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Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan, President: Hisashi Ietsugu) received awards in the 2009 Kinki Local Commendation for Invention sponsored by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation: the Director-General of Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry Award for one invention, and Invention and Innovation Encouragement Awards for three other inventions.
[Outlines of the award-winning inventions]
(1) Director-General of Kinki Bureau of Economy, Trade, and Industry Award
Reagent for analyzing formed elements in urine (Patent number: 3580615)
This invention relates to a reagent used in fully automated urine cell analyzers such as the UF-100 series and UF-1000i. The analyzer is able to fluorescently stain red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, casts, and epithelial cells, and automatically detect and categorize them. With conventional testing methods, residues of centrifuged urine are placed on a slide glass, and observed under a microscope. The process is complicated and hence requires experience. In addition, the urine may contain impurities, which are outside the scope of measurement. Because these factors have an adverse influence on measurement systems when automating analysis, these testing methods are associated with numerous problems in practical application.
Through a combination of optimum reagent composites, conditions, and dyes for resolving these problems, the new reagent enables automatic classification and quantification of formed elements in non-centrifuged urine (five above elements) in just one minute using a special analyzer. As a consequence, this invention has markedly enhanced analysis efficiency and contributed significantly to improving the efficiency of medical care and the standardization of tests.
This invention has also received the Invention Implementation Achievement Award, which is given to the representatives of companies recognized for their outstanding achievements in practical applications.
| Detection and classification of formed elements through a combination of an automated urinary cell analyzer and the new reagent: illustration of fraction (1) |
Detection and classification of formed elements: illustration of fraction (2) (Channel for large element fraction) |
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(2) Invention and Innovation Encouragement Award
Image filing system (Patent number: 3973221）
This invention relates to an image filing system which digitalizes images of blood cells, etc. retrieved from the microscope, and files them together with attribute information. Attribute information, scattergram, and grain size distribution corresponding to patient ID number are acquired from the computer managing patient information, and information on the visual classification count of the blood cells is registered with the system. These data are managed together with images. This enables an integrated image of the subject to be displayed, and facilitates analysis. The invention features an integrated blood imaging filing system, thus allowing decisions on diagnosis and treatment to be made rapidly for various blood diseases. In addition, as blood images, etc. can be transmitted easily over the Internet or via networks, patients in remote areas suffering from acute blood diseases can be treated. The new technology is incorporated into the LAFIA blood cell image filing system.
Reagent for measuring antiphospholipid antibodies and antiphospholipid antibody measuring method (Patent number: 3771413)
This invention is used in the detection of anti-phospholipid antibodies associated with syphilis infection. The test method is generally referred to as the serological test for syphilis or STS. Most of the existing STS test kits on the market require manual handling, which means the test process takes a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, because judgment is made visually, results differ depending on who performs the test. Due to these problems, there has been an increasing need for automated testing methods.
One feature of this invention is that it can effectively inhibit nonspecific reactions that adversely affect measurement. By incorporating the invention into the PAMIA immune aggregate measuring device series and using the designated Ranream STS reagent, fully automated STS testing can now be carried out. In addition, anti-phospholipid antibodies can also be measured rapidly with a high degree of precision with a minute amount of specimen. Now that all the fundamental infectious disease tests including STS can be performed using the PAMIA series, preoperative emergency tests can be carried out quickly, thus making a significant contribution to the medical field.
Blood analyzer (Patent number: 3880181)
This invention relates to a blood analyzer for measuring white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and particle size distribution in a blood sample. The new analyzer has two modes: one for whole blood mode, which aspirates the sample without diluting the blood, and pre-diluted mode, which aspirates the sample while diluting the blood. The aspirated amount can be changed depending on the mode.
The invention, which has a simple structure, is able to provide accurate measurement results in pre-diluted mode equivalent to those obtainable in whole blood, which is normally used for measurements, including information on the three-peak particle size distribution of white blood cells.
By incorporating this invention into the automatic multi-mode hematology analyzers, KX-21 and KX-21N, it is now possible to provide accurate test results using pre-diluted mode even when only a small amount of blood is available, for example, from children. As a result, these analyzers can now be used in a more extensive range of test areas, thereby contributing significantly to the medical field.
[History of award successes in the Commendation for Invention (last 3 years)]
[ 2008 Kinki Local Commendation ]
・ Invention 'Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office Invention Incentive Award': HCV Reagent and HCV Antibody Detection Method
・ Invention 'Incentive Award': Particle Image Analyzer, Reagent and Method for Erythroblast Classification and Counting, Automatic Sample Preparation Apparatus
[ 2007 Kinki Local Commendation ]
・ Invention 'Shibucho-award': Automated Sample Analytical Method and Instrument
・ Invention 'Incentive Award': Urinary Erythrocyte Differentiation Instrument and Method, Automated Analytical System and Method
[ 2006 Kinki Local Commendation ]
・ Invention 'Shibucho-award': Non-Invasive Hematology Analyzer
・ Invention 'Incentive Award': Pipette Cleaner | 
