Whole Blood Platelet Aggregation Measurement Without Hematocrit Bias

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining platelet aggregation in whole blood are influenced by hematocrit levels, leading to inaccurate measurements due to the artifact of red blood cells affecting light transmittance, which is not reflective of actual platelet function.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that calculates platelet aggregation values independently of hematocrit by using a non-linear relationship and the Beer-Lambert law, combined with hematocrit-based correction values, to adjust initial measurements and eliminate the influence of hematocrit on light transmittance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If light transmittance is used to measure platelet aggregation in whole blood, then platelet aggregation can be detected, but the measurement is affected by hematocrit levels causing inaccurate results

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatelet aggregation measurement accuracyVSAvoidhematocrit influence on light transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation step that uses the Beer-Lambert law to separate the effects of hematocrit from platelet aggregation. By measuring light transmittance and applying the Beer-Lambert law with known hematocrit values, the system calculates platelet aggregation independently of hematocrit variations, thus eliminating the harmful interference of red blood cells on the measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from direct light transmittance measurement to a calculated parameter based on the Beer-Lambert law. This parameter transformation allows the system to account for hematocrit effects mathematically, converting the affected measurement into an independent aggregation value that reflects true platelet function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If standard light transmittance measurement is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the results are inaccurate due to red blood cell interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatelet aggregation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation and correction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured light transmittance is fed into the Beer-Lambert law calculation along with the hematocrit value. This feedback loop automatically adjusts the platelet aggregation calculation to compensate for hematocrit effects, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring complex manual corrections or additional hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If hematocrit-based correction is applied to platelet aggregation values, then measurement accuracy improves, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatelet aggregation value accuracyVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical or manual correction methods with a mathematical model (Beer-Lambert law). This substitution allows the system to automatically correct hematocrit effects through calculation rather than requiring physical separation of components or complex multi-step correction procedures, reducing processing complexity while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides platelet aggregation values that are substantially independent of hematocrit, ensuring accurate measurements by correcting for the illusory effects of red blood cells on light transmission, thereby improving the reliability of platelet function assessment.

Implementation Method 1

measuring an apparent level of platelet reactivity induced by the ADP agonist... measuring a level of hematocrit and/or hemoglobin... transforming the apparent level of platelet reactivity by the level of hematocrit and/or hemoglobin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmittance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Calculating the platelet aggregation value may be based on the Beer-Lambert law

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeer-Lambert law: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4109079B1Determining a platelet aggregation value

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 INSTRUMENTATION LABORATORY COMPANY

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4

AI summary

An example system includes a detection chamber (25a-25d) to hold a mixture that includes a whole blood sample from a patient, a light source (55a-55d) to illuminate the mixture in the detection chamber (25a-25d), a detector (56a-56d) to detect light from the light source (55a-55d) transmitted through the mixture in the detection chamber (25a-25d), and one or more processing devices (42a, 42b) to determine, based on the light detected by the detector (56a-56d), a platelet aggregation value of the whole blood sample that is substantially independent of a hematocrit of the whole blood sample.