Optical Elution Detection for Neonatal Blood Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing samples from dried blood spots are prone to human error and inefficiency, particularly in verifying successful elution of analytes from sample disks, which can lead to unreliable results and additional testing due to false alerts.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that automatically detects the degree of elution by directing light at a wavelength absorbed by haemoglobin, allowing for the calculation of absorbance values indicative of elution success, regardless of the sample disk's position or presence in the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to check for sample disks in wells, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the detection reliability deteriorates due to human error and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an optical detection system that uses light sources and detectors to automatically measure absorbance values in sample wells. This substitution eliminates human error and time consumption while maintaining relatively simple apparatus structure through the use of standard optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification of sample disk presence and elution status automatically without requiring operator intervention. The optical detection system autonomously measures absorbance values and determines whether samples are properly eluted, making the apparatus self-sufficient and reliable.
2Productivity
If manual visual inspection is performed before placing plates into the apparatus, then the operation process remains simple, but the productivity deteriorates due to time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detection system performs preliminary verification of sample disk presence and elution status automatically before the main analysis process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual inspection and ensures that only properly prepared samples proceed to analysis, increasing productivity without complicating operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated optical measurement, allowing the system to quickly determine sample readiness status. This substitution significantly reduces the time required for pre-processing while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
3Reliability
If sample disks are removed from wells before analysis, then the light path blocking is eliminated, but the device complexity increases due to additional removal steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct light transmission to absorbance measurement at specific wavelengths. By measuring absorbance values at wavelengths where haemoglobin absorbs light, the system can detect elution status without requiring physical removal of the sample disk, thus maintaining reliability while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses absorbance measurement as an intermediary method to indirectly assess sample disk presence and elution status. Instead of directly observing the disk or removing it, the system measures the optical properties of the sample medium, which serves as an intermediary indicator of the disk's status and the elution process.
4Measurement precision
If absorbance measurement is performed at wavelengths absorbed by haemoglobin, then the elution detection accuracy is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the measurement wavelength to match the absorption peak of haemoglobin, which provides maximum sensitivity for detecting elution status. By selecting this specific wavelength parameter, the system achieves high measurement precision while keeping the measurement process relatively simple through standard optical spectroscopy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the characteristic color absorption properties of haemoglobin to detect elution. The measurement relies on the fact that haemoglobin absorbs light at specific wavelengths, creating a detectable signal that indicates the presence and elution status of the sample. This approach simplifies measurement by using inherent optical properties rather than complex detection mechanisms.
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 solution enables reliable and efficient detection of successful elution, reducing human error and unnecessary testing, while ensuring accurate analysis of blood samples without the need for separate disk removal steps.
Implementation Method 1
directing light to a sample well at a wavelength or wavelength range which is absorbed by at least one elutable component of the sample but at least partly transmitted by the sample substrate
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for detecting elution of a sample from a sample substrate to incubation buffer contained in a sample well while the sample substrate is still within the well. The apparatus may be used measuring light absorption of the contents of the sample well at a predefined wavelength or wavelength range, and determining, based on the absorption measurement, the degree of elution of the sample. According to the invention, a wavelength or wavelength range is used which is absorbed by at least one elutable component of the sample but transmitted by the sample substrate. The invention provides a reliable way of determining the degree of elution of blood samples in neonatal sceening, for example.