Multi-Indicator Imaging for Rapid Whole Blood Component Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for analyzing blood components, such as CBC and chemical analysis, require large, expensive laboratory equipment and take hours or days to complete, making them unsuitable for rapid point-of-care diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving attaching indicators of different types to chemical components in a sample to form multi-indicator complexes, which are then imaged and counted using a portable device to determine the presence or level of these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory equipment is used for CBC and chemical analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex laboratory analysis system into discrete functional components: indicators attach to specific chemical components, forming multi-indicator complexes that can be individually imaged and counted. This segmentation allows a portable device to perform analyses previously requiring large laboratory equipment by breaking down the complex measurement process into manageable imaging and counting operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses indicators (such as beads or fluorescent labels) that attach to chemical components to create visual copies or representations of the molecular targets. These indicator complexes serve as detectable proxies for the actual chemical components, allowing the imaging sensor to detect and count target molecules through their indicator markers rather than requiring direct molecular analysis equipment
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-formed indicators that are designed to attach to specific chemical components. These indicators are prepared in advance and can be rapidly introduced to the sample, eliminating the need for complex sample preparation and enabling quick attachment to target molecules, thereby reducing overall analysis time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/chemical analysis methods with optical detection. Instead of using complex laboratory instruments to detect and measure chemical components, the system uses indicators with optical properties (such as fluorescence or light scattering) that can be detected by an imaging sensor, enabling rapid analysis without lengthy measurement procedures
3Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs indicators that autonomously attach to their target chemical components through specific binding interactions (such as antibody-antigen binding). This self-assembly process eliminates the need for complex operator intervention to form the analytical complexes, allowing the system to perform the attachment step automatically and simplifying the overall operation
Solution Approach 2:
The visual nature of the indicators (beads, fluorescent labels) creates easily imageable copies of the target molecules. The imaging sensor captures images of these indicator complexes, and software automatically counts and analyzes them, replacing complex manual analysis procedures with automated image processing that is both precise and operationally simple
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 rapid, cost-effective chemical analysis of whole blood at the point-of-care, combining CBC and chemical analysis in a small, inexpensive device, suitable for locations without advanced laboratory equipment.
Implementation Method 1
One or more images of the sample, including the first multi-indicator complex corresponding to the unit of the chemical component, are captured by an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
attaching the indicator of the first type and the indicator of the second type to a unit of a chemical component in a sample to form a first multi-indicator complex
Data Source
AI summary
An indicator of a first type and an indicator of a second type are attached to a unit of a chemical component in a sample to form a first multi-indicator complex. The first multi-indicator complex includes the unit of the chemical component, the indicator of the first type, and the indicator of the second type. The indicator of the first type and the indicator of the second type have different discernible characteristics. An image of the sample, including the first multi-indicator complex corresponding to the unit of the chemical component, is captured by an image sensor. Based on a first image of the sample, a count is generated of multi-indicator complexes that include an indicator of the first type and an indicator of the second type, including the first multi-indicator complex. Based on the count, a presence or a level of the chemical component in the sample is identified.