Sensor Strip Hematocrit Estimation via Electrochemical Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical measurement methods for analyte concentration in blood are influenced by hematocrit levels, leading to inaccurate results due to interference from red blood cells, which complicates data processing and increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensor strip with a reference electrode and a working electrode, where a voltage is applied to record reaction currents related only to hematocrit, allowing for its estimation using a current-hematocrit function, followed by a second voltage to estimate analyte concentration, correcting for hematocrit interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mesh layer is used to remove red blood cells from the sample, then hematocrit interference is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful red blood cells from the sample through electrochemical separation using electric fields, eliminating the need for physical mesh layers while achieving hematocrit compensation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical filtration (mesh layer) with electrochemical separation using electric fields and redox reactions, simplifying the sensor strip structure while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If hematocrit correction functions are constructed using measured resistance or current, then measurement accuracy improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct phases: first measuring hematocrit using a non-analyte reactive electrode, then measuring analyte concentration using the working electrode, allowing independent processing of each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary hematocrit measurement and correction factor calculation before the main analyte measurement, enabling simplified data processing during the actual concentration measurement phase
3Measurement precision
If two voltages are applied sequentially to measure electrochemical signals, then hematocrit correction is achieved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs hematocrit measurement using a reference electrode that is non-reactive to the analyte before the main measurement, allowing parallel processing of hematocrit correction and analyte measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the same electrochemical cell and sample for both hematocrit measurement and analyte measurement, eliminating the need for separate measurement chambers and reducing overall test time
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 provides high precision in estimating hematocrit and analyte concentration, reducing errors and simplifying data processing compared to existing methods, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
applying a voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode, such that an electrical potential at the reference electrode is higher than that at the working electrode
Implementation Method 2
the working layer including a mediator for enhancement of electron transfer, and a biorecognition element reactive to the analyte
Implementation Method 3
a biorecognition element reactive to the analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A method for estimation of hematocrit of a sample having an analyte includes: bringing the sample into contact with a sensor strip including a reference electrode coated with a reference layer nonreactive to the analyte, and a working electrode coated with a working layer including a biorecognition element reactive to the analyte; applying a voltage between the reference and working electrodes, and recording information of a reaction current flowing through the sample within a time period of not greater than 5 seconds from beginning of application of the voltage; and estimating the hematocrit of the sample by analyzing the recorded information using a predetermined current-hematocrit function.