Patent Description:
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which blood glucose is maintained above a normal range for a long time. When the blood glucose is maintained high, acute complications such as a diabetic ketoacidosis, a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma, and the like, and long-term complications such as a cardiovascular disease, a stroke, a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma, a diabetic ulcer, a diabetic retinopathy, and the like may occur. Therefore, diabetic patients need constant management to prevent various complications by regularly testing the blood glucose and to maintain a blood glucose level at an appropriate level. Therefore, the blood glucose is an important indicator for diagnosing or managing the diabetes.

The blood glucose refers to a concentration of glucose contained in blood, and a level thereof is not fixed and changes from time to time affected by factors such as a diet, a physical activity, and the like. Therefore, it is important to determine average blood glucose, not instantaneous blood glucose. The most widely used method to determine long-term blood glucose is a method for measuring a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level.

The glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) refers to a form in which glucose in a blood vessel, that is, the blood glucose, is bound to hemoglobin normally present in a red blood cell. When the blood glucose increases, the blood glucose that binds to the hemoglobin increases, resulting in an increase in the glycated hemoglobin. In addition, because the bound glucose is not used and stays bound to the hemoglobin, an average level of the glycated hemoglobin is maintained. In one example, because an average lifespan of the red blood cell is about <NUM> months, the glycated hemoglobin reflects an average blood glucose level for about <NUM> months.

<CIT> relates to a fully automatic glycosylated hemoglobin analyser based on boric acid affinity reaction card. <CIT> relates to the technical field of medical equipment, in particular to a biochemical analyser. <CIT> relates to a photochemical chemiluminescence instantaneous detection system. <CIT> relates to a multi-channel glycated hemoglobin detector.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide an apparatus and a method that allow a plurality of operations to be taken for measuring glycated hemoglobin to be performed automatically instead of manually.

In addition, embodiments of the inventive concept provide an apparatus and a method using an information pattern (e.g., a barcode and a QR code) that may minimize an error occurring in a glycated hemoglobin measurement process.

The purposes to be achieved by the inventive concept are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from following descriptions.

Further aspects of the present invention are outlined in the dependent claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for measuring glycated hemoglobin includes a cartridge for receiving blood and a plurality of chemicals, a rotating tray for rotating the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is disposed inside the rotating tray, a driver having a nozzle disposed above the cartridge and movable in a vertical direction, and a measurement unit located above the cartridge and measuring glycated hemoglobin of the blood. The driver that allows the blood to be chemically treated through the plurality of chemicals may suck at least one of the blood, the plurality of chemicals, and mixed solution of the blood and the plurality of chemicals into the nozzle or discharge the sucked at least one into the cartridge.

Other specific details of the inventive concept are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

According to the inventive concept as described above, there are various effects as follows.

According to the inventive concept, because the plurality of operations that must be taken to measure the glycated hemoglobin are performed automatically instead of manually, the glycated hemoglobin may be more conveniently and quickly measured.

In addition, according to the inventive concept, because an information pattern that may minimize the error occurring in the glycated hemoglobin measurement process is used, the glycated hemoglobin may be measured more accurately.

The effects of the inventive concept are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Advantages and features of the inventive concept, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided to merely complete the disclosure of the inventive concept, and to merely fully inform those skilled in the art of the inventive concept of the scope of the inventive concept. The inventive concept is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments only and is not intended to limit the inventive concept. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", and "including" when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or greater other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or portions thereof. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the disclosure. Although terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Therefore, it goes without saying that a first component as mentioned below may be a second component within a technical idea of the inventive concept.

Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "under", "above", "upper", and the like, may be used herein for ease of explanation to describe a correlation between one component and other components as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, when the device in the drawing is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" or "under" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example terms "below" and "under" may encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented for example, rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations, and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the present specification, "solid reagent" is reagent used to measure glycated hemoglobin, which refers to reagent that serves to induce hemolysis. That is, hemolysis reagent plays a role in disrupting a red blood cell in blood to induce hemoglobin to flow out of a blood cell.

In the present specification, "decomposition solution" refers to reagent that serves to clean an object to be tested.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating an internal configuration of a glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> and <FIG> are respectively a perspective view and a conceptual diagram illustrating a measurement unit according to an embodiment of the inventive concept.

