Infrared Spectrometer Blood Analysis Using Absorbent Paper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for acquiring, transmitting, and processing blood chemistry data are costly, time-consuming, and require medical personnel, with Infrared Spectroscopy (IRS) having limitations in analyzing liquid samples and providing inaccurate results.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing an infrared spectrometer connected to a server via internet, with image recognition/OCR for patient data verification, and machine learning algorithms for data processing, allowing for remote analysis of biological samples without medical personnel, using absorbent paper supports for sample acquisition and analysis, and real-time data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If Infrared Spectroscopy (IRS) is used for chemical analysis, then the analysis is economical and does not require chemical reagents, but it cannot analyze liquid samples and has low accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidanalysis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the sample from liquid to solid by absorbing blood onto filter paper, enabling IRS analysis. The transformation involves: (1) applying blood sample to filter paper substrate, (2) allowing evaporation of liquid to leave dried blood residues, (3) analyzing the dried sample using IRS. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making the sample compatible with IRS while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If traditional laboratory blood chemistry analysis is performed, then accurate results are obtained, but it requires medical personnel, laboratory infrastructure, and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the core analytical function from the complex laboratory setting and relocates it to a portable device. The blood spot card with integrated filter paper and sampling well is extracted from laboratory procedures, enabling point-of-care testing without requiring full laboratory infrastructure, medical personnel for sample collection, or complex liquid handling systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter paper acts as an intermediary between the liquid blood sample and the IRS analysis. It absorbs and concentrates the blood components, creating a solid matrix suitable for infrared analysis. This intermediary enables the transition from liquid to solid phase analysis while preserving the chemical information needed for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If blood samples are collected and analyzed in laboratories, then standardization is achieved, but it requires direct presence of medical personnel and increases processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions at the point of care: (1) the patient or caregiver collects the blood sample themselves using the provided card, (2) the blood is immediately absorbed and dried on the filter paper, (3) the sample is stabilized in a transport-ready state. These preliminary actions eliminate the need for scheduled laboratory visits and reduce processing time while maintaining standardization through controlled collection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 cheap, precise, and accurate analysis of biological fluids, reducing the need for laboratory testing and personnel, with real-time results and low environmental impact, applicable in various settings including remote areas.

Implementation Method 1

Infrared Spectroscopy (IRS) that identifies the substances present in a sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

The support 101 is capable of acquiring one or more biological samples of the patient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary Action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3526703A2System and method of acquisition, transmission and processing data related to biological fluids
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 VISMARA MARCO FLAVIO MICHELE

AI summary

A system (100) for acquisition, transmission and processing data related to biological fluids comprising at least one support (101) configured to acquire at least one biological sample of a patient, at least one infrared spectrometer (102) configured to acquire the infrared spectrum of the sample, at least one server (103) connected to the infrared spectrometer (102) by internet and configured to receive the spectrum obtained by the infrared spectrometer (102), performing a step of post-processing and analysis of received data. The system (100) comprises: - At least one device (104) comprising a camera and an OCR system configured to acquire an image of the support (101) and to decode personal data contained in it and send them to the server (103), to receive data analyzed from the server (103) and to display these data; and - a private block/hybrid Cloud (110) containing the server (103), a login system, a management program for the historical analysis carried out, a system for sending a draft report to an accredited Physician and/or Biologist and/or Chemist and/or Veterinarian.