Automated Thromboelastometry Cartridge for Point-of-Care Blood Coagulation Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care blood testing systems for coagulation analysis require manual intervention and additional preparation steps, which are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in urgent settings like surgical theaters, and do not provide immediate and reliable viscoelastic measurements of blood clot firmness and stability.
Innovation Solution
An automated thromboelastometry system comprising a reusable analyzer console and single-use cartridges that perform multiple assays on a blood sample without manual handling, using fluid channels with dedicated valves and vents for precise blood flow control, temperature regulation, and integrated reagent mixing and testing chambers to provide detailed coagulation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used for reagent dispensing and sample handling, then operational flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge performs self-service by containing all necessary reagents and components in pre-measured quantities, automatically dispensing them through integrated fluid delivery channels without requiring external manual intervention for each reagent addition step
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions including reagent storage, reagent dispensing, sample mixing, and testing are merged into a single integrated cartridge assembly that works with the analyzer console, eliminating the need for separate manual operations for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tests are performed manually, then comprehensive coagulation analysis is achieved, but additional preparation steps and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed to perform multiple coagulation assays simultaneously using a single integrated platform, with different fluid channels and testing chambers capable of conducting various coagulation parameter measurements from one blood sample
Solution Approach 2:
Reagents are pre-mixed and pre-positioned in the cartridge at the correct concentrations and volumes before use, eliminating the need for manual preparation and mixing steps during the testing process
3Measurement precision
If liquid reagents are injected manually, then reagent flexibility is maintained, but precision and consistency of dosing decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical pipetting and reagent injection operations are replaced with an automated fluid delivery system using controlled fluid channels, valves, and pumps integrated in the cartridge that precisely meter reagents without manual intervention
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of a blood coagulation testing system include an analyzer console device and a single-use cartridge component configured to releasably install into the console device. In some embodiments, the blood coagulation testing system can operate as an automated thromboelastometry system that is particularly useful, for example, at a point-of-care site.