In an embodiment, a glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus <NUM> of the inventive concept may include a light source and a measurement unit (an imaging apparatus) therein, may capture an information pattern (a barcode or a QR code) in a cartridge <NUM> to set an error correction condition that may occur every time the cartridge <NUM> is produced, and may perform rotation, ascending, and descending by a motor when the cartridge <NUM> is inserted. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be a kit that puts a blood sample therein and performs a chemical treatment to measure the glycated hemoglobin, and the glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus <NUM> may acquire a captured image while providing light to the chemically treated blood. For example, a CMOS camera may capture the image based on the rotation of the cartridge <NUM> at a fixed position inside the apparatus <NUM>. All operations may be performed automatically without a need for manipulation of a user when the user simply puts the blood-inserted cartridge <NUM> in the apparatus <NUM>.

Specifically, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus <NUM> may include the cartridge <NUM>, a measuring apparatus body <NUM>, and a monitor <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may receive therein blood, which corresponds to an object to be measured, and a plurality of chemicals for performing the chemical treatment on the blood for measuring the glycated hemoglobin. The measuring apparatus body <NUM> may automatically perform the chemical treatment on the blood contained in the cartridge <NUM> and measure the glycated hemoglobin.

In an embodiment, the monitor <NUM> may visually display a progress and a result of the glycated hemoglobin measurement through a user interface specified in advance.

In an embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> may contain the blood and the plurality of chemicals therein. For example, the plurality of chemicals may include the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, and reaction solution. The cartridge <NUM> may include a blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> in which the blood is received, a solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> in which the solid reagent is received, a decomposition solution receiving portion R2 in which the decomposition solution is received, a reaction solution receiving portion CL in which the reaction solution is received, a membrane receiving portion in which a membrane is received, a washing portion SP, and information pattern recognition portion B. That is, each of the components included in the cartridge <NUM> may mean a space capable of receiving a liquid or solid material therein.

In an embodiment, the measuring apparatus body <NUM> may include a driver <NUM>, a measurement unit <NUM>, and a rotating tray <NUM>. <FIG> schematically shows an interior of the measuring apparatus body <NUM>, so that an outer housing is not shown. However, the driver <NUM>, the measurement unit <NUM>, and the rotating tray <NUM> are arranged in the measuring apparatus body <NUM>. In addition, the driver <NUM> may be positioned at an edge of the rotating tray <NUM> and extending to a vertical level higher than a vertical level of the rotating tray <NUM>, and the measurement unit <NUM> may be positioned at the edge of the rotating tray <NUM> and above the rotating tray <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the driver <NUM> may be equipped with a nozzle <NUM> that is located above the cartridge <NUM> and is movable in a vertical direction. For example, the driver <NUM> may suck at least one of the blood, the plurality of chemicals, and mixed solution thereof into the nozzle <NUM> by a preset volume, or discharge at least one of those sucked into the cartridge <NUM> such that the blood is subjected to the chemical treatment by the plurality of chemicals. That is, the driver <NUM> may transport the blood, the plurality of chemicals, or the mixed solution thereof contained in the cartridge <NUM> from one of a plurality of spaces defined inside the cartridge <NUM> to another space. Detailed operations related thereto will be described later in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the driver <NUM> may include a motor (not shown) that provides a driving force such that the nozzle <NUM> may move in the vertical direction, a toothed portion <NUM> connected to the motor, a guide <NUM> that is engaged with the toothed portion <NUM> and is capable of the vertical movement based on a rotation of the toothed portion <NUM>, and a connection portion <NUM> having one end connected to the guide <NUM> and the other end connected to the nozzle <NUM> and located above the cartridge <NUM>. Each of the components of the driver <NUM> may be constructed using known techniques (e.g., a piston pump).

For example, the driver <NUM> may have a fixed position, and accordingly, the nozzle <NUM> may be capable of only the vertical movement in a fixed position. In this connection, the fixed position may be a position where various holes defined in the cartridge <NUM> to be described later are placed by the rotation. That is, the blood or the plurality of chemicals of the cartridge <NUM> may be located at the fixed position of the nozzle <NUM> by the rotation of the rotating tray <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> may be disposed in the rotating tray <NUM>, and the rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM>. For example, the rotating tray <NUM> may perform a rotational motion of rotating by a required angle in each operation of the glycated hemoglobin measurement process to stop a corresponding component of the cartridge <NUM> at a set position (e.g., in a measurement region or below the nozzle <NUM>). In addition, the rotating tray <NUM> is designed to maintain parallel and not to be deformed during the rotational motion. In one example, a rotating shaft of the rotating tray <NUM> may be rotated by an internal motor or the motor used together with the driver <NUM>.

