Automated Specimen Imaging for Interferent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the integrity of serum or plasma specimens in clinical analyzers are labor-intensive and prone to human error due to subjective visual inspection, which can lead to inaccurate analyte measurements and delays in patient sample analysis, especially when interferents like hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia are present.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that move sample containers along a track while rotating them, capturing multiple images to determine specimen characteristics such as interferents and physical properties without stopping the container, allowing for rapid pre-inspection and correction before analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection by laboratory technician is used to determine specimen integrity, then human judgment can identify interferents, but the process is labor-intensive and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection process with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the specimen container, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the specimen appearance to detect interferents such as hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus. This substitution eliminates human labor requirements and reduces subjective judgment errors while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the specimen to be automatically characterized without human intervention. The imaging system and image processing algorithms work autonomously to assess specimen integrity, freeing laboratory technicians from manual inspection tasks while providing consistent, objective results.
2Reliability
If specimen inspection is performed manually, then interferents can be identified, but delays occur in patient sample analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated inspection that operates without interruption throughout the sample processing workflow. The imaging system continuously captures and analyzes specimen images as samples move through the laboratory automation system, eliminating the discontinuous nature of manual inspection and maintaining constant monitoring of specimen integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary specimen characterization and interferent detection before clinical analysis begins. By automatically assessing specimen integrity upfront, the system identifies problematic samples early in the workflow, allowing for timely corrective actions such as sample rejection or reprocessing, thereby preventing delays during subsequent analytical processing.
3Loss of information
If multiple images are captured during translation and rotation, then comprehensive specimen characterization is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional imaging system that performs multiple tasks using a single integrated apparatus. The same camera and image processing system that captures images during translation and rotation also reads barcodes, characterizes specimen appearance, and detects interferents. This universal approach consolidates multiple functions into one system, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the imaging process to the motion state of the specimen container. Images are captured during the natural translation and rotation of containers through the system, utilizing the existing motion rather than requiring additional mechanical complexity to position samples. The image processing algorithms account for the dynamic conditions to extract accurate specimen information.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~2A
Figure 2B~3A
AI summary
Methods of identifying a characteristic of a clinical analysis specimen or a sample container containing the specimen are disclosed. The methods include moving the sample container along a track while causing translation and rotation of the sample container, and capturing two or more images of the sample container during the translation and rotation. The track may have one or more moveable belts contacting a carrier to rotate and translate the carrier holding the sample container. Image analysis may be used to read a barcode label of the sample container, determine HIL, and/or physical characteristics of the sample container. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.