Urine Sample Analyzer Sperm Detection via Dual Staining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urine sample analysis methods often incorrectly identify bacterial aggregates as sperm, leading to inaccurate sperm detection in abnormal samples.
Innovation Solution
A urine sample analyzer that uses dual staining solutions and optical detection to differentiate between nucleated and non-nucleated components, employing specific fluorescent dyes to accurately identify sperm by analyzing signal waveforms and parameters such as peak values, widths, and time gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional urine sample analysis methods are used, then analysis can be performed, but bacterial aggregates are erroneously identified as sperm leading to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two independent staining steps: first staining with a membrane stain (e.g., propidium iodide) to label all cells, then staining with a nucleic acid stain (e.g., DAPI) to specifically label nucleated cells. This segmentation allows differentiation between sperm (nucleated) and red blood cells or bacterial aggregates (non-nucleated), resolving the false positive issue while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dual staining solutions as intermediaries that selectively bind to different cellular components. The membrane stain serves as an intermediary to mark all particles, while the nucleic acid stain acts as a second intermediary to specifically highlight sperm. This intermediary approach enables accurate discrimination between sperm and other particles that would otherwise be misidentified.
2Measurement precision
If dual staining solutions are used, then sperm can be accurately differentiated from other particles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal flow cytometry platform that can accommodate multiple staining protocols. The same flow cell, light sources, and detectors used for single-staining applications are leveraged for dual-staining analysis, requiring only software configuration changes. This multi-functionality approach enables accurate particle differentiation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the staining process by varying dye concentrations, incubation times, and excitation wavelengths to optimize the dual-staining protocol. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high differentiation accuracy using standard flow cytometry equipment, minimizing the need for additional complex components.
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 method effectively determines the presence of sperm in urine samples with high accuracy, reducing false positives and improving specificity, as demonstrated by comparison with visual observation results.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating them, it is possible, based on the recorded fluorescence signal, to distinguish between particles having or not having nucleic acids
Implementation Method 2
two dimensional maps of scattered light intensity and fluorescent light intensity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Provided are a urine sample analyzer and a urine sample analyzing method, which are capable of accurately determining the presence of sperms in urine sample analysis. A measurement specimen containing a urine sample is let flow through flow cell 41, and light is applied to the measurement specimen flowing through flow cell 41. Then, a signal corresponding to light received from particles contained in the urine sample is acquired. Thereafter, determination about the presence of sperms in the urine sample is performed based on parameters reflecting the waveform of the acquired signal. Thus, the presence of sperms can be accurately determined.