For example, the rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> based on a preset angle such that the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the decomposition solution receiving portion R2, the reaction solution receiving portion CL, and the membrane receiving portion are located in a region where the nozzle <NUM> moves vertically (or the position at which the nozzle <NUM> is fixed). That is, the cartridge <NUM> may be constructed to surround the internal spaces R1-<NUM>, R1-<NUM>, R2, and CL for receiving the blood or the plurality of chemicals therein in a circumferential direction around a center thereof. Further, the internal spaces of the cartridge <NUM> may be located below the nozzle <NUM> by the rotation of the rotating tray <NUM>.

For example, the rotating tray <NUM> may include a rotating tray body <NUM> having a receiving groove <NUM> defined therein in which the cartridge <NUM> may be mounted and fixed, and a guide <NUM>. The rotating tray body <NUM> may have a circular tray shape. In this connection, although not specifically illustrated in the drawing, a bottom portion of the rotating tray body <NUM> on which the cartridge <NUM> is mounted may be rotatably formed. In this connection, a rotational force may be provided by a separate motor or by the motor of the driver <NUM>. In addition, the rotating tray body <NUM> may move along the guide <NUM> in a longitudinal direction of the guide <NUM>. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the rotating tray body <NUM> may be exposed to the outside by moving outward such that the cartridge <NUM> is able to be inserted therein, and may place the cartridge <NUM> below the nozzle <NUM> and the measurement unit <NUM> by moving inward. Known techniques may be applied for each component of the rotating tray <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the measurement unit <NUM> may be located above the cartridge <NUM> and measure the glycated hemoglobin of the blood. The measurement unit <NUM> is an apparatus that measures the glycated hemoglobin contained in the blood in an optical method. Because the hemoglobin (Hb) ), which is not bound to blood glucose, and the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) react in different wavelength bands, the measurement unit <NUM> measures an absorbance of a material to be measured to measure the glycated hemoglobin. The glycated hemoglobin measured in the measurement unit <NUM> is expressed as a numerical value. In an embodiment, the numerical value of the glycated hemoglobin may be expressed in units of HbA1c%. In this connection, the numerical value of the glycated hemoglobin is a ratio (%) of a concentration of the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and a concentration of the hemoglobin (Hb). Calculation of the HbA1c% is based on a national glycohemoglobin standardization program (NGSP), an international federation of clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine (IFCC), a Japanese diabetes society (JDS), and the like.

For example, the measurement unit <NUM> may include a camera <NUM> for measuring the glycated hemoglobin from the chemically treated blood, a red LED <NUM> for emitting red light to the chemically treated blood, a blue LED <NUM> for emitting blue light to the chemically treated blood, a circuit board <NUM> on which the camera <NUM>, the red LED <NUM>, and the blue LED <NUM> are mounted, and a connection frame <NUM> for fixing the measurement unit <NUM> to be positioned in the measurement region. The camera <NUM> may be a CMOS CAM. Known technologies may be applied to each of the components of the measurement unit <NUM>.

In one example, in an embodiment, the glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus <NUM> may further include a sensor (not shown) or a printer (not shown). The sensor serves to sense the movements of the driver <NUM> and the rotating tray <NUM>. Therefore, the driver <NUM> and the rotating tray <NUM> may rotate by set angles, and may accurately stop at positions specified in advance. The printer plays a role of printing out the glycated hemoglobin measurement result on paper.

<FIG> is a perspective view schematically illustrating a cartridge according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a schematic divided perspective view of a cartridge according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating an upper cartridge according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a lower cartridge according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> is a diagram schematically illustrating a lower cartridge to which a sealing member according to an embodiment of the inventive concept is applied. Further, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are views illustrating a cartridge and a capillary.

Referring to <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> may receive the blood and the plurality of chemicals therein. For example, the plurality of chemicals may include the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, and the reaction solution. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be a circular kit.

