Lithium EDTA Anticoagulant Single Tube Blood Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The need for multiple blood collection tubes containing different anticoagulants for measuring blood count and electrolytes complicates the blood testing process, increasing labor and costs, and burdening patients.

Innovation Solution

A blood test method using a single blood collection tube with an anticoagulant containing a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) other than sodium, potassium, or calcium salt, allowing for simultaneous measurement of blood count and electrolytes, including additional biochemical markers like CRP, in a blood sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If different anticoagulants are used for different purposes (heparin for electrolyte measurement, EDTA for blood count measurement), then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of blood collection tubes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of blood collection tubes
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by developing a blood collection tube that can serve multiple functions - measuring both blood count and electrolyte levels using a single tube containing lithium heparin anticoagulant, eliminating the need for separate tubes for each measurement type

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple blood collection tubes into one by using lithium heparin as the anticoagulant, which allows both hematological analysis and electrolyte measurement to be performed on the same blood sample without interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If multiple blood collection tubes are used for different measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but labor and examination costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidexamination efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables a single blood collection tube to perform multiple measurement functions (blood count and electrolyte levels), reducing the total number of tubes needed and streamlining the examination process for improved productivity

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

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the requirements for blood count and electrolyte measurement into a single tube system using lithium heparin, the patent reduces laboratory processing steps and examination costs while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple blood collection tubes are used for different measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidpatient burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces patient burden by requiring only a single blood collection tube for both blood count and electrolyte measurements, making the phlebotomy procedure simpler and less invasive for patients

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 simplifies the blood testing process by reducing the need for multiple tubes, lowering examination costs and patient burden, while providing accurate measurements of blood components and electrolytes using EDTA salts like lithium salt, which effectively inhibit coagulation and suppress hemolysis.

Implementation Method 1

an anticoagulant containing a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) other than sodium salt, potassium salt, or calcium salt of EDTA

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChelation:

Data Source

PatentEP3064941B1Blood test method
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 ARKRAY INC
  • EP3064941B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3064941B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3064941B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention provides a blood test device configured to measure a blood count and an electrolyte in a blood sample. The blood test device includes: a sample placement section in which a blood sample containing an anticoagulant containing a salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) other than sodium salt, potassium salt, or calcium salt of EDTA is placed; and a measurement section by which measurement of a blood count and an electrolyte is carried out for the blood sample placed in the sample placement section.