Specimen Analyzer Quality Control Scheduling by Measurement Frequency

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing specimen analyzers lack flexibility in setting the frequency of quality control measurements, which cannot be adjusted according to the execution frequency of specimen measurements and reagent information, leading to unnecessary quality control measurements and reagent waste.

Innovation Solution

A specimen analyzer that allows for multiple quality control settings, including measurements at predetermined times, after a certain number of specimen measurements, or at regular intervals, enabling flexible scheduling based on specimen analysis frequency and reagent stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If quality control measurement is performed at fixed time intervals only, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but quality control frequency cannot be adjusted according to specimen measurement frequency and reagent stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality control frequency adjustmentVSAvoidquality control setting system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic quality control scheduling by allowing users to select from multiple quality control types (time-based, specimen count-based, or reagent container-based) and set flexible intervals. The system adapts the quality control frequency based on actual specimen measurement frequency and reagent stability characteristics, transitioning from fixed static scheduling to dynamic adjustable scheduling that optimizes both measurement adequacy and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If quality control measurement is performed frequently, then reagent stability is ensured, but unnecessary measurements increase reagent consumption and operational burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent stabilityVSAvoidreagent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent allows dynamic adjustment of quality control parameters including measurement timing (time-based, specimen-count-based, or container-based), intervals, and frequency. By changing these parameters according to actual specimen measurement frequency and reagent stability characteristics, the system performs quality control measurements at optimal intervals rather than fixed frequent intervals, ensuring reagent stability while minimizing unnecessary measurements and reagent consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If quality control measurement is performed at fixed intervals, then operational simplicity is maintained, but quality control cannot be optimized based on actual specimen analysis frequency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen analysis efficiencyVSAvoidquality control configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic quality control scheduling by allowing users to select from multiple quality control types (time-based, specimen count-based, or reagent container-based) and set flexible intervals. The system adapts the quality control frequency based on actual specimen measurement frequency and reagent stability characteristics, transitioning from fixed static scheduling to dynamic adjustable scheduling that optimizes both measurement adequacy and resource efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows dynamic adjustment of quality control parameters including measurement timing (time-based, specimen-count-based, or container-based), intervals, and frequency. By changing these parameters according to actual specimen measurement frequency and reagent stability characteristics, the system performs quality control measurements at optimal intervals rather than fixed frequent intervals, ensuring reagent stability while minimizing unnecessary measurements and reagent consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3660516B1Specimen analyzer and specimen analysis method

Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SYSMEX CORP

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Disclosed is a specimen analyzer configured to perform analysis on a specimen for a plurality of measurement items, the specimen analyzer including: a measurement section configured to perform a specimen measurement for measuring a measurement sample prepared from a specimen and a reagent corresponding to a measurement item, and configured to perform a quality control measurement for measuring a measurement sample prepared from a quality control substance and a reagent corresponding to a measurement item; and a controller programmed to set a quality control for each measurement item, from a quality control group that includes at least two types of quality controls selected from a first quality control in which the quality control measurement is performed at a predetermined time, a second quality control in which the quality control measurement is performed every time the specimen measurement is performed a predetermined number of times of measurement, and a third quality control in which the quality control measurement is performed every predetermined time interval, the controller being programmed to control the measurement section in accordance with the set quality control.