In an embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> may have the plurality of spaces defined therein. The blood, the plurality of chemicals, a cleaning material, and the like may be contained in the plurality of spaces, respectively. The cartridge <NUM> may have a plurality of holes defined therein that may expose the plurality of spaces to the outside and may be penetrated by the nozzle <NUM> such that the nozzle <NUM> of the driver <NUM> may suck or discharge the blood and the like contained in the plurality of spaces. In this connection, the plurality of spaces will be described below named as the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the washing portion SP, the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the decomposition solution receiving portion R2, the reaction solution receiving portion CL, and the membrane receiving portion. In one example, the information pattern recognition portion B may be a groove defined in a top surface of the cartridge <NUM>.

For example, the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the washing portion SP, the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the decomposition solution receiving portion R2, the reaction solution receiving portion CL, and the membrane receiving portion may be defined along the circumferential direction around the center of the circular cartridge <NUM>.

For example, the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> may receive the blood therein, the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> may receive the solid reagent therein, the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 may receive the decomposition solution therein, the reaction solution receiving portion CL may receive the reaction solution therein, and the membrane receiving portion may receive the membrane therein, the washing portion SP may contain a material for washing the nozzle <NUM> (hereinafter, the washing material), and the information pattern recognition portion B may receive an information pattern sticker <NUM> therein. A capacity that may be repeatedly supplied several times or more may be stored in advance for each of all of the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, the reaction solution, and the washing material. For example, before the cartridge <NUM> is actually manufactured and distributed, the plurality of chemicals may be stored therein in advance.

For example, the reaction solution may be diluent for adjusting a concentration of the blood. The decomposition solution is a kind of washer solution, and is reagent that provides the washing solution for washing the material to be measured to make the material to be measured to be easily measured. The decomposition solution may have effects other than the washing as necessary, and the effects thereof may not be limited to only the washing effect. The solid reagent is reagent used for measuring the glycated hemoglobin, and is reagent that plays a role in inducing the hemolysis. That is, the solid reagent plays a role in inducing the hemoglobin to flow out of the blood cell by collapsing the red blood cell in the blood to measure the glycated hemoglobin in the collected blood. The solid reagent may have effects other than the hemolysis induction as necessary, and the effects thereof may not be limited to only the hemolytic effect.

In an embodiment, the cartridge <NUM> may include an upper cartridge <NUM>, a lower cartridge <NUM>, a capillary <NUM>, a point sticker <NUM>, the information pattern sticker <NUM>, a sealing member <NUM>, a membrane <NUM>, and a container <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the upper cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the lower cartridge <NUM> to define an appearance of the cartridge <NUM> and protect the internal components. For example, the upper cartridge <NUM> may include a blood receiving hole <NUM> that exposes the blood to the outside such that the nozzle <NUM> may pass therethrough, a solid reagent receiving hole <NUM> that exposes the solid reagent to the outside, a decomposition solution receiving hole <NUM> that exposes the decomposition solution to the outside, a reaction solution receiving hole <NUM> that exposes the reaction solution to the outside, a membrane receiving hole <NUM> that exposes the membrane <NUM> to the outside, and a washing portion hole <NUM> that exposes the washing material to the outside.

In an embodiment, the upper cartridge <NUM> may further include a point sticker portion <NUM> in which the point sticker <NUM> is placed, a capillary insertion hole <NUM> into which the capillary <NUM> is inserted, a capillary groove <NUM> in which the capillary <NUM> is mounted, and an information pattern sticker portion <NUM> in which the information pattern sticker <NUM> is placed. In this connection, the point sticker portion <NUM>, the capillary groove <NUM>, and the information pattern sticker part <NUM> may be grooves.

In an embodiment, the lower cartridge <NUM> may include a blood receiving receptacle <NUM> for receiving the blood therein, a solid reagent receiving receptacle <NUM> for receiving the solid reagent therein, a decomposition solution receiving receptacle <NUM> for receiving the decomposition solution therein, a reaction solution receiving receptacle <NUM> for receiving the reaction solution therein, a membrane receiving receptacle <NUM> for receiving the membrane <NUM> therein, a washing portion receptacle <NUM> for receiving the washing material therein, a barcode region <NUM>, and a capillary region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the point sticker <NUM> may indicate a direction in which the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the rotating tray <NUM>, and may be disposed in the point sticker portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the information pattern sticker <NUM> may include information related to the plurality of chemicals, and may be disposed in the information pattern recognition portion B.

