Urine Analyzer Polarization Scattering Epithelial Cell Classification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current urine sample analysis methods using flow cytometers are limited in their ability to finely classify epithelial cells, particularly in identifying the origin of disease and inflammation, as they rely on forward and side scattered light without effectively utilizing polarization changes to differentiate between types like ovoid fat bodies, squamous, and renal tubular epithelial cells.
Innovation Solution
A urine sample analyzing method that uses linearly polarized light to irradiate epithelial cells, detecting scattered light with a polarization direction different from the irradiating light, and classifying cells based on the amount of scattered light and size, allowing for precise identification of squamous, renal tubular, and ovoid fat bodies through a polarization scrambling mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow cytometry using forward and side scattered light is used, then basic classification of epithelial cells can be achieved, but fine classification into specific types (ovoid fat bodies, renal tubular, squamous) cannot be accomplished
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new measurement parameter - polarization state of scattered light - to the existing flow cytometry system. By detecting changes in polarization direction caused by different epithelial cell types, the system achieves fine classification into ovoid fat bodies, renal tubular epithelial cells, and squamous epithelial cells, resolving the limitation of conventional methods that could only perform basic classification.
2Measurement precision
If polarization scrambling detection is added to differentiate cell types, then fine classification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses polarization state as an intermediary property to differentiate cell types without requiring complex structural modifications. By introducing polarization filters and detectors that measure the polarization direction of scattered light, the system extracts classification information from the optical properties of cells, achieving fine classification while keeping the added complexity manageable.
3Loss of information
If multiple classification parameters are used to identify disease origin, then diagnostic information completeness is improved, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds the polarization dimension to the existing flow cytometry parameter space (forward scattered light, side scattered light, fluorescent light). This additional dimension enables simultaneous measurement of multiple cell characteristics without requiring sequential analysis, as all parameters are measured concurrently as cells pass through the flow cell, thus maintaining rapid analysis while improving diagnostic completeness.
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 finer classification of epithelial cells, providing valuable information for determining the site of disease or inflammation by accurately counting and displaying the presence of renal tubular epithelial cells and ovoid fat bodies, improving diagnostic precision in urine samples.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating epithelial cells in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell with linearly polarized light and thereby producing scattered light; detecting a part of the scattered light having a polarization direction that differs from that of the irradiating light, a change of polarization direction of the scattered light being produced by a polarization scrambling triggered by each of the epithelial cells
Implementation Method 2
transmitting the part of the scattered light which having a polarization direction different from that of the irradiating light to a detector via a polarization filter; and blocking at least another part of the scattered light having a polarization direction same with that of the irradiating light via the polarization filter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a urine sample analyzing method comprising: flowing a measurement specimen prepared by mixing a urine sample and reagent through a flow cell; irradiating epithelial cells in the measurement specimen flowing through the flow cell with linearly polarized light and thereby producing scattered light; detecting a change of polarization condition of the scattered light produced by each of the epithelial cells; and classifying the epithelial cells into at least two types based on the change of polarization condition.