Particle Analyzer Standard Material for Fluorescence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle analyzers lack a method to effectively judge abnormalities in the measurement process, relying on calibration techniques that do not accurately detect issues in the staining mechanism or fluorescence detector sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A method using standard material with first and second standard particles, where the first particles are stained to show fluorescence intensity similar to measuring particles, and the second particles preliminarily contain a fluorescent dye to maintain intensity, allowing for precise detection of abnormalities in the analyzer's fluorescence and scattered light detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional calibration techniques are used to adjust fluorescence detector sensitivity, then the measured value can be maintained in a predetermined range, but the method cannot accurately detect abnormalities in the staining mechanism or fluorescence detector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of abnormalitiesVSAvoidquality control effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the quality control function by using two distinct types of standard particles: first standard particles that undergo fluorescence staining to evaluate the staining mechanism, and second standard particles that preliminarily contain fluorescent dye to evaluate the fluorescence detector sensitivity independently of the staining process. This segmentation allows separate detection and diagnosis of abnormalities in different system components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces standard particles as intermediary objects that mediate between the analyzer components and the quality control assessment. These particles serve as test subjects that interact with specific components (staining mechanism or fluorescence detector) to reveal their operational status, enabling indirect evaluation of component health without requiring complex diagnostic procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single type of standard material is used for calibration, then the calibration process is simple, but it cannot distinguish between staining mechanism failures and detector sensitivity issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestandard material compositionVSAvoidabnormality source identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the standard material into two distinct segments: first standard particles for testing the staining mechanism and second standard particles for testing the fluorescence detector. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity in each individual component while enabling comprehensive diagnostic capability through their combined use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by giving different functional properties to different parts of the standard material. First standard particles are designed with staining capability to test the staining mechanism, while second standard particles are designed with pre-contained fluorescent dye to test the detector directly. This localized functional differentiation enables precise identification of abnormality sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional standard fluid is used that only contains stainable particles, then the staining process can be evaluated, but the fluorescence detector sensitivity cannot be independently assessed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation capabilityVSAvoidstandard material types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the evaluation capability by creating two specialized particle types: first standard particles that are stainable to evaluate the staining mechanism, and second standard particles that preliminarily contain fluorescent dye to evaluate the fluorescence detector sensitivity. This segmentation enables independent assessment of each component's performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal standard material system that can perform multiple evaluation functions. Both first and second standard particles can be used in the same measurement system, allowing the system to evaluate both the staining mechanism and the fluorescence detector using a unified approach, thereby achieving multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 precise detection of abnormalities in the measurement process, improving calibration accuracy and preventing future issues by comparing fluorescence and scattered light intensities with predetermined ranges.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement sample preparing part that conducts a fluorescence-staining treatment on measuring particles contained in a biological sample by using a dye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence-staining treatment: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a light source for irradiating the measuring sample with light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight irradiation: Light

Implementation Method 3

a fluorescence detector for detecting fluorescence from the measuring sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence detection: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 4

a front scattered light detector for detecting front scattered light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattered light: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP1744145B1Standard material for particle analyzer
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP1744145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1744145B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1744145B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A standard material that is used for judging an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer is described. The standard material comprises first standard particles to be fluorescence-stained by a fluorescence-staining treatment and second standard particles that have preliminarily contained a fluorescence dye. A method and an analyzer that can judge an abnormal portion in a particle analyzer by using such a standard material are also described.