In an embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> may cover the solid reagent receiving receptacle <NUM>, the decomposition solution receiving receptacle <NUM>, and the reaction solution receiving receptacle <NUM> to prevent leakage of the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, and the reaction solution. For example, the sealing member <NUM> may be pierced when the nozzle <NUM> descends to suck the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, or the reaction solution. That is, the sealing member <NUM> has a sealing function for the distribution of the cartridge <NUM>. That is, the sealing member <NUM> may actually be a component that is pierced by the nozzle <NUM> to open the closed space during the measurement.

In an embodiment, the membrane <NUM> is a component in which the material to be measured is substantially located as the mixed solution of the blood and the plurality of chemicals is contained therein. For example, the membrane <NUM> is made of a material having selective permeability. As a specific example, the membrane <NUM> may be a filter material capable of separating dissolved substances dissolved in liquid solution as well as performing general filtration of separating particles by selectively passing a specific constituent.

In another embodiment, the membrane <NUM> is a component that is replaced each time the glycated hemoglobin measurement is performed. As a specific example, because the cartridge <NUM> is in a form in which an upper portion and a lower portion thereof may be separated from each other, the membrane <NUM> may be replaced by separating the upper cartridge <NUM>. Accordingly, the membrane <NUM> may be conveniently mounted or removed, and may be placed at an accurate position. In one example, the membrane <NUM> is maintained in a flat state without being curved such that the solution may be evenly distributed.

In an embodiment, the container <NUM> may be inserted into the solid reagent receiving receptacle <NUM> to receive the solid reagent therein.

In an embodiment, the capillary <NUM> is shipped together with the cartridge <NUM> in a state of being put into the cartridge <NUM> when the cartridge <NUM> is first manufactured and then is shipped. Thereafter, the user may use the capillary <NUM> by pulling out the capillary <NUM>. The capillary <NUM> may store the blood filled by the user and may be seated in the capillary groove <NUM> defined in the upper cartridge <NUM>. The capillary <NUM> may include a capillary insert <NUM> and a capillary receptacle <NUM> may be included. For example, the capillary insert <NUM> may be inserted into the capillary insertion hole <NUM> defined in the upper cartridge <NUM> and in communication with the blood receiving receptacle <NUM>. Further, the capillary receptacle <NUM> may be connected to the capillary insert so as to be detachable by an external force and may receive prestored blood therein.

For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be distributed in a state containing the plurality of chemicals therein and including the capillary <NUM> not containing the blood therein. Thereafter, when actually measuring the glycated hemoglobin, the capillary <NUM> may be coupled with the cartridge <NUM> again as to be described below after collecting the blood, which is the material to be measured, in a state of being separated from the cartridge <NUM>.

For example, the capillary receptacle <NUM> may be manufactured such that a specific amount (e.g., <NUM> ul) required for the measuring the glycated hemoglobin is accurately collected.

For example, the capillary <NUM> filled with the blood may be inserted into the capillary insertion hole <NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. After being inserted as shown in <FIG>, the blood filled in the capillary receptacle <NUM> may be discharged into the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> of the cartridge <NUM> through the capillary insert <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Thereafter, the capillary receptacle <NUM> may be separated from the capillary insert <NUM> by an external force of a person performing a test, and only the capillary insert <NUM> may be left in the cartridge <NUM>. Therefore, the capillary receptacle <NUM> may not act as an element that hinders the rotation of the cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a glycated hemoglobin measuring method using a glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. <FIG> are exemplary views illustrating a glycated hemoglobin measuring method using a glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Operations in <FIG> may be performed by each of the components of the glycated hemoglobin measuring apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In one example, arrows indicated in each of the drawings respectively mean a moving direction of the nozzle <NUM> and a rotation direction of the cartridge <NUM> for moving from a current drawing to a next drawing. That is, when, for example, a downward arrow and a clockwise arrow are indicated in the current drawing, a direction of a next operation (the next drawing) of the nozzle <NUM> is a downward direction, and a rotation direction of a next operation (the next drawing) of the cartridge <NUM> may mean a clockwise direction.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, in operation S1, the blood may be injected into the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> using the capillary <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Operation S1 may be performed manually or may be performed automatically through a component such as a known robot arm. The cartridge <NUM> to be described below will be described on the assumption that the blood, the washing material, the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, the reaction solution, and the membrane are respectively contained in the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the washing portion SP, the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the decomposition solution receiving portion R2, the reaction solution receiving portion CL, and the membrane receiving portion M.

