Urine Analysis Workflow Using Pre-Screened Sample Volume Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing urinalysis systems face inefficiencies in processing large volumes of samples due to the need to change measurement conditions based on qualitative analysis results, particularly in combined urinary qualitative and urine sediment tests, leading to challenges in providing reliable and efficient analytical results.

Innovation Solution

A sample analysis system comprising multiple analyzers with different measurement methods, where a first analyzer uses a test strip to determine analyte levels and a management device adjusts the sample amount for a second analyzer, allowing for efficient and reliable analysis by optimizing sample processing based on initial measurement results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If measurement conditions of the urine sediment section are changed between two alternative conditions according to whether an analysis result of the qualitative analysis section is positive or negative, then the analysis can be adapted to different sample conditions, but it becomes difficult to efficiently measure urine sediments due to the conditional branching and additional processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different sample conditionsVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary qualitative analysis using a test strip before conducting the main urine sediment analysis. Based on the preliminary results, the system pre-determines the appropriate measurement conditions for the second analyzer, allowing efficient processing without conditional branching during the main analysis phase. This preliminary action enables the system to prepare and execute the most appropriate measurement protocol in advance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement conditions by integrating results from the first analyzer to determine sample amount for the second analyzer. The management device dynamically selects between different measurement protocols (e.g., different sample amounts or measurement parameters) based on the qualitative analysis results, enabling adaptive processing while maintaining efficient throughput through automated condition selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a fixed sample amount is used for all samples in the second analyzer, then the measurement process is simplified and faster, but reliable analytical results cannot be ensured for samples with different analyte concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidanalytical result reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary qualitative analysis to assess analyte concentration levels before the main measurement. Based on these preliminary results, the system pre-determines the appropriate sample amount to use in the second analyzer, ensuring that samples with different concentration levels receive optimized measurement conditions while maintaining efficient processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the sample amount parameter for the second analyzer based on the measurement levels detected by the first analyzer. For samples showing higher analyte concentrations (positive results), a different sample amount is selected compared to samples with normal levels, thereby optimizing measurement reliability while maintaining overall processing efficiency through automated parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables efficient and reliable analytical results by optimizing sample processing across different analyzers, reducing reagent and time consumption while ensuring accurate and comprehensive urine analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a test strip that changes its color according to an amount of an analyte in the urine sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor change: Photochromism

Data Source

PatentEP4597102B1Urine sample analysis system and sample analysis method thereof
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP4597102B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597102B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597102B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a sample analysis method and a sample analysis system that can efficiently provide reliable assay results using a plurality of analyzer with different measurement methods. The sample analysis method for analyzing a sample using a plurality of analyzer (urine qualitative analyzer 10, urine particle analyzer 20 and imaging analyzer 30) the measuring method differs from each other includes a step of measuring a sample by the first analyzer, based on the first measurement result that varies according to the amount of analyte in the sample, and a step of determining the measurement conditions by the second analyzer.