Non-invasive Liver Function Testing via Optical Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing liver function are invasive, causing pain and psychological burden, and frequent blood collection can be harmful, making it difficult to frequently test liver health.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive liver function testing apparatus and method using a light source, light detector, and data processor to extract and process raw data from target materials, correlating it with liver function information, such as enzyme concentrations, without the need for blood collection, employing spectrometers like infrared, FT-IR, or Raman spectrometers to generate spectra and analyze light interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood collection is performed to test liver function, then accurate liver function data can be obtained, but pain and psychological burden are inflicted on patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive method of blood collection with an optical detection system. A light source irradiates light onto the patient's skin, and a light detector captures the reflected or transmitted light. The system then analyzes spectral data to determine liver function parameters, thereby eliminating the need for needle insertion and blood drawing while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to transfer information from the body's internal state to the measurement device. By using light interaction with tissue and blood components, the system indirectly measures liver function markers without direct blood contact, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate measurement and patient comfort.
2Productivity
If frequent blood collection is performed to monitor liver function, then continuous health monitoring is achieved, but harm to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting the blood collection mechanism with an optical detection system, the patent enables frequent monitoring without the cumulative harm associated with repeated invasive procedures. The light-based measurement can be performed repeatedly and safely, allowing continuous liver function tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the patient's body to serve as its own measurement medium without requiring external intervention through blood collection. The optical system interacts with the patient's tissue and blood in situ, allowing the body to provide the necessary information for monitoring without being subjected to harmful extraction procedures.
3Loss of information
If blood collection is required for liver function testing, then comprehensive liver health information can be obtained, but the testing procedure becomes complex and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex blood collection and laboratory analysis system with a simplified optical detection system that can be performed at the point of care. The light-based measurement directly provides liver function information without requiring sample collection, transport, or complex laboratory processing.
Solution Approach 2:
By using light as an intermediary, the patent creates a direct measurement pathway from the patient to the diagnostic information. This eliminates the intermediate step of blood collection and sample processing, thereby simplifying the overall testing procedure while maintaining information completeness.
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 convenient and frequent testing of liver function without blood collection, providing accurate liver enzyme concentration data, improving health management and reducing the discomfort associated with invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to irradiate light onto an object; a light detector configured to detect information about light reflected from the object
Implementation Method 2
The light detector may include a spectrometer configured to divide the light reflected from the object to generate a spectrum
Implementation Method 3
The spectrometer may include an infrared spectrometer. The spectrometer may include a mid-infrared spectrometer or a near-infrared spectrometer
Implementation Method 4
The spectrometer may include a FT-IR spectrometer
Implementation Method 5
The spectrometer may include a Raman spectrometer
Implementation Method 6
The spectrometer may further include an attenuated total reflectance prism
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a non-invasive liver function testing apparatus and method. The non-invasive liver function testing apparatus includes a light source configured to irradiate light onto an object, a light detector configured to detect information about light reflected from the object, a raw data extractor configured to extract raw data, associated with at least one target material constituting the object, from the information detected by the light detector, and a data processor configured to extract liver function-related information, including a correlation with the at least one target material, from the raw data.