Sample Analyzer Impedance Optical Detection Platelet Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring red blood cells and platelets in blood samples, such as impedance and fluorescence methods, face challenges in accurately separating and counting platelets, especially in abnormal samples with low platelet counts, and require costly special diluents, hindering clinical adoption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a blood sample with a general diluent, followed by electrical signal detection in a flow cell and subsequent optical detection using scattered light signals to achieve accurate classification and counting of red blood cells and platelets, utilizing a sample analyzer with impedance and optical detection apparatuses to generate and process signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If impedance method is used for measuring platelets, then measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates for samples with low platelet counts due to unclear boundary between platelet histogram and red blood cell histogram
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines impedance detection and optical detection methods into a single analysis system. The impedance detection provides initial particle counting while optical detection with scattered light signals provides additional characterization. By merging these two detection approaches, the system achieves both operational simplicity and improved measurement accuracy for platelets in low-count samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces scattered light signal detection as an intermediary measurement approach. When impedance detection alone cannot clearly distinguish platelets from red blood cells (in low platelet count samples), the optical detection system with scattered light signals acts as a mediator to provide additional differentiation capability, enabling accurate platelet identification without requiring complex sample preparation.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence method is used for measuring platelets, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost increases due to requirement of fluorescent dye and special diluent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive fluorescent dyes and special diluents with a general diluent that is cheaper and more readily available. The optical detection system uses scattered light signals from naturally occurring cellular properties rather than requiring expensive fluorescent labeling reagents, thereby reducing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from fluorescence emission (requiring fluorescent dyes) to scattered light signal characteristics. By detecting natural scattered light properties of cells at different angles rather than fluorescence, the system eliminates the need for expensive fluorescent reagents and special diluents, reducing overall test cost while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If special diluent is used for spheronizing cells, then optical detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the diluent universal by using a general diluent that serves multiple functions: it maintains cell morphology for both impedance and optical detection, enables accurate platelet identification through scattered light signals, and eliminates the need for separate special diluents. This multi-functional approach reduces complexity in diluent selection and preparation while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 enables accurate classification and counting of red blood cells and platelets, particularly in abnormal samples, using a general diluent, improving measurement accuracy and reducing costs by integrating impedance and optical detection methods.
Implementation Method 1
flowing the first test sample solution in a flow cell having an aperture with electrodes, and detecting electrical signals generated when particles in the first test sample solution pass through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
collecting at least two types of scattered light signals generated by particles in the second test sample solution under light irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a sample analyzing method and a sample analyzer for measuring red blood cells and platelets. The method includes: preparing a first test sample solution containing a blood sample and a diluent; using an impedance method to acquire a first measurement result of red blood cells and platelets; when the first measurement result indicates that the blood sample is abnormal, preparing a second test sample solution containing the blood sample and a diluent or preparing a second test sample solution from the first test sample solution; irradiating the second test sample solution with light; collecting scattered light signals generated by particles in the second test sample solution; and acquiring a second measurement result of red blood cells and platelets in the second test sample solution based on the scattered light signals. Thus, RBC and PLT can be accurately classified especially under a condition of using an ordinary diluent.