Scattered Light Evaluation Standard Solution for Automated Analyzers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated analyzers face challenges in using solid scatterers due to installation difficulties and large variations, while liquid scatterers like turbidity standard solutions are problematic with particle deposition and bubble generation, lacking a suitable scatterer for evaluating optical systems in immunoassays.

Innovation Solution

A standard solution using latex particles with specific grain sizes and a surfactant is employed to stabilize the scatterer, ensuring consistent scattered light measurement and reducing errors in the optical system evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solid scatterers (opal diffuser panel, crystallized glass, Teflon-based solid scatterer) are used for evaluating scattered light measurement optical system, then the scatterer can be installed at reaction solution position, but it is difficult to install using normal analysis operation and large variations occur between individual scatterers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of scattered light quantityVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of using liquid instead of solid by employing a liquid scatterer (scatterer liquid containing insoluble carriers) that can be dispensed through the normal liquid handling system of the automated analyzer. This allows the scatterer to be installed and evaluated using the existing reagent dispensing mechanism, eliminating installation difficulties while maintaining consistency through standardized liquid handling procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If liquid scatterer (turbidity standard solution) is used for evaluating scattered light measurement optical system, then it is easy to install at reaction solution position using normal analysis operation, but particles are deposited as sediment and bubbles are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidstability of scatterer distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting the specific gravity of insoluble carriers to match that of the dispersion medium, preventing sedimentation. Additionally, the particle size is optimized to 0.03-0.3 μm to prevent bubble adhesion and deposition, while the dispersion medium composition is adjusted to minimize foam generation during temperature changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable microtest tube containing the scatterer liquid, which is used once for evaluation and then discarded. This eliminates the need for repeated use and cleaning, preventing contamination and maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring long-term stability of the same scatterer solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If conventional scatterers are used, then scattered light measurement can be performed, but large variations in scattered light quantity occur between individual scatterers and analyzers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescattered light quantity measurementVSAvoidconsistency across analyzers and cells

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves measurement precision and reliability by optimizing multiple parameters: insoluble carrier particle size (0.03-0.3 μm), specific gravity matching between carrier and dispersion medium, and dispersion medium composition. These parameter optimizations ensure consistent scattered light quantities across different analyzers and cells, enabling reliable evaluation of the optical system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures homogeneity in the scatterer liquid through careful selection of materials with matched specific gravities, preventing sedimentation and ensuring uniform distribution of insoluble carriers. This homogeneity, combined with standardized preparation procedures, guarantees that the same scatterer liquid produces consistent scattered light quantities across multiple analyzers and measurement cells

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 enhances the reliability of scattered light measurement systems by minimizing errors and maintaining consistent scattered light quantities across analyzers, improving clinical site reliability and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

a light source radiates light to a standard solution containing insoluble carriers as a scatterer, and a scattered light detector detects a scattered light quantity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScattered light: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3407052B1Automatic analyzer and standard solution for evaluating scattered light measurement optical system thereof

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

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AI summary

As a standard solution for evaluating a scattered light measuring optical system mounted on an automated analyzer, a standard solution containing an insoluble carrier at a concentration, at which transmittance is in a range of 10% to 50%, is used, and a light quantity of a light source is adjusted such that a scattered light detector outputs a predetermined value.