Pressure-Based Blood Layer Detection in Centrifuged Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and separating packed red blood cells (PRBC) from other blood components after centrifugation lack accuracy, often requiring manual observation or post-testing imaging, which can lead to incomplete separation or incorrect layer aspiration, and fail to detect conditions like incomplete centrifugation.
Innovation Solution
A method using a metering probe with a pump to aspirate and dispense, measuring pressure differences between blood components, comparing measured pressures to reference values to confirm the presence of PRBC or other layers, and detecting the interface between plasma and PRBC layers by monitoring pressure changes during aspiration or dispense.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual observation or post-testing imaging is used to identify PRBC layers, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of PRBC identification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation and post-testing imaging systems with a pressure-based detection system. A pressure sensor measures pressure changes during the aspiration process to automatically identify PRBC layers, eliminating the need for complex imaging equipment and manual interpretation while improving identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the inherent physical property of blood components (pressure differences during aspiration) to automatically identify layers without requiring external imaging equipment or operator intervention. The aspiration process itself generates the measurement data needed for identification.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement is implemented to identify PRBC layers, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure sensor as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly detects PRBC layers by measuring pressure changes during aspiration. This intermediary approach provides accurate layer identification without requiring direct visualization or complex imaging systems.
3Reliability
If manual observation methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability of blood component separation deteriorates due to incomplete separation or incorrect layer aspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time pressure measurement and analysis during the aspiration process, providing immediate feedback on which blood layer is being aspirated. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable separation by confirming correct layer identification and allowing for immediate correction if incomplete separation or incorrect layer aspiration occurs.
4Measurement precision
If post-testing imaging is used to confirm separation, then measurement precision of separation quality improves, but loss of time increases due to rerunning tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs layer identification during the aspiration process itself rather than after separation is complete. By measuring pressure changes in real-time during aspiration, the system confirms correct layer identification before the separation is finalized, eliminating the need for post-testing imaging and potential test reruns.
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 approach provides accurate identification and confirmation of PRBC and other blood components, reducing errors in separation and enabling detection of centrifugation issues, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of blood component extraction.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the pressure between the sample and pump during sample aspiration or sample dispense
Implementation Method 2
whole blood must sometimes be spun down into layers of its various components by centrifugation before it can be analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a condition in a blood sample includes: providing a sample of blood; providing a metering probe having a pump for aspirating and dispensing; inserting the metering probe a selected distance into the blood sample; measuring the pressure between the sample and pump during sample aspiration or sample dispense; comparing the measured pressure with a reference value; and signaling the presence or absence of the condition. A method for confirming or detecting the presence of a selected layer of blood component in a centrifuged blood sample includes: measuring a pressure of a suspected selected layer in a metering probe during aspiration or dispense; comparing the measured pressure with a reference value, wherein if the measured pressure and the reference value are substantially identical then the selected layer of the blood component is confirmed. In a preferred embodiment the reference value is a pre-selected pressure range.