Smartphone BioMEMS Analyzer for Point-of-Injury Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coagulation diagnostic tools, such as PT, PTT, TEG, and ROTEM, require large equipment and trained personnel, preventing their use at the point of injury (POI) for traumatic bleeding, and lack sensitivity in predicting coagulation abnormalities.
Innovation Solution
A portable BioMEMS-based medical analyzer using a rotating cartridge in contact with blood, analyzed by a smartphone camera, to provide coagulation profiles through angular motion changes, actuated by magnetic, mechanical, or electrostatic means, with real-time sensitivity adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard coagulation tests (PT, PTT, TEG, ROTEM) are used, then coagulation profiling accuracy is improved, but equipment size and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coagulation testing systems (TEG, ROTEM) with a magnetic field-based BioMEMS device. A magnetic actuator induces rotational motion in a micro-scale rotor containing the blood sample, and coagulation is detected by monitoring changes in rotational characteristics. This substitution of mechanical systems with magnetic field-based micro-devices achieves accurate coagulation profiling while dramatically reducing equipment size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the coagulation testing function into a portable handheld device integrated with a smartphone. The BioMEMS chip contains the magnetic actuator and sample chamber, while the smartphone provides image processing and analysis algorithms. This segmentation allows complex coagulation analysis to be distributed across specialized components, reducing the complexity of any single device while maintaining overall system accuracy.
2Reliability
If large benchtop equipment is used, then coagulation test reliability is improved, but portability and accessibility at point of injury deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from benchtop-scale three-dimensional equipment to a micro-scale two-dimensional BioMEMS chip that can be integrated into a handheld device. The magnetic actuator and sample chamber are planar structures on a chip, enabling the device to be held in one hand while maintaining reliable coagulation testing capabilities through precise magnetic field control and optical detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a smartphone as an intermediary between the BioMEMS chip and the user. The chip performs the actual coagulation measurement, while the smartphone provides image capture, processing algorithms, and user interface. This intermediary allows the complex analysis functions to be performed on a portable device while maintaining the reliability of benchtop systems through sophisticated software-based measurement and analysis.
3Measurement precision
If plasma separation is performed, then coagulation test specificity is improved, but processing time and operational steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential coagulation measurement function from the complex plasma separation process. The BioMEMS device uses a magnetic actuator to induce rotation in a rotor containing whole blood, and coagulation is detected by monitoring rotational changes. This extraction of the core measurement function eliminates the need for time-consuming plasma separation steps while maintaining coagulation test specificity through direct measurement of clot formation dynamics.
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
Enables rapid, portable coagulation profiling at the POI, simplifying testing from injury to the emergency room, suitable for use by first responders, and providing comprehensive coagulation profiles comparable to benchtop systems.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating motion of the BioMEMS device is induced externally using a magnetic field. The magnetic actuation is provided by a motor, servo or similar device that turns a magnet.
Implementation Method 2
The change in motion is analyzed through a video camera (such as a smartphone, e.g., IPHONE camera) and then is plotted to show an amplitude over time.
Implementation Method 3
the blood coagulates in the sample. This rotation changes over time as the blood coagulates in the sample.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical analyzer and coagulation profiler performs various interrogations on specimens. A motor with reduction gearing moves and a video camera observes the samples, the cartridges or parts thereof. Changes in images are compared and recorded with a central processor that controls a display. Power supply, temperature controller, motor and gearing are mounted in a box which attaches to a smartphone. The smartphone provides the video camera, illumination and central processor that control the movement, temperature and display. The device makes testing simpler for small hospitals, clinics, ambulances, remote locations and individuals and controls a number of parallel or serial devices operating simultaneously or sequentially. A cartridge insertion actuates a circular motion to generate a blood profile based on changes. Change is analyzed with a video camera and processor such as in a smartphone and is plotted to show an amplitude and time. A smartphone provides a specific movement pattern.