Optical Analyzer for Nondestructive Biologic Specimen Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring biologic specimens, such as blood or urine, in critically ill patients are invasive, costly, and delay diagnosis due to the need for frequent blood draws and laboratory analysis, which can lead to iatrogenic anemia and other complications.
Innovation Solution
A device that uses a fluid conduit holder and optical analyzer with a light source and detector to non-invasively analyze biologic specimens within a sterile environment, allowing for real-time monitoring of parameters without removing the specimen from the body, reducing the need for laboratory testing and minimizing blood loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent blood draws are performed to monitor clinical parameters, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient harm increases due to iatrogenic anemia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical blood drawing and laboratory analysis with an optical sensing system that uses light sources and detectors to measure clinical parameters (such as hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation) directly through intact skin or mucous membranes. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated blood draws while providing continuous monitoring capability, thereby maintaining diagnostic accuracy without causing iatrogenic anemia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of light sources, optical coupling elements, and detectors that mediate between the patient's body and the measurement process. By using light as an intermediary to probe physiological parameters through tissue, the system avoids direct blood contact and extraction, eliminating the harmful effects of frequent phlebotomy while preserving diagnostic information.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory testing is used, then comprehensive analysis is achieved, but time delays occur due to transport and processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-contained optical analysis system that performs comprehensive clinical parameter measurement at the point of care without requiring external laboratory facilities. The device integrates light sources, optical coupling mechanisms, detectors, and processing electronics to autonomously acquire and analyze spectral data, generating diagnostic information immediately without transport delays or dependency on centralized laboratory resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the traditional spatial dimension of specimen transport (from patient to laboratory) to a temporal dimension of continuous real-time monitoring. By using optical spectroscopy to measure multiple clinical parameters simultaneously and continuously, the system provides comprehensive analysis instantaneously, eliminating the sequential time delays inherent in traditional batch processing laboratory workflows.
3Measurement precision
If specialized medical equipment and consumables are deployed, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal optical measurement platform that can determine multiple clinical parameters (hemoglobin concentration, oxygen saturation, carbon monoxide levels, methemoglobin) using a single integrated device. The system employs broadband light sources and spectral analysis algorithms that can extract various physiological information from the same optical measurements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tests, consumables, and equipment while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (absorption spectra, reflectance characteristics) of biological tissue to derive multiple clinical parameters simultaneously. By analyzing the spectral signature across different wavelengths, the system can distinguish between various hemoglobin species and quantify their concentrations without requiring separate tests or consumables for each measurement, thereby simplifying the overall system while enhancing 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 rapid, non-destructive analysis of biologic specimens, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment, minimizing blood loss, and simplifying logistics by providing immediate, clinically relevant data at the patient's bedside.
Implementation Method 1
an optical analyzer having a light source and a light detector. The optical analyzer is configured to expose the fluid specimen contained within the fluid conduit to an illuminant and measure a spectrum of light received at the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring at least one parameter of a fluid specimen obtained from a patient. The device has a fluid conduit holder comprising a clamp configured to position a fluid conduit, which holds the fluid specimen obtained from the patient, in a position for optical analysis, and an optical analyzer having a light source and a light detector. The optical analyzer is configured to expose the fluid specimen contained within the fluid conduit to an illuminant and measure light received at the detector. The device has an optical alignment mechanism mechanically coupling the light source, the clamp, and the light detector together, and configured to align at least the light detector with the fluid conduit at the position for optical analysis.