A Novel Blood Smear Device Compact Smear Device for Biological Samples
This invention relates to an automatic device for smearing biological samples, such as blood, onto glass slides. The device ensures the sample is spread with a desired thickness and length by adjusting the angle between the glass slide and a moving blade, as well as the speed of the blade. This process allows for precise control over the smear's characteristics, enabling accurate blood viscosity measurement based on the smeared film's length.
The issue this invention addresses is the challenge of manually producing consistent and high-quality blood smears on glass slides. These smears are essential for accurate microscopic analysis and diagnosis of blood disorders. Manual preparation often leads to poor-quality smears due to variations in angle and speed, making them unsuitable for reliable diagnostic purposes.
- Automated smearing: Ensures consistent and uniform blood smears.
- Spring-loaded blade: Maintains uniform contact for consistent smears.
- Efficient cleaning: Easy blade cleaning reduces cross-contamination.
- Adjustable blade: Adapts to different blood viscosities.
- Compact design: Portable and easy to handle.
- User-friendly: Simple operation with electronic push-buttons.
- Consistent volume: Precise blood volume for uniform smears.
- Diagnostic tool: Determines blood viscosity during smearing.
- Economical and Maintainable Design: The device is easy to manufacture and maintain.
- Uniform Blood Film: It provides a uniform blood film with a large area of monolayer cells.
- Speed and Angle Optimization: The device calculates the exact relationship between the blade speed, smearing angle, and blood properties (surface tension and viscosity) to achieve the desired smear thickness.
- Blade Speed Variation: A formula is provided for the speed variation of the blade to maintain a uniform film.
- Thickness Gradient and Length: The model allows for a thickness gradient and calculates film length based on blade speed.
- Blood Viscosity Measurement: The device can determine the viscosity of the blood sample from the smear.
- Uniform Spring Force: Ensures consistent contact between the blade and glass slide.
- Automatic Blade Lift: The blade automatically lifts for easy cleaning after the smear process.
- Simultaneous Dual-Slide Smearing: The device is capable of smearing two slides simultaneously with different blade angles.
- Adjustable Blade Angle: Allows for smearing blood samples with different viscosities.
- Components: • Base with a stationary platform for holding glass slides. • Blade-holder assembly with glass blades and compressed springs for uniform contact. • Stepper motor drives a moving frame via a lead screw and guide rods.
- Features: • Cleaning station with an inverted "L" shape and curved surface for blade cleaning. • Electronic push-buttons control smearing and cleaning processes. • Microcontroller regulates stepper motor speed and movement.
- Operation: • Glass slides held in shallow slots with stoppers. • Blades smear a drop of blood to create a uniform film on glass slides.
- Design: • Compact and efficient design. • Variable motor speed ensures uniform blood film thickness. • Designed for ease of use and maintenance.
- Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy: Improves the precision and speed of blood smear preparation for more accurate disease diagnosis.
- Improving Healthcare Access: Facilitates diagnostic capabilities in remote or underserved areas, improving healthcare access.
- Increasing Laboratory Efficiency: Automates blood smearing processes, reducing errors and enhancing laboratory efficiency.
- Medical diagnostics: Facilitates blood tests and analysis for diseases.
- Clinical laboratories: Streamlines blood smear preparation in labs.
- Research institutions: Aids in hematological research and studies.
- Blood banks: Ensures quality control of blood samples.
- Veterinary medicine: Analyzes animal blood samples.
- Educational institutions: Provides a teaching tool for medical and biology students.
- Remote healthcare: Enables on-site blood analysis in remote locations.
Faculty
Prof. Mahesh Tirumkudulu
Department
Department of Chemical Engineering
Application Number
202221007507
Grant Number
446889
Date of filing
Date of grant
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Licensing Category
Faculty
Technology readiness level
5