Sample Analyzer Mode Switching for Automated Body Fluid Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers require manual preparation of measurement samples for body fluids, and are not optimized for fluid measurements, lacking suitable measurement operations.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer capable of automatically preparing and analyzing blood and body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, and abdominal fluid, using integrated measuring and data processing units with optical and electrical detection methods to classify and count cells, and a fluid supplying unit to prepare samples for different measurement modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual preparation of measurement samples is used for body fluids, then the operator can prepare samples with reagents, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sample analyzer automatically performs sample preparation functions that were previously done manually by operators. The measuring part autonomously mixes body fluid samples with reagents, performs dilutions, and prepares measurement samples without operator intervention, making the system self-serve the sample preparation task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple reagent containers with different reagents needed for body fluid analysis. The control means pre-programs the sample preparation protocols specific to body fluids, so that when a body fluid sample is introduced, all necessary reagents and processing steps are already in place and ready to execute automatically.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single measurement mode is used in the sample analyzer, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot perform both blood and body fluid measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The sample analyzer is designed with multi-functionality to handle both blood samples and body fluid samples using the same physical device. The measuring part can process different sample types, and the control means switches between different measurement modes (blood measurement mode and body fluid measurement mode) to accommodate different analysis requirements, making one device serve multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement mode is made dynamic and switchable rather than fixed. The control means can dynamically change operational parameters, reagent selection, and measurement protocols based on the sample type introduced. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to optimize its operation for different sample types without requiring separate dedicated devices.
3Measurement precision
If body fluid samples are measured without specific operational modes, then the analyzer can process any sample, but measurement accuracy for body fluids is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Specific operational characteristics and control parameters are tailored locally for body fluid measurements. When body fluid measurement mode is activated, the control means applies specific protocols including particular reagent combinations, dilution factors, and measurement parameters that are optimized for body fluid characteristics, rather than using generic blood measurement protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means changes key operational parameters when switching to body fluid measurement mode. This includes adjusting reagent volumes, modification of mixing protocols, changes in measurement timing, and adjustment of detection thresholds. These parameter changes ensure that the measurement process is optimized for the specific properties of body fluids, improving measurement accuracy.
4Productivity
If automated sample preparation is implemented, then measurement efficiency increases, but the risk of contamination and errors may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces intermediary control mechanisms including automatic lid closure on reagent containers, sealed sample handling protocols, and controlled transfer mechanisms. These intermediary elements act as barriers and control points that prevent external contamination while maintaining automated high-speed processing. The control means coordinates these intermediary protections throughout the automated workflow.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample analyzer prepares a measurement sample from a blood sample or a body fluid sample which differs from the blood sample; measures the prepared measurement sample; obtains characteristic information representing characteristics of the components in the measurement sample; sets either a blood measurement mode for measuring the blood sample, or a body fluid measurement mode for measuring the body fluid sample as an operating mode; and measures the measurement sample prepared from the blood sample by executing operations in the blood measurement mode when the blood measurement mode has been set, and measuring the measurement sample prepared from the body fluid sample by executing operations in the body fluid measurement mode that differs from the operations in the blood measurement mode when the body fluid measurement mode has been set, is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.