Laser Cutting of Blood Samples on Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating patient samples using punching tools often result in electrostatic charging, sample contamination, and mechanical wear, leading to inaccurate PCR results and the need for frequent tool replacement.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a semiconductor laser with a wavelength range of 440 to 455 nm to cut patient samples from a sample carrier, utilizing a sample carrier with recesses and a thermoplastic film to optimize cutting efficiency and minimize thermal influence, and using multiple partial laser units to reduce cutting time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If punching methods are used to separate segments from sample carriers, then segment separation is achieved, but electrostatic charging occurs causing segments to stick and mechanical wear leads to tool replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical punching system with a laser-based cutting system. The laser beam (440-455 nm wavelength) cuts the segment from the sample carrier without physical contact, eliminating electrostatic charging and mechanical wear. The laser energy is absorbed by the blood-containing segment, enabling precise cutting without tool degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cutting mechanism from mechanical force to optical energy. By selecting a specific wavelength range (440-455 nm) that is well-absorbed by blood, the laser efficiently cuts through the segment while minimizing thermal influence on the sample carrier material, achieving clean separation without contamination.
2Productivity
If punching methods are used to separate segments, then segment separation is achieved, but sample contamination occurs from sample sticking to cutting blades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical punching system with a laser-based cutting system. The laser beam (440-455 nm wavelength) cuts the segment from the sample carrier without physical contact, eliminating electrostatic charging and mechanical wear. The laser energy is absorbed by the blood-containing segment, enabling precise cutting without tool degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam acts as an intermediary between the cutting source and the sample. It transfers energy to cut the segment without physical contact, preventing sample material from adhering to cutting tools. The wavelength selection ensures energy is deposited in the segment rather than the surrounding area, minimizing contamination risk.
3Productivity
If carbon dioxide lasers are used for cutting segments, then cutting capability is achieved, but device complexity and operating costs increase due to water cooling and high-voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the laser wavelength from the conventional carbon dioxide range (infrared) to the visible blue-violet range (440-455 nm). This parameter change enables the use of solid-state semiconductor lasers instead of gas lasers, eliminating the need for water cooling systems and high-voltage power supplies while maintaining effective cutting capability through blood absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a semiconductor laser that is simpler, smaller, and less expensive to operate than a carbon dioxide laser. While the laser diode has a finite lifetime, its low cost and simplicity mean that even replacement is more economical than maintaining the complex cooling and power systems of a CO2 laser.
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
The method achieves precise and efficient sample separation with reduced cutting time, minimized thermal impact, and cost-effective semiconductor lasers, preventing sample contamination and tool wear, while maintaining accurate biochemical analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
laser light with a wavelength from the proposed range of 380 to 600 nm is then absorbed especially well by the combination of the sample carrier material and the blood
Implementation Method 2
there is increased absorption of the laser light energy, thus optimizing the energy input of the laser light for cutting the segment along the edge curve
Data Source
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AI summary
Flat sample carriers with a liquid-adsorbing layer are known for receiving a liquid patient sample, such as a drop of blood. After the liquid patient sample is applied to a segment of the sample carrier, the sample can dry on that segment, allowing the sample carrier and sample to be transported to a laboratory for biochemical analysis. At a later stage, this segment must be separated or isolated from the rest of the sample carrier to allow it and the patient sample to be subjected to a biochemical analysis method, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). According to the invention, the segment is isolated by cutting it from the rest of the sample carrier using a laser beam of a specific wavelength.Preferably, this cutting process is supported by the fact that the sample carrier or the fabric layer has recesses, so that the segment to be separated is connected to the rest of the sample carrier only by one or more bridges.