In one example, in the present embodiment, the driver <NUM> may provide a desired amount by sucking a larger amount of a target material into the nozzle <NUM> than an amount to be provided, and then discarding the rest of the target material after providing the amount to be provided. That is, it is to prevent an occurrence of an error resulted from the remaining amount of the target material in the nozzle <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to make that next chemical sucking is unaffected by additionally performing the washing with the reaction solution of the reaction solution receiving portion CL.

In an embodiment, in operation S2, the measurement unit <NUM> may recognize the information pattern sticker <NUM> placed in the information pattern recognition portion B of the cartridge <NUM>. In this connection, the information pattern sticker <NUM> may include the barcode or the QR code. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> may be disposed in an empty space of the rotating tray body <NUM> shown in <FIG>. This may be a case in which the cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the rotating tray body <NUM> based on a direction of the point sticker <NUM> (from right to left based on <FIG>). For example, when the measurement unit <NUM> is located at <NUM> o'clock on the basis of the center of the cartridge <NUM> in <FIG> (all time directions to be described below are on the basis of the center of the cartridge <NUM>), the rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> by a preset angle in a counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, as shown in <FIG>, a barcode portion may be located at <NUM> o'clock, and the measurement unit <NUM> may recognize the information pattern sticker <NUM> located in the barcode portion. For example, an algorithm may be preset to correct, by the driver <NUM>, the error by acquiring information on the plurality of chemicals contained in the information pattern.

In an embodiment, in operation S3, the driver <NUM> may suck the reaction solution from the reaction solution receiving portion CL using the nozzle <NUM>. First, in the present embodiment, the nozzle <NUM> will be described as being disposed at a fixed position at <NUM> o'clock. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the reaction solution receiving portion CL below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the reaction solution receiving portion CL as shown in <FIG> to suck the reaction solution into the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For example, <NUM> ul of the reaction solution may be sucked into the nozzle <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation S4, after the blood and the reaction solution are mixed with each other in the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the driver <NUM> may suck first mixed solution from the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> through the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> shown in <FIG> as shown in <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> as shown in <FIG> to discharge the sucked reaction solution into the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, and may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM> as shown in <FIG> to suck the first mixed solution in which the discharged reaction solution and the blood are mixed with each other from the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>. That is, for example, after <NUM> ul of the reaction solution is discharged into the blood receiving portion R1-<NUM>, and the blood and the reaction solution are mixed with each other, <NUM> ul, which is an entire amount, of the first mixed solution may be sucked into the nozzle <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation S5, after the first mixed solution and the solid reagent are mixed with each other in the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, the driver <NUM> may suck second mixed solution from the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> using the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to discharge the sucked first mixed solution into the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, and the driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> as shown in <FIG> to suck the second mixed solution in which the discharged first mixed solution and the solid reagent are mixed with each other into the nozzle <NUM> in the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>. For example, after discharging the entire amount of the first mixed solution into the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>, and mixing the first mixed solution and the solid reagent with each other, <NUM> ul of the second mixed solution may be sucked into the nozzle <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation S6, the driver <NUM> may discharge the second mixed solution into the membrane receiving portion M using the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> again as shown in <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the membrane receiving portion M below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the membrane receiving portion M as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to discharge a portion of the sucked second mixed solution into the membrane receiving portion M. For example, <NUM> ul of the second mixed solution may be discharged into the membrane receiving portion M.

In an embodiment, in operation S7, the driver <NUM> may discharge a remaining amount of the second mixed solution into the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> using the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to discharge the rest of the sucked second mixed solution into the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>. For example, <NUM> ul, which is the remaining amount, of the second mixed solution may be discharged into the solid reagent receiving portion R1-<NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation S8, the driver <NUM> may clean the nozzle <NUM> using the reaction solution in the reaction solution receiving portion CL. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the reaction solution receiving portion CL below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the reaction solution receiving portion CL as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to wash the nozzle with the reaction solution.

