Sample Analyzer Adaptive Detection for Platelet Differentiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample analyzers face challenges in reliably differentiating small red blood cells and platelets, leading to inaccurate measurements, and require duplicate sample preparation and measurement processes, which increase costs and resource consumption.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer system that prepares two measurement samples from the same sample, using a controller to determine the reliability of initial measurements by an electrical resistance type detector and, if unreliable, adjusts the detection conditions for an optical type detector to re-measure, thereby conserving reagents and minimizing additional processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two types of measurement samples are prepared and measured by both electrical resistance type and optical type measuring devices, then measurement reliability is improved, but reagent consumption increases and measurement process time doubles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidreagent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing a second measurement only when the first measurement result is determined to be unreliable. The controller evaluates the first measurement result and selectively triggers a second measurement using different detection conditions, avoiding unnecessary duplicate measurements while ensuring reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes detection parameters by switching between electrical resistance type and optical type measuring devices based on the reliability of the first measurement. When unreliable, the system changes the detection method and conditions for the second measurement, allowing flexible adaptation to maintain accuracy without always consuming double reagents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If two types of measurement samples are prepared and measured by both electrical resistance type and optical type measuring devices, then measurement reliability is improved, but measurement process complexity doubles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs the complex second measurement process only partially - specifically, only when the first measurement is deemed unreliable. This selective approach maintains reliability improvements while avoiding the full complexity overhead of always performing dual measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller uses feedback from the first measurement result to determine whether to initiate the second measurement. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adaptively manage complexity, triggering the more complex optical measurement only when necessary based on the quality of the initial electrical resistance measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If electrical resistance type measuring device is used to detect platelets, then detection speed is improved, but differentiation accuracy between small red blood cells and platelets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection speedVSAvoiddifferentiation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between electrical resistance type and optical type measuring devices based on the detected component size and measurement reliability. For small particles where differentiation is difficult, the system transitions to optical detection which provides better precision, while maintaining the faster electrical resistance method for routine measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter by switching measurement methods based on particle size characteristics. When small particles are detected that could be either small red blood cells or platelets, the system changes from electrical resistance detection to optical detection to improve differentiation accuracy while maintaining overall detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for accurate differentiation of red blood cells and platelets while reducing reagent usage and measurement processes, enhancing analysis efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

red blood cells and platelets are measured by using an electrical resistance type measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

an optical measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP2182365B1Sample analyzer
Publication Date: 2018.03.21 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP2182365B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2182365B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2182365B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sample analyzer comprising: a sample preparing section for preparing first and second measurement sample including reagent and sample; a first detector for detecting a predetermined component in the first measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; a second detector for detecting the predetermined component in the second measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; and a controller configured for performing operations, comprising: (a) controlling the first detector to detect the predetermined component in the first measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section; (b) determining the reliability of the result detected by the first detector; (c) controlling the sample preparing section to prepare the second measurement sample from the same sample when the result has been determined to be unreliable; and (d) controlling the second detector to detect the predetermined component in the second measurement sample, is disclosed.