Inline Refractometer Cuvette for Whole-Blood Protein Screening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining plasma protein levels in potential plasma donors involve painful finger pricks and time-consuming, error-prone manual processes, which are inefficient and pose risks to operators.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a refractometer integrated with an apheresis machine that measures plasma protein levels inline through a disposable tubing set with an integrated cuvette and prism, allowing precise alignment and optical path establishment for accurate protein detection without the need for finger pricks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual finger prick method is used to measure plasma protein levels, then measurement can be performed, but it causes pain to donors and requires time-consuming manual operations including centrifuging and sample handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement processVSAvoidtime for sample collection and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The refractometer is integrated directly into the apheresis machine, merging the protein measurement function with the blood separation process. This allows plasma protein levels to be measured inline during apheresis without requiring separate finger prick sampling, centrifuging, and manual sample handling steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs plasma protein measurement using the plasma being processed during apheresis. The refractometer continuously monitors protein levels of the plasma flowing through the machine, eliminating the need for separate manual sampling and processing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual finger prick and centrifuging process is used, then plasma protein level can be determined, but the process is complex and requires multiple manual steps increasing error potential

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma protein level determinationVSAvoidmanual操作流程

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of finger prick sampling, centrifuging, and sample transfer is replaced with an automated optical measurement system. The refractometer uses light refraction principles to automatically determine plasma protein levels directly from the plasma flowing through the apheresis machine, eliminating multiple manual handling steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The plasma itself serves as the intermediary medium for measurement. Instead of requiring separate sample collection and processing, the plasma being processed during apheresis is directly introduced into the refractometer for inline measurement, simplifying the overall process while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional manual sampling method is used, then plasma protein level can be measured, but it poses risks to operators and requires personal protection equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement resultVSAvoidrisk to operator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apheresis machine's own plasma processing system provides the sample for measurement. The refractometer measures plasma protein levels directly from the plasma flowing through the machine during apheresis, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual blood sampling and handling operations that expose them to potential risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The plasma serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct operator contact with blood samples. By measuring plasma protein levels inline during apheresis processing, the system avoids the need for operators to handle sharp objects, open blood containers, or perform centrifuging operations that could expose them to bloodborne pathogens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 efficient, accurate, and safe measurement of plasma protein levels during apheresis, eliminating the need for manual processes and reducing donor discomfort, while ensuring compliance with FDA guidelines.

Implementation Method 1

determining, based on the calibration reference value and an amount of the second light reflected onto the sensor, a plasma protein level associated with the whole blood in the integrated cuvette

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12605495B2Method and system for determining plasma protein content of whole blood using refractometry

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 TERUMO BCT INC

AI summary

A method and system is provided that measures plasma protein levels of whole blood while a plasma donor is connected to an apheresis machine. A refractometer associated with the apheresis machine is capable of receiving a portion of a disposable tubing set including an integrated cuvette and prism. The integrated cuvette of the disposable tubing set can be inserted into a receiving space of the refractometer associated with the apheresis machine such that the light source and the sensor are oriented relative to the prism and a sensing surface of the integrated cuvette in a precise alignment. Calibration of the refractometer is made using anticoagulant pumped through the disposable tubing set including the integrated cuvette and prism. Based on a light intensity associated with this calibration, whole blood is then measured to determine plasma protein levels and donor eligibility.