In an embodiment, in operation S9, the driver <NUM> may perform bubble wash on the nozzle <NUM> in the washing portion SP. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the washing portion SP defined in the cartridge <NUM> below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the washing portion SP as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to wash the nozzle <NUM> with the washing material (e.g., a washing cotton) contained in the washing portion SP.

In an embodiment, in operation S10, the driver <NUM> may suck the decomposition solution from the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 using the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to suck the decomposition solution into the nozzle <NUM>. For example, <NUM> ul of the decomposition solution may be sucked into the nozzle <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in operation S11, the driver <NUM> may discharge the decomposition solution into the membrane receiving portion M using the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the membrane receiving portion M below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the membrane receiving portion M as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to discharge a portion of the sucked decomposition solution into the membrane receiving portion M. For example, <NUM> ul of the decomposition solution may be discharged into the membrane receiving portion M.

In an embodiment, in operation S12, the driver <NUM> may discharge a remaining amount of the decomposition solution into the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 using the nozzle <NUM>. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the decomposition solution receiving portion R2 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to discharge the rest of the sucked decomposition solution into the decomposition solution receiving portion R2. For example, <NUM> ul, which is the remaining amount, of the decomposition solution may be discharged into the decomposition solution receiving portion R2.

In an embodiment, in operation S13, the driver <NUM> may perform the bubble wash on the nozzle <NUM> in the washing portion SP. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> to position the washing portion SP defined in the cartridge <NUM> below the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The driver <NUM> may descend the nozzle <NUM> to the washing portion SP as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to wash the nozzle <NUM> with the washing material (e.g., the washing cotton) contained in the washing portion SP.

In an embodiment, in operation S14, the measurement unit <NUM> may measure a result value in the membrane receiving portion M. For example, the driver <NUM> may ascend the nozzle <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The rotating tray <NUM> may rotate the cartridge <NUM> in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to position the membrane receiving portion M in a region (at <NUM> o'clock) where the measurement unit <NUM> may perform the measurement. The measurement unit <NUM> may acquire the result value by measuring the glycated hemoglobin from third mixed solution in which the second mixed solution and the decomposition solution contained in the membrane receiving portion M are mixed with each other.

In an embodiment, in operation S15, the driver <NUM> may discharge the cartridge <NUM>. For example, the rotating tray <NUM> may expose the rotating tray body <NUM> to the outside along the guide <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, the cartridge <NUM> exposed to the outside may be withdrawn.

In this way, the blood may be automatically chemically treated and the glycated hemoglobin may be measured by simply inserting the cartridge <NUM> filled with the blood and the plurality of chemicals into the glycated hemoglobin apparatus <NUM>.

An apparatus for measuring glycated hemoglobin according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a cartridge for receiving blood and a plurality of chemicals, a rotating tray for rotating the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is disposed inside the rotating tray, a driver having a nozzle disposed above the cartridge and movable in a vertical direction, and a measurement unit located above the cartridge and measuring glycated hemoglobin of the blood. The driver may suck at least one of the blood, the plurality of chemicals, and mixed solution of the blood and the plurality of chemicals into the nozzle or discharge the sucked at least one into the cartridge such that the blood is chemically treated through the plurality of chemicals.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of chemicals may include solid reagent, decomposition solution, and reaction solution. The cartridge may include a blood receiving portion for receiving the blood, a solid reagent receiving portion for receiving the solid reagent, a decomposition solution receiving portion for receiving the decomposition solution, a reaction solution receiving portion for receiving the reaction solution, and a membrane receiving portion for receiving a membrane.

According to various embodiments, the rotating tray may rotate the cartridge based on a preset angle such that the blood receiving portion, the solid reagent receiving portion, the decomposition solution receiving portion, the reaction solution receiving portion, or the membrane receiving portion is located in a region where the nozzle moves in the vertical direction.

According to various embodiments, the cartridge may include an upper cartridge including a blood receiving hole for exposing the blood to an outside such that the nozzle is able to pass through the blood receiving hole, a solid reagent receiving hole for exposing the solid reagent to the outside, a decomposition solution receiving hole for exposing the decomposition solution to the outside, a reaction solution receiving hole for exposing the reaction solution to the outside, and a membrane receiving hole for exposing the membrane to the outside, and a lower cartridge including a blood receiving receptacle for receiving the blood, a solid reagent receiving receptacle for receiving the solid reagent, a decomposition solution receiving receptacle for receiving the decomposition solution, a reaction solution receiving receptacle for receiving the reaction solution, and a membrane receiving receptacle for receiving the membrane.

