Research & Development
Technology Awards
Title of the award: Invention Prize in 2022 National Commendation for Invention | |
Title of the award-winning invention: Invention of rapid and accurate method for measuring platelets using dye for platelets (JP Patent No. 4659122) | |
Winners: Keiko Moriyama, Yusuke Mori, Hiroki Takeshita, Yuhgi Suzuki | |
Description of the invention: This invention relates to a method for measuring platelets, which is important indicator for determining the necessity of platelet transfusion and the amount of platelet transfusion.
Conventionally, as a method for measuring platelets using a blood cell counter, a method of classifying and counting the platelets depending on the size of red blood cell or platelet by using a direct current detection method has been known. While this method provides a rapid and accurate measurement of the platelets in most samples, it was difficult to accurately count the platelets in a sample which has a low platelet count and thus needs a decision of platelet transfusion because of the influence of other particles of similar size.
According to this invention, platelets in a blood sample are stained with Nile blue and the forward scattered light and the side fluorescence of individual platelet are measured according to the principle of flow cytometry. As platelets can be differentiated from other particles, it is possible to count platelets accurately and also rapidly (1 minute).
The invention enables to measure platelet counts which is an important indicator for determining the necessity of platelet transfusion and the amount of platelet transfusion, therefore assisting optimization of dose of a platelet preparation that is precious. In addition, the invention contributes to reduce the risk of adverse reactions associated with platelet transfusion.
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