Optical Clot Detection in Serum Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting clots in serum samples within laboratory automation systems are not reliable and cost-effective, often requiring reagents that can cause coagulation and are prone to blockages in pipette devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using laser diodes with specific wavelengths to irradiate and measure light transmission through serum samples, detecting clots by measuring intensity changes along defined paths without reagents, and calculating component positions to ensure accurate clot detection and system integration for parallel processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are used to detect clots by measuring pressure difference, then clot detection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure sensors with an optical measurement system. Light from a light source passes through the sample container, and a detector measures light intensity. The presence of clots is detected by analyzing changes in light transmission properties, substituting mechanical sensing with optical sensing to reduce device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect clots. Instead of directly measuring pressure, the system uses light transmission through the serum sample as an intermediary measurement. The clot presence is inferred from light intensity changes, providing an indirect but simpler detection mechanism
2Reliability
If reagents causing coagulation are added to detect clots, then clot detection is enabled, but false coagulation and processing errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the serum sample to reveal its own clot status without external reagents. The optical measurement system detects light transmission properties inherent to the sample, allowing the sample itself to provide detection information through its natural optical characteristics rather than requiring chemical induction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the clot detection function from chemical reagent-based methods and implements it through physical optical measurement. By removing reagents from the detection process, the system eliminates the harmful side effect of false coagulation while preserving the ability to detect actual clots
3Productivity
If pipette devices are used to transfer serum without clot detection, then sample handling is efficient, but pipette blockage and processing failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs clot detection before the pipetting operation. By measuring light transmission through the sample container prior to sample transfer, the system identifies clots in advance, allowing the automation system to prevent pipette blockage before it occurs, thus maintaining both efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where light intensity measurements provide information about clot presence, which then feeds back to control the pipetting process. The detection system continuously monitors sample status and provides feedback signals to prevent operations that would cause blockages
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
Provides reliable and cost-effective clot detection in serum samples, reducing processing time by integrating clot detection with sample container handling and position calculation, ensuring accurate pipetting and sample handling without reagent-induced coagulation.
Implementation Method 1
Light having a first wavelength is irradiated or projected to the sample container from a first light source... an intensity of light originating from the first light source, passing along the first measurement path and exiting the sample container is measured
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for detecting clots (1) in a liquid (2), the liquid (2) being comprised in a sample container (3), the method comprising the steps: a) irradiating light having a first wavelength to the sample container (3) by means of a first light source (4) at a changeable vertical irradiating position (P_0 to P_n), such that the light irradiated by the first light source (4) passes through the sample container (3) along a first measurement path, b) measuring an intensity of light having the first wavelength passing along the first measurement path and exiting the sample container (3), and c) detecting clots (1) in response to the measured intensity.