Sample Analyzer Platelet Counting with Impedance and Optical Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platelet counting methods, such as impedance methods, are prone to inaccuracies due to interference from abnormal blood samples, leading to incorrect clinical diagnoses, and the addition of optical testing channels increases costs and instrument complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer that combines impedance and optical testing channels to obtain two platelet counting results, allowing for selective output based on the reliability of the impedance result, thereby ensuring accurate counting without significant cost increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If impedance method is used for platelet counting, then testing cost is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from abnormal blood samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines impedance testing channel and optical testing channel into a single instrument system. The controller integrates results from both channels, using optical information to correct impedance-based platelet counts when abnormalities are detected, thereby maintaining low cost while improving precision through synergistic combination of methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical testing results as feedback to correct impedance testing results. When the optical channel detects abnormalities (such as red blood cell fragments or platelet clumps) that would interfere with impedance counting, the controller adjusts the platelet count based on optical channel data, creating a feedback loop that maintains accuracy without requiring complete replacement of the impedance method
2Measurement precision
If optical testing channel is added for platelet counting, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical testing channel is designed to serve multiple functions: it can detect platelet abnormalities, identify red blood cell fragments, and provide corrective data for impedance counting. By making the optical channel multi-functional rather than dedicated solely to platelet counting, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized components and simplifies overall instrument architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical testing channel with the existing impedance testing channel infrastructure, sharing common components such as the flow chamber, sample handling system, and data processing unit. This integration approach allows the optical channel to add precision capabilities without requiring completely separate measurement systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Measurement precision
If optical testing channel is added for platelet counting, then measurement precision improves, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical testing channel with the existing impedance testing channel infrastructure, sharing common components such as the flow chamber, sample handling system, and data processing unit. This integration allows the optical channel to enhance precision without requiring completely separate measurement systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs optical testing on all samples but only uses the additional optical data for correction when abnormalities are detected. For normal samples, the system can rely primarily on the more cost-effective impedance method, applying optical testing selectively rather than relying on it for all measurements, thereby controlling overall testing costs while maintaining precision when needed
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 combined approach provides accurate platelet counting results for abnormal samples with minimal increase in overall testing costs, improving diagnostic reliability while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an impedance testing device including a first flow chamber and a detection component, the first flow chamber being configured to allow the first test sample to pass through, and the detection component being configured to obtain electronic information as the first test sample passes through the first flow chamber
Implementation Method 2
an optical testing device including a second flow chamber, a light source and an optical detector, the second flow chamber being configured to allow the second test sample to pass through, the light source being configured to irradiate the second test sample as the second test sample passes through the second flow chamber with a light, and the optical detector being configured to detect optical information generated by the second test sample after the second test sample is irradiated with the light
Data Source
AI summary
A sample analyzer includes a sample preparation device, an impedance testing device, an optical testing device, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the impedance testing device to test a first test sample to obtain a first platelet counting result for a test blood sample based on electronic information of the first test sample; control the optical testing device to test a second test sample to obtain a second platelet counting result for the test blood sample based only on optical information of the second test sample or based on both the electronic information of the first test sample and the optical information of the second test sample; determine whether the first platelet counting result is unreliable due to abnormality of the test blood sample; and output the first and/or the second platelet counting result according to the result of the determination.