Specimen Interferent Detection via Multi-Spectral HDR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting interferents like hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia in specimens are subjective, labor-intensive, and prone to human error, especially when barcode labels obstruct the view, necessitating an automated and efficient solution that can quickly determine the presence and extent of these interferents without delaying analytical test results.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using high dynamic range (HDR) image processing and multiple digital cameras to capture images from various viewpoints and spectra, identifying the presence of interferents by analyzing pixel data and classifying images with support vector machines or random decision trees, allowing for pre-screening and potential remediation of specimens before analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection by a skilled laboratory technician is used to determine the presence of interferents, then the inspection can be performed with human judgment, but the process becomes subjective, labor-intensive, and prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual inspection process with an automated optical imaging system using digital cameras to capture images of the serum or plasma portion, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the specimen for analysis, allowing automated processing and classification of interferents without requiring direct human visual inspection, thus improving both automation and reliability
2Loss of information
If barcode labels are placed on specimen containers for identification, then specimen tracking is improved, but the labels partially occlude the view of the specimen, making automated inspection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple views, capturing images from different angles and positions to obtain an unobstructed view of the serum or plasma portion despite the presence of barcode labels on the specimen container
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension by capturing multiple images at different times or angles, allowing the system to piece together a complete view of the specimen that overcomes the occlusion caused by static barcode labels
3Ease of manufacture
If manual visual inspection is used to assess interferents, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process is very subjective, labor intensive, and fraught with the possibility of human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with objective automated image analysis using digital cameras and classification algorithms, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-assessment of interferents through automated image capture and classification, eliminating the need for human technicians to perform subjective visual inspections while maintaining high accuracy
4Productivity
If rapid automated detection of interferents is implemented, then the efficiency of testing is improved, but the complexity of the detection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a universal digital camera-based imaging system that can detect multiple types of interferents (hemolysis, icterus, lipemia) simultaneously, improving productivity without proportionally increasing system complexity compared to multiple specialized detection devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital image copying and processing to enable rapid automated analysis of specimens, achieving high productivity through software-based classification rather than complex hardware analysis systems
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 enables rapid, accurate detection of interferents, minimizing the risk of erroneous test results and reducing the need for retesting by flagging specimens for remediation or redraw, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of clinical chemistry testing.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a plurality of images with a plurality of digital cameras at a plurality of different viewpoints and/or spectra and/or high dynamic range (HDR) images
Data Source
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Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A model-based method of inspecting a specimen for presence of an interferent (H, I, and/or L). The method includes capturing images of the specimen at multiple different exposures times and at multiple spectra having different nominal wavelengths, selection of optimally-exposed pixels from the captured images to generate optimally-exposed image data for each spectra, identifying a serum or plasma portion of the specimen, and classifying whether an interferent is present or absent within the serum or plasma portion. Testing apparatus and quality check modules adapted to carry out the method are described, as are other aspects.