Vented Blood Assay Channels for Uniform Monolayer Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated counting of whole blood components is hindered by the non-uniformity of whole blood samples due to air bubble entrapment and cell stacking, affecting the accuracy of image-based blood cell counting.
Innovation Solution
An assay device with flow channels and vents that facilitate the formation of a monolayer of blood components, controlling the depth and flow to minimize bubble entrapment and enhance imaging accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If whole blood sample is used for automated counting, then comprehensive blood component analysis is achieved, but sample uniformity deteriorates due to air bubble entrapment and cell stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel is divided into multiple segments including a loading zone, flow zone, and imaging zone. This segmentation allows different functions in different regions: the loading zone accepts the blood sample, the flow zone distributes it uniformly, and the imaging zone maintains the monolayer for accurate imaging, thus preserving sample uniformity while enabling comprehensive blood component analysis
Solution Approach 2:
A cover is introduced as an intermediary element that overlays the flow channel. This cover works in conjunction with the flow channel walls to control the depth of the blood sample, ensuring that cells are distributed as a monolayer. The cover acts as a mediator between the liquid sample and the imaging system, maintaining uniformity while enabling comprehensive analysis
2Extent of automation
If image-based counting method is used, then automated blood cell counting is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to non-uniform sample distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The flow channel design performs preliminary actions on the blood sample before imaging: it distributes the sample uniformly across the channel width and controls the depth to form a monolayer. This preliminary uniform distribution ensures that when automated imaging occurs, the cells are properly arranged for accurate counting, thus maintaining both automation and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel and cover create a controlled environment where the blood sample is distributed uniformly across the imaging area. By ensuring equipotential distribution of cells in the monolayer, the system enables accurate automated imaging and counting without the precision degradation caused by non-uniform sample distribution
3Stability of the object's composition
If flow channels are used to distribute analytes, then monolayer formation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The cover acts as a thin film element that, when combined with the flow channel, precisely controls the depth of the blood sample to ensure monolayer formation. This thin film approach achieves the desired monolayer uniformity without requiring complex three-dimensional structures, thus balancing monolayer formation with moderate device complexity
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 device enables precise imaging and counting of blood cells by ensuring a uniform monolayer, improving the reliability of blood component analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more flow channels are configured to receive a liquid sample from the inlet and allow flow of the liquid sample within the one more channels whereby analytes of the liquid sample are distributed within the one or more channels as a monolayer
Implementation Method 2
one or more vents fluidly coupled to the one or more channels which are operable to facilitate flow of a liquid sample, such as whole blood through the one or more channels
Implementation Method 3
The one or more channels and the cover in combination are configured to control a depth of the monolayer
Data Source
AI summary
An assay device as well as a method of use thereof is described. The assay device includes a planar substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. The assay device further includes one or more flow channels disposed within the planar substrate and extending along a dimension of the planar substrate between the top surface and the bottom surface. The assay device further includes an inlet fluidly coupled to the one or more flow channels and one or more vents fluidly coupled to the one or more channels which are operable to facilitate flow of a liquid sample, such as whole blood through the one or more channels. The one or more flow channels are configured to receive a liquid sample from the inlet and allow flow of the liquid sample.