According to various embodiments, the cartridge may further include a sealing member for covering the solid reagent receiving receptacle, the decomposition solution receiving receptacle, and the reaction solution receiving receptacle to prevent leakage of the solid reagent, the decomposition solution, and the reaction solution, and a container inserted into the solid reagent receiving receptacle to receive the solid reagent.

According to various embodiments, the cartridge may further include a capillary for storing the blood in advance and seated in a groove defined in the upper cartridge. The capillary may include a capillary insert capable of being inserted into a capillary insertion hole defined in the upper cartridge and in communication with the blood receiving receptacle, and a capillary receptacle connected to the capillary insert to be detachable by an external force and receiving the blood stored in advance.

According to various embodiments, the cartridge may further include a washing portion provided with a material for washing the nozzle, an information pattern recognition portion, wherein an information pattern sticker including information related to the plurality of chemicals is disposed in the information pattern recognition portion, and a point sticker portion, wherein a point sticker indicating an insertion direction of the cartridge into the rotating tray is disposed in the point sticker portion.

A method for measuring glycated hemoglobin using the apparatus for measuring the glycated hemoglobin of claim <NUM> according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include rotating, by a rotating tray, a cartridge to position a reaction solution receiving portion below a nozzle, descending, by a driver, the nozzle to the reaction solution receiving portion to suck reaction solution into the nozzle, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position a blood receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the blood receiving portion to discharge the sucked reaction solution into the blood receiving portion, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the blood receiving portion to suck first mixed solution of the discharged reaction solution and blood into the nozzle from the blood receiving portion, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position a solid reagent receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the solid reagent receiving portion to discharge the sucked first mixed solution into the solid reagent receiving portion, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the solid reagent receiving portion to suck second mixed solution of the discharged first mixed solution and solid reagent into the nozzle from the solid reagent receiving portion, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position a membrane receiving portion below the nozzle, and descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the membrane receiving portion to discharge a portion of the sucked second mixed solution into the membrane receiving portion.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position the solid reagent receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the solid reagent receiving portion to discharge the rest of the sucked second mixed solution into the solid reagent receiving portion, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position the reaction solution receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the reaction solution receiving portion to wash the nozzle with the reaction solution, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position a washing portion defined in the cartridge below the nozzle, and descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the washing portion to wash the nozzle with a washing material contained in the washing portion.

According to various embodiments, the method may further include rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position a decomposition solution receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the decomposition solution receiving portion to suck decomposition solution into the nozzle, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position the membrane receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the membrane receiving portion to discharge a portion of the sucked decomposition solution into the membrane receiving portion, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position the decomposition solution receiving portion below the nozzle, descending, by the driver, the nozzle to the decomposition solution receiving portion to discharge the rest of the sucked decomposition solution into the decomposition solution receiving portion, rotating, by the rotating tray, the cartridge to position the membrane receiving portion in a region where the measurement is able to be performed by a measurement unit, and measuring, by the measurement unit, glycated hemoglobin from third mixed solution of the second mixed solution and the decomposition solution received in the membrane receiving portion.

Claim 1:
An apparatus for measuring glycated hemoglobin, the apparatus comprising:
a cartridge (<NUM>) including receiving portions for receiving blood and a plurality of chemicals, wherein the receiving portions are disposed in a circumferential direction around a center of the cartridge;
a rotating tray (<NUM>) for rotating the cartridge, wherein the cartridge is disposed inside the rotating tray;
a driver (<NUM>) comprising a motor and having a nozzle disposed above the cartridge and movable in a vertical direction; and
a measurement unit (<NUM>) located above the cartridge and measuring glycated hemoglobin of the blood,
wherein the driver is configured to suck at least one of the blood, the plurality of chemicals, and mixed solution of the blood and the plurality of chemicals into the nozzle and discharge the sucked at least one into the cartridge such that the blood is chemically treated through the plurality of chemicals, and
wherein the rotating tray is configured to be rotated by the same motor that moves the nozzle of the driver in a vertical direction.