Microfluidic Chip Coagulation Sensing Impedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cellular level diagnostic tools for blood coagulation are expensive, require specialized training, and are not suitable for point-of-care settings, as they need reagents to accelerate coagulation rates and cannot determine the stage of the coagulation cascade without additional agents.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with an integrated impedance sensor that determines the stage of the coagulation cascade without the addition of reagents or activating agents, using a microfluidic sensing system comprising a microfluidic chip, fluid reservoir, electronic controller, and computing device to analyze fluid samples and provide electrical output signals representing sensed data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cellular level diagnostic tools are used for blood coagulation testing, then coagulation rates can be measured, but reagents and activating agents are required to accelerate coagulation rates to a measurable level
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip enables the blood sample to coagulate naturally without external reagents or activating agents. The chip's microfluidic structure and impedance sensor work together to allow the coagulation process to occur autonomously at its natural rate, eliminating the need for additional chemical substances to accelerate the reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the requirement for reagents and activating agents from the coagulation testing process. By using a microfluidic environment with controlled flow and an impedance sensor for detection, the system achieves coagulation measurement without the traditional additives that were previously essential.
2Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic tools are used, then coagulation rates can be measured, but the stage of the coagulation cascade cannot be determined without additional agents
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance sensor continuously monitors the coagulation process in real-time, allowing the system to determine different stages of the coagulation cascade autonomously without additional agents. The sensor detects changes in electrical impedance that naturally occur as blood progresses through various coagulation stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces chemical detection methods (requiring additional agents) with an electrical detection method using an impedance sensor. This substitution allows for stage determination of the coagulation cascade through electrical property changes rather than chemical reactions.
3Reliability
If traditional cellular level diagnostic tools are used, then coagulation testing can be performed, but the tools are expensive and require specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic chip is designed as a disposable, low-cost device that integrates all necessary components (microfluidic channels and impedance sensor) into a single-use unit. This eliminates the need for expensive, complex traditional equipment while maintaining diagnostic reliability, and the simplicity of the chip design reduces the training required for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the microfluidic sample handling system and the impedance sensing system into an integrated chip platform. This consolidation simplifies the overall diagnostic system, reducing complexity and making it more accessible for point-of-care use without requiring specialized training.
4Reliability
If traditional diagnostic tools are used, then coagulation rates can be measured, but the tools are not suitable for point-of-care settings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the diagnostic function into a compact, self-contained microfluidic chip that can be easily transported and used at point-of-care locations. The chip divides the coagulation testing process into integrated micro-scale components that maintain measurement reliability while enabling portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from macro-scale traditional diagnostic equipment to micro-scale integrated chip technology. This dimensional change from millimeter/centimeter scale to micrometer scale enables the system to be miniaturized for portability while maintaining the essential coagulation measurement capability.
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 accurate and cost-effective point-of-care testing for blood coagulation by determining the stage of the coagulation cascade without reagents, providing portable and user-friendly diagnostic capabilities for healthcare professionals and patients.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (e.g., an impedance sensor) to detect changes in impedance and determine a stage of a coagulation cascade of the blood sample
Data Source
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AI summary
Example implementations relate to coagulation sensing. For example, a microfluidic chip for coagulation sensing may include a microfluidic channel, an outlet at an end of the microfluidic channel having an air interface, and an impedance sensor located within the microfluidic channel and within a particular proximity to the air interface, the impedance sensor to determine a stage of a coagulation cascade of a blood sample flowing through the microfluidic channel to the impedance sensor.