ELTE and NORMA Instruments Successfully Complete Next-Generation Hematology Optical Measurement System Development Project
The consortium of Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) and NORMA Instruments Ltd. has successfully completed a research and development project supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NRDI Office) under the NKFI Fund 2023-1.1.1-PIACI_FÓKUSZ – Focus Area Innovation Projects program (Project ID: 2023-1.1.1-PIACI_FÓKUSZ-2024-00040).
The project, with a total budget exceeding HUF 1.097 billion, including HUF 770.46 million in non-refundable government funding, focused on developing a next-generation hematology optical measurement system and its associated detector unit. The objective was to improve the accuracy and reliability of blood cell differentiation, supporting more precise laboratory diagnostics.
As a result of the project, the consortium developed a fully functional modular prototype that reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, demonstrating the technology in an operational environment.
A key innovation of the new system is the integration of an extra-wide-angle optical sensor alongside the conventional optical measurement system. This enhanced configuration enables more comprehensive analysis of cellular light-scattering characteristics, leading to improved differentiation of eosinophils and more reliable identification of immature granulocytes.
The project also delivered a custom-designed data acquisition system capable of capturing light-scattering properties across a broad angular range. The resulting digital database and subsequent data analysis made it possible to determine the optimal measurement parameters, which were then incorporated into the prototype's optical design.
Beyond the technological achievements