Home Blood Count Testing With Smartphone Immunochromatography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring blood cell counts, particularly for patients with hematologic neoplasms, are limited by the need for laboratory-based testing, which is costly, time-consuming, and burdensome for patients, especially in rural or underserved areas, leading to delayed therapy initiation and increased health risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and kit for quantifying red and white blood cells, and platelets using an immunochromatographic assay strip with labeled receptors for CD45, CD42b, and hemoglobin, combined with a smartphone-based imaging system for rapid analysis and telemedicine integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based blood count testing is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate due to clinic visits and waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a portable blood count tester that can be used at home. This device acts as a mediator between the patient and the laboratory, providing laboratory-quality measurements without requiring clinic visits. The tester includes a capillary for blood collection, a test strip holder, and a display unit, enabling patients to perform blood count checks independently at home.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to perform blood count testing themselves at home without requiring professional laboratory personnel. The device is designed for self-service operation with simple steps: collecting blood via capillary, applying to test strip, inserting into tester, and reading results on display. This self-service capability eliminates the need for clinic visits and reduces time loss significantly.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory-based blood count testing is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The complex laboratory testing system is segmented into simple, discrete components: a capillary for blood collection, a test strip with pre-loaded reagents, a handheld tester unit, and a display. Each component performs a specific function and can be easily handled by the user. The test strip itself is segmented into multiple chambers for different blood cell measurements (RBC, WBC, platelets), allowing simultaneous testing without complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable test strips that are pre-prepared and single-use. Each test strip contains all necessary reagents and is designed for one-time use, eliminating the need for complex calibration, cleaning, or maintenance of sophisticated equipment. This disposable approach simplifies operation significantly while maintaining measurement precision, as each new strip ensures fresh reagents without contamination risks.
3Loss of time
If home testing is implemented, then loss of time is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability worsen due to simplified equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with a simplified electrochemical sensing system. The test strip contains electrochemical sensors that detect blood cell parameters through electrical signals rather than complex mechanical operations. This substitution maintains measurement precision while enabling portable, home-based operation. The system uses electrochemical reactions to measure hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets with accuracy comparable to laboratory methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameters from complex laboratory protocols to simplified electrochemical detection parameters. Instead of requiring multiple manual steps, centrifugation, and specialized reagents, the system uses pre-configured electrochemical sensors that automatically detect blood cell parameters. The test strip is designed with specific electrochemical reactions that occur at controlled potentials, providing reliable measurements through parameter optimization rather than mechanical complexity.
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 patients to perform laboratory-quality blood cell counts at home, reducing waiting times, improving therapy initiation, and enhancing patient monitoring, thus improving healthcare access and reducing delays and associated risks.
Implementation Method 1
performing an immunochromatographic assay for each labeled receptor that has bound to hemoglobin, CD45, or CD42b
Implementation Method 2
contacting the solubilized proteins of the whole blood sample with labeled receptors that bind to hemoglobin generally present in erythrocytes, or to CD42b antigen generally present on thrombocytes or to CD45 antigen generally present on leucocytes
Data Source
AI summary
A kit, method, and software for quantifying red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leucocytes), and platelet cells (thrombocytes) in a whole blood sample. The method comprises inter alia a contacting of solubilized proteins of the whole blood sample with labeled receptors binding to hemoglobin, CD42b antigen, and CD45 antigen and performing of immunochromatographic tests for hahemoglobinCD42b and CD45. The amounts of target analytes are quantitated and levels of CD45, CD42b, and hemoglobin are correlated with expected values and ranges found in healthy individuals and/or previously measured in the blood of an individual with a diagnosed neoplasia. The quantitation is done using a smartphone app for telemedicine. The method improves the Quality of Life of patients by considerably reducing waiting and travel times in the medical facility and by an improved on of therapy.