An Improved Blood Smear Device
An improved device for preparing blood smears includes a base and a table that holds a microscope slide. A motor attached to the base moves a spreader assembly, which spreads the blood sample on the slide. The assembly moves back and forth using rods and a screw mechanism driven by the motor. The spreader pivots to apply the sample evenly on the slide. After use, it cleans itself automatically.
This technology addresses the need for a cost-effective, precise, and automated blood smear device that ensures consistent and uniform preparation of blood samples on microscope slides, suitable for resource-limited settings. It aims to simplify the smearing process, improve accuracy, and facilitate easy cleaning post-use.
- Automation and Precision: Automates blood smear preparation for consistent and precise results essential for accurate blood cell analysis.
- Effortless Cleaning: Includes a cleaning station with sloping surfaces for easy and thorough cleaning of the smear blade after each use.
- Adjustable Speed Control: Allows motor speed adjustment to accommodate varying blood viscosities and slide conditions.
- Cost-effective Design: Uses 3D-printed parts and simple mechanical components for affordability and suitability in resource-limited settings.
- User-Friendly Operation: Features a thumb wheel for user-selected smear speeds, ensuring ease of use and adaptability in laboratories.
- Reliable Performance: Incorporates an optical sensor for consistent return to the starting position, ensuring reliability and reproducibility.
- Modular and Maintenance-Friendly: Designed with easy-to-assemble modular components, facilitating maintenance and reducing operational downtime.
- Enhanced Diagnostic Accuracy: Enables detailed examination of blood samples, aiding in the identification of blood disorders and parasites with high diagnostic accuracy.
- Base and Carrying Table: The device has a sturdy base and a table that holds a microscope slide securely.
- Stepper Motor and Spreader Assembly: It includes a precise stepper motor mounted on the base. The spreader assembly, which spreads the blood sample on the slide, is connected to the motor. This assembly includes a spreader adapter and torsion springs for controlled movement.
- Guiding Walls and Cleaning Station: At one end of the table opposite the slide, there are guiding walls with sloping surfaces that act as a cleaning station. The spreader assembly can move into this station and is forced to rotate upwards, facilitating cleaning.
- Mechanical Drive System: The spreader assembly is driven by the stepper motor through a guide block, guiding rods, and a lead screw mechanism. This setup enables precise back-and-forth movement of the spreader assembly for consistent sample preparation on the slide.
- Pivoting Mechanism: The device features a pivoting mechanism around a hinge lever, allowing the spreader edge to contact the microscope slide effectively during blood smear preparation.
- Control Unit: It includes a control unit that manages the stepper motor, controlling the speed and movement of the spreader assembly.
Base: Supports the entire device structure. Carrying Table: Holds the microscope slide in position. Stepper Motor: Mounted on the base, drives the spreader assembly. Spreader Assembly: Includes a spreader adapter, hinge lever, and torsion springs for precise movement and pressure control. Cleaning Station: Features guiding walls with sloping surfaces for easy blade cleaning. Guide Block and Lead Screw Mechanism: Enables horizontal movement of the spreader assembly. Control Unit: Manages motor speed and movement. Optical Sensor: Ensures consistent starting position of the blade. Power Supply: Connected via a DC jack on the top cover. User Interface: Includes a thumb wheel switch for speed selection.
Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy: Improves the precision and speed of blood smear preparation for more accurate disease diagnosis.
- Medical Laboratories: Used for automated preparation of blood smears on microscope slides for diagnostic purposes.
- Healthcare Facilities: Facilitates efficient analysis of blood cells, aiding in disease diagnosis. Research Institutions: Supports biological research by providing consistent and reproducible blood smears.
- Educational Institutions: Used in teaching laboratories to demonstrate blood cell morphology and pathology.
- Veterinary Clinics: Adapted for examining blood samples from animals.