Sample Analyzer Dilution Control for High-Concentration Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers face challenges in accurately determining the concentration of high-concentration components in samples, as dilution errors and reagent-solution affinity can lead to inaccuracies when using calibration curves, especially when the concentration exceeds the curve's range.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer system that includes a measurement section, memory for calibration curves, and a computer program for calibration and analysis operations, which dilutes calibration samples and applies measurement values to these curves to determine accurate concentrations, using a dilution fluid to adjust sample concentrations within the measurable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sample concentration is too high and exceeds the calibration curve range, then direct measurement is impossible, but dilution introduces errors that reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from the original sample to a diluted version of the sample. By adjusting the concentration parameter through controlled dilution, the measurement can be performed within the valid range of the calibration curve, thereby maintaining measurement precision while handling high-concentration samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diluting solution as an intermediary substance to reduce the concentration of the original sample. This mediator allows the sample to be transformed into a form that can be accurately measured by the existing calibration system, bridging the gap between high concentration and measurable range.
2Measurement precision
If dilution is repeated for extremely high concentration samples, then the concentration can be brought within range, but cumulative errors increase and reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the appropriate dilution factor before actual measurement. By calculating and setting the dilution ratio in advance based on the estimated sample concentration, the system avoids multiple iterative dilutions and their associated cumulative errors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the overall process.
3Ease of operation
If reagent and diluting solution have affinity, then mixing is enhanced, but linearity of dilution is compromised and measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the diluting solution to optimize the balance between mixing efficiency and dilution linearity. By adjusting the diluting solution concentration to match or be close to the sample concentration, the system achieves both effective mixing and maintained linearity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Herewith disclosed is a sample analyzer comprising: a measurement section configured to perform a measurement on a sample and generate a measurement value according to the concentration of an analyte in the sample; a memory storing a calibration curve; an analysis section; an output section; and an instruction receiver. When the instruction receiver receives an instruction to perform a diluting measurement on a calibration sample, the measurement section dilutes the calibration sample by a predetermined ratio and performs a measurement on the diluted calibration sample, and the analysis section determines the concentration of the analyte in the diluted calibration sample by applying a measurement value obtained from the diluted calibration sample to the calibration curve. Information generated based on the determined concentration and the known concentration is output.