Electrical White Blood Cell Quantification via Capacitance-Voltage Profiling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescence-based techniques for detecting and quantifying white blood cells in blood samples are cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive, making them unsuitable for point-of-care diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using electrical measurements, where a blood sample is positioned between electrodes, and a pulsating sweep voltage is applied to generate a capacitance-voltage profile, allowing for the quantification of white blood cells by measuring changes in capacitance before and after adding a chemical analyte that interacts specifically with these cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence-based sensing techniques are used to detect and quantify white blood cells, then selectivity and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity, time consumption, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex optical detection system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using fluorescence markers, optical filters, and lenses to detect white blood cells, the invention uses electrical properties (capacitance and impedance) to identify and quantify cells based on their dielectric characteristics. This substitution dramatically simplifies the device while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from optical fluorescence to electrical properties. By measuring capacitance and impedance of cells in suspension, the system identifies white blood cells based on their unique dielectric properties without requiring fluorescent markers or complex optical assemblies. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by simplifying the device while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence-based techniques with manual microscope counting are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual microscope counting with automated electrical measurements. The system uses capacitance and impedance measurements to automatically identify and quantify white blood cells in real-time, eliminating the need for manual observation and counting under a microscope. This automation maintains detection accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous automated measurement of white blood cell counts through electrical properties. Unlike manual counting which is discontinuous and labor-intensive, the electrical measurement system continuously monitors cell properties as they pass through the sensing zone, providing rapid results without manual intervention and significantly reducing time consumption.
3Measurement precision
If staining markers are attached to blood cells for detection, then selectivity is improved, but the process becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical staining process with electrical measurement. Instead of attaching fluorescent markers to cells to achieve selectivity, the system measures the inherent electrical properties (capacitance and impedance) of cells. White blood cells are identified based on their unique dielectric characteristics, eliminating the need for staining reagents and complex sample preparation while maintaining selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the intrinsic electrical properties of white blood cells for identification without requiring external markers or stains. The cells' natural dielectric characteristics serve as the detection signature, eliminating the need for additional chemicals, staining steps, and complex操作流程. This self-service approach maintains selectivity while dramatically improving ease of operation.
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 rapid, cost-effective, and accurate quantification of white blood cells without the need for traditional visual detection methods, facilitating quick and reliable diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
measuring capacitance across the sample medium
Implementation Method 2
providing a pulsating sweep voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode such that a potential gradient is formed across the sample medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A system and method for quantifying white blood cells in a blood sample is described. The system includes a sample medium for depositing the same blood. The sample medium is positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode. The system also includes an electrical analyser for supping pulsing sweeping voltage across the electrodes through the sample medium. The electrical analyser is also configured for measuring capacitance across the sample medium before and after adding a chemical analyte. The system also includes a general processor in electrical or wireless communication with the electrical analyser configured for quantifying the white blood cells in the blood sample based on the generated capacitance-voltage profile. The method is described to operate the system and to quantify the white blood cells in a blood sample.