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Optimizing Hematology Analysis: When Physical Prototypes Fail, Simulation Provides the Answers
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Digital Twin / Simulation
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Healthcare & Hospitals
- Life Sciences
Applicable Functions
- Product Research & Development
- Quality Assurance
Use Cases
- Digital Twin
- Predictive Maintenance
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
The Challenge
Laboratory tests, such as hematology analysis, influence up to 70 percent of critical decisions including hospital admittance, discharge, and treatment. The accuracy of these tests is crucial for patient outcomes. HORIBA Medical, a global supplier of medical diagnostic equipment, faced challenges in optimizing their hematology analysis equipment using physical prototypes alone. The complexity of the physical processes involved, such as high fluid velocity, pressure drop, heat transfer, and intense electric fields, made it difficult to achieve accurate measurements. Additionally, factors like particle trajectory and orientation through the micro-aperture system further complicated the accuracy of the impedance measurement system.
About The Customer
HORIBA Medical is a worldwide supplier of medical diagnostic equipment, specializing in hematology and clinical chemistry. The company places a strong emphasis on research and development, investing 10 percent of its revenues into these activities. HORIBA Medical's products are used in critical laboratory tests that influence up to 70 percent of important medical decisions, such as hospital admittance, discharge, and treatment. The company aims to design systems capable of performing complex tests while making the results easier to interpret. Numerical simulation plays a crucial role in their R&D process, helping to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of their diagnostic tests.
The Solution
HORIBA Medical turned to COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation software to optimize their hematology analysis equipment. The simulation allowed them to import CAD models directly into the software, enabling detailed analysis and optimization of the micro-aperture-electrode system used for impedance measurement. By simulating the complex physical processes within the device, such as fluid flow, electric fields, and heat transfer, they were able to develop a better understanding of how these factors interact. One key improvement was the implementation of hydrodynamic focusing, which uses sheath flow to control the sample rate inside the aperture and direct the sample flow along the central axis. This technique significantly reduced analysis errors caused by particle trajectory and orientation. The simulation results demonstrated that hydrodynamic focusing greatly improved the accuracy of particle measurement, making the device about twice as accurate as non-hydrofocused systems. These findings were validated through experimental comparisons, justifying the implementation of this technique in HORIBA's diagnostic equipment.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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