Sample Preparation Instrument With Integrated WBC Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation methods for flow cytometry are inefficient and prone to errors due to the need for manual adjustment of specimen volume based on white blood cell concentration, which can be time-consuming and costly when using separate hematology analyzers or microscopy techniques.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation instrument with integrated cell concentration estimation, automatically determining the specimen volume based on white blood cell concentration and adding reagents like labeling and lytic reagents to prepare the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of specimen volume based on white blood cell concentration is performed using separate hematology analyzers or microscopy techniques, then accurate sample preparation can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hematology analysis function and flow cytometry sample preparation function into a single integrated instrument. The hematology analyzer module measures white blood cell concentration, and this information is automatically used by the sample preparation module to determine the appropriate specimen volume, eliminating the need for separate manual measurement steps and reducing overall preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs preliminary measurement of white blood cell concentration before sample preparation begins. This preliminary action provides the necessary information to automatically calculate and adjust the specimen volume, allowing the sample preparation process to proceed immediately without manual intervention or waiting for separate lab tests.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of specimen volume is performed, then accurate sample preparation can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (hematology analysis, concentration measurement, volume calculation, and sample dispensing) into a single automated system. This merging reduces process complexity by eliminating manual transfer of information between separate instruments and reduces human error through automated calculation and dispensing based on real-time measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument uses real-time feedback from the hematology analyzer's white blood cell concentration measurement to automatically adjust the specimen volume. The system continuously monitors the measured concentration and uses this feedback to calculate the precise volume needed, ensuring accurate sample preparation without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed volume of labeling reagent is used for staining, then the staining process is simple, but it is ineffective when white blood cell concentration is abnormally high or low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of specimen volume based on measured white blood cell concentration. Instead of using a fixed volume, the system automatically calculates and dispenses the appropriate specimen volume to ensure that the ratio of labeling reagent to white blood cells remains optimal, maintaining staining effectiveness across varying cell concentrations while keeping the operator interface simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample preparation instrument with an integrated device for estimating a concentration of white blood cells in a specimen is described. The sample preparation instrument receives a specimen for which a sample is to be prepared for analysis. The integrated device can implement an optical method, an electrical resistance method, or a flow cytometry method, for example, to estimate the white blood cell concentration in the specimen. For some types of analysis, a sample volume of the specimen is dependent on the white blood cell concentration. Therefore, the sample preparation instrument can automatically determine and adjust the sample volume of the specimen based on the estimated white blood cell concentration prior to adding additional reagents, such as labeling reagents and/or lytic reagents, to prepare the sample.