NMR Coagulation Detection for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coagulation tests are complex, inconvenient for point-of-care use, and often require specialized equipment and large blood volumes, limiting their accessibility for monitoring blood coagulation status, especially in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
The use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters detectable by relaxometer readings for monitoring and measuring coagulation, allowing for accurate, precise, and direct coagulation time determination without additives, suitable for point-of-care settings, and capable of measuring coagulation changes in small sample volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional coagulation tests are used, then coagulation monitoring can be performed, but the tests are complex and require specialized equipment making them inconvenient for point-of-care use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and optical coagulation detection systems with NMR-based detection. The NMR system uses magnetic field interactions with nuclear spins to detect coagulation state changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators, optical paths, and specialized laboratory equipment while enabling simpler point-of-care deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent monitors changes in NMR parameters (specifically T2 relaxation time) to detect coagulation state transitions. By tracking parameter evolution over time rather than using complex multi-step testing procedures, the system simplifies the operational workflow while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for point-of-care use.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional coagulation assays are performed, then coagulation status can be assessed, but large blood volumes are required limiting accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential coagulation detection capability from complex traditional assays and implements it through NMR parameter monitoring. This extraction allows the system to use minimal blood samples while maintaining assessment accuracy, as NMR can detect coagulation state changes in small volumes without requiring the large sample quantities needed for conventional methods.
3Loss of time
If conventional coagulation monitoring methods are used, then coagulation time can be measured, but real-time monitoring with high time resolution is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous NMR monitoring of T2 relaxation time throughout the coagulation process. This continuous measurement approach provides high time-resolution data on coagulation state changes, enabling real-time monitoring and rapid detection of coagulation kinetics without the time losses associated with discrete sampling intervals in conventional methods.
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 method provides real-time monitoring of coagulation state changes, is not limited by blood type or therapeutic windows, and offers highly time-resolved coagulation curves for profiling coagulation abnormalities, enhancing the ability to diagnose and manage coagulation disorders.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a change in a NMR parameter over time to determine the coagulation time
Implementation Method 2
measuring a change in a NMR parameter over time; measuring at least two values of an NMR parameter of the sample over time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to detecting coagulation and coagulation-related activities including agglutination and fibrinolysis of samples. More particularly the invention relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring coagulation and/or obtaining a coagulation time of a sample using NMR-based detectors.