Automated Sample Dilution for Precise Low-Volume Blood Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample analyzers face challenges in accurately analyzing small amounts of biological samples from infants, babies, or seriously ill patients due to labor-intensive manual dilution processes and variability in dilution operations, leading to inadequate measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A sample analyzer with automated sample preparation capabilities, including a system for aspirating and diluting small sample volumes, and a detector using a sheath flow system with semiconductor laser for precise blood cell analysis, ensuring consistent measurement conditions and improved accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If manual dilution preparation is used for small amount samples, then analysis can be performed with limited sample volume, but labor intensity increases and measurement accuracy decreases due to dilution variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated dilution preparation before measurement by aspirating a precise volume of small amount sample and mixing it with dilution liquid in predetermined ratios. This preliminary automated preparation eliminates manual intervention, ensuring consistent dilution ratios and improving measurement accuracy while enabling analysis with limited sample volumes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical dilution process with an automated fluid handling system that uses computer-controlled aspiration and dispensing mechanisms. This substitution eliminates human error in dilution preparation, ensuring precise and reproducible dilution ratios while reducing labor intensity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If manual dilution preparation is used for small amount samples, then analysis can be performed with limited sample volume, but labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample volumeVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically aspirating the small amount sample, preparing the dilution, and conducting the measurement without manual intervention. The computer-controlled system manages the entire process from sample aspiration to final measurement, significantly reducing labor intensity while enabling analysis with limited sample volumes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If extended measurement time is used for small amount samples, then measurement precision improves, but analysis time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidanalysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes measurement parameters by extending the measurement time specifically for small amount samples to improve precision. The computer control adjusts measurement parameters dynamically based on sample type, allowing extended measurement for small amount samples while maintaining efficient timing for ordinary samples, thus improving precision when needed without universally increasing analysis time

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

The system enables precise analysis of small sample volumes with reduced labor and variability, enhancing measurement accuracy and reproducibility by automating the preparation and analysis process.

Implementation Method 1

optical detectors for accurate blood cell component analysis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP4273555B1Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method

Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SYSMEX CORP

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AI summary

The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which is automated even when measuring a small amount sample and is capable of improving a measurement precision. The sample analyzer S comprises a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample; a detector D3 for detecting an analyte contained in the measurement sample; and a controller 100 being configured to 1) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a first measurement sample of a first dilution ratio, when measuring an ordinary amount sample; and 2) control the sample preparation section so as to prepare a second measurement sample of a second dilution ratio higher than the first dilution ratio, when measuring a small amount sample.