, and sensitivity to moisture in cuvette reagents, with scattering effects from whole blood complicating accurate readings, especially in mass production and point-of-care settings.
Innovation Solution
The HBX method employs an optic-geometric design to minimize scattered light, combining a monolithic multi-wavelength diode-array spectrophotometer with broad-spectrum white light or variable wavelength sources, and advanced signal processing algorithms to accurately measure hemoglobin fractions without hemolysis, enabling fast and precise calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If photometry is used to measure hemoglobin in whole blood, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light scattering from red blood cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light detection process by using multiple discrete wavelength sources (first and second light sources with different wavelengths) instead of a single broad spectrum source. This allows selective measurement at specific wavelengths where hemoglobin has characteristic absorption properties, enabling the system to differentiate between scattered light and true absorption signals, thereby maintaining precision while achieving rapid measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter by using multiple light sources with different wavelengths (e.g., 530nm and 630nm) to probe hemoglobin at different spectral regions. This parameter variation allows the system to capture the spectral signature of hemoglobin fractions and use algorithms to compensate for scattering effects, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision
2Measurement precision
If hemolysis is performed to convert hemoglobin to stable color complex, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the system with known hemoglobin standards and storing reference data in memory. The device also pre-processes the raw optical signals using embedded algorithms that automatically compensate for scattering effects and calculate hemoglobin concentrations without requiring actual hemolysis or chemical conversion steps, thus maintaining precision while eliminating time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical hemolysis process with an optical-electronic system. Instead of physically breaking down red blood cells using chemical reagents and waiting for color complex formation, the system uses multiple wavelength photometry combined with computational algorithms to directly determine hemoglobin concentrations, substituting a fast electronic measurement for a slow chemical process
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used to measure hemoglobin fractions directly, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional device where two light sources serve multiple purposes: they can measure different hemoglobin fractions (oxygenated, deoxygenated, carboxyhemoglobin), detect scattering effects, and provide redundancy for error correction. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high precision across multiple measurement modes without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same hardware components perform multiple measurement tasks
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 allows for rapid, accurate, and cost-effective measurement of hemoglobin fractions and total hemoglobin, reducing measurement time to seconds and enabling continuous monitoring, with high correlation to reference laboratory methods, thus addressing the limitations of existing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
Spectral photometry of light absorption in chosen ranges of wave lengths is a well established standard method for determination of substances in a fluid
Implementation Method 2
Whole blood with intact red cells is a colloid suspension with a strong tendency to scatter light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention (HBX) describes a system and device design for measuring and analysis of properties in liquids with suspensions, preferably human body fluids e.g. whole blood and in the fluid existing substances and particles. By penetrating a sample of the liquid suspension with specifically calibrated light passing through a thin well defined layer of the liquid placed in a non added cuvette where the transmitted outgoing light from a measuring area is registered in a spectrophotometer adapted for the specific light and the optic geometrical system arranged for elimination of scattered light. The registered data points in the photometer is then processed in a series of steps for corrections and calculation of the values/results of the desired parameters by use of different algorithms in the microprocessor of the device for final presentation on a display, be stored in a memory and possible communication to other information receiving unit.