Automated Thromboelastometry System for Point-of-Care Blood Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care blood testing systems for coagulation analysis require manual intervention and are time-consuming, often not providing immediate and reliable results, especially in critical settings like surgical theaters.
Innovation Solution
An automated thromboelastometry system comprising a reusable analyzer console and single-use cartridges that perform multiple assays on whole blood samples without manual handling, using fluid channels with dedicated valves and temperature control for precise blood processing and testing.
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 increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular functional components: a control console for automation control, disposable cartridges for sample handling, and integrated fluid delivery pathways. This segmentation allows the complex automation function to be distributed across simple, independent modules rather than requiring a single complex automated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridges are pre-configured with all necessary reagents, fluid pathways, and mixing mechanisms. Once inserted, the system automatically executes the complete testing protocol without requiring manual reagent dispensing or sample handling. The cartridge itself performs the complex fluid management functions that would otherwise require manual intervention.
2Loss of time
If multiple manual steps are performed for blood processing, then flexibility in sample handling is maintained, but the time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridges are pre-loaded with all necessary reagents and pre-configured with the complete fluid pathway sequence. The mixing chambers and delivery pathways are prepared in advance during cartridge manufacturing, eliminating the need for manual reagent preparation and sample processing steps during the actual testing procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations (pipetting, mixing, transferring samples) are replaced by an automated control system that electronically manages fluid delivery through integrated pathways. The control console coordinates automated sample handling and reagent dispensing, substituting manual mechanical actions with electronic control and automated fluid delivery mechanisms.
3Reliability
If automated testing is implemented, then productivity and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable cartridges that contain all necessary reagents and fluid pathways in a pre-configured, single-use format. This eliminates the need for complex, reusable automated fluid delivery systems, reagent storage mechanisms, and sample handling apparatus. The disposable cartridge approach replaces complex permanent automation infrastructure with simple, discardable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable cartridge serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains reagents, provides fluid pathways, enables sample handling, facilitates mixing, and supports the complete testing protocol. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate automated devices and complex integrated systems into a single universal component.
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
The system provides rapid, accurate, and reliable coagulation analysis results at the point-of-care, reducing human error and increasing efficiency by automating blood transfer, mixing, and testing processes, enabling prompt decision-making in clinical settings.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source fluidly connected to the overflow chamber... application of a negative pressure to the vacuum application port... blood flow into the cartridge to fill all the measuring chambers
Implementation Method 2
a heating element configured to heat the cartridge to a target temperature... the heating element is activated to heat the cartridge to the target temperature
Implementation Method 3
a pin configured to interact with a blood sample in the cup... measuring sub-system... viscoelastic characteristics of the blood sample
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.