Impedance Hematocrit Biosensor Plate for Blood Glucose Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blood glucose measurement systems face high error margins due to transient glucose fluctuations in blood plasma, which are not representative of long-term glucose levels, and are complicated by the presence of red blood cells, making accurate measurements challenging.

Innovation Solution

A sampling plate with carefully dimensioned sensing and drive gaps, along with an alternating potential difference, is used to measure haematocrit and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, allowing for more accurate blood glucose measurements by differentiating between glycated and non-glycated red blood cells and plasma glucose.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional blood glucose measurement systems are used, then measurement process is simple, but measurement precision is low due to transient glucose fluctuations in plasma and interference from red blood cells

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the blood sample measurement into three distinct sampling zones: first sampling zone for plasma glucose measurement with glucose oxidase deposit, second sampling zone for calibration with known glucose amount, and third sampling zone for checking non-glucose contributions. This segmentation allows separate measurement of different components to improve overall measurement precision while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (glucose oxidase deposit) in the first sampling zone that reacts with glucose to produce a measurable signal. This intermediary enables specific detection of glucose levels while distinguishing them from other blood components, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring direct complex analysis of whole blood

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sampling zones with calibrations are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose measurement accuracyVSAvoidsampling plate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated sampling plate structure. The first sampling zone measures plasma glucose, the second sampling zone performs calibration, and the third sampling zone checks for non-glucose contributions. All three zones are merged into one plate that processes a single blood sample drop, achieving improved precision without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling plate is designed with multi-functionality: it simultaneously performs plasma glucose measurement, calibration, and interference checking in a single device. This universal design allows the same plate structure to handle multiple measurement tasks, improving precision while avoiding the need for separate complex instruments for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the accuracy of blood glucose measurements by accounting for the relative volume of red blood cells and their glucose content, providing a more reliable indication of long-term glucose levels with improved precision and reduced error.

Implementation Method 1

two drive electrodes with separate respective electrode terminals spaced by a spacing for receiving the liquid sample within the sample zone for use in driving an electrical signal through the aqueous liquid sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

Two sensing electrodes are provided with separate respective electrode terminals spaced between the electrode terminals of the two drive electrodes for use in sensing an electrical signal generated by the drive electrodes within the aqueous liquid sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance measurement: Electrical Impedance Tomography

Data Source

PatentEP2836826B1Sample plate for an electrical impedance hematocrit and hba1c biosensor
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 SMARTCARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD
  • EP2836826B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2836826B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2836826B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A sampling plate (1) is provided comprising a sample zone (2) for receiving a liquid sample, and two drive electrodes (3, 4) with separate respective electrode terminals spaced by a spacing for receiving a the liquid sample within the sample zone for use in driving an electrical signal through the sample. Two sensing electrodes (5, 6) are provided with separate respective electrode terminals spaced between the electrode terminals of the two drive electrodes for use in sensing an electrical signal generated by the drive electrodes within a the sample. A sampling apparatus (15) is provided for use with the plate.