White Blood Cell Classification via Impedance and Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood cell analyzers based on the impedance method can only achieve three- or four-classification of white blood cells, with limited accuracy in distinguishing between eosinophils and granulocytes, hindering precise diagnosis in both human and animal healthcare.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for classifying white blood cells using an impedance method that involves adding a diluent and a hemolytic agent to a counting chamber, controlling the temperature within a preset range, and using a resistive detector to differentiate cell types, allowing for accurate four- or five-classification by enhancing the volume differences between cell types under the action of the hemolytic agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If impedance method is used for white blood cell classification, then cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but classification accuracy deteriorates (only three- or four-classification is achieved)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the hemolytic agent and adjusting the reaction time to optimize cell lysis. By maintaining the hemolytic agent at a specific temperature range (e.g., 37°C) and controlling the reaction time (e.g., 5-30 seconds), the system achieves enhanced volume differentiation between cell types, enabling accurate four- or five-classification while using the simpler impedance method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the hemolytic agent to the required temperature before use and pre-establishing the optimal reaction conditions. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the hemolytic agent is added to the blood sample, the cell lysis occurs under controlled conditions that maximize volume differentiation, thereby improving classification accuracy before the actual measurement takes place
2Measurement precision
If hemolytic agent is added to enhance volume difference between cell types, then classification accuracy is improved, but red blood cell fragments increase which affects measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adding the hemolytic agent in controlled, limited amounts rather than excessive quantities. By optimizing the concentration and amount of hemolytic agent added, the system achieves sufficient cell lysis to enhance volume differentiation while minimizing the generation of red blood cell fragments that would interfere with the impedance measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the reaction time of the hemolytic agent in specific intervals (e.g., 5-30 seconds). This controlled reaction duration allows the hemolytic agent to effectively lyse red blood cells and enhance cell volume differentiation while stopping the reaction before excessive fragment generation occurs, thereby balancing classification accuracy with measurement precision
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 more accurate classification and counting of white blood cells, improving diagnostic precision by enhancing the distinguishability of cell types, thereby supporting better clinical decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
a blood sample is firstly treated with a hemolytic agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample
Implementation Method 2
a constant-current source is applied across the detection orifice. When a cell passes through the detection orifice, a corresponding pulse will be generated. The larger the cell volume is, the greater the resistance increases when the cell passes through the detection orifice
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a cell analyzer and a method for classifying white blood cells based on an impedance method. The method includes: adding a sample to be analyzed to a white blood cell counting chamber; adding a hemolytic agent to the white blood cell counting chamber at least once; controlling the temperature of the liquid in the white blood cell counting pool to be within a predetermined range; and analyzing the liquid in the white blood cell counting chamber to classify white blood cells into at least four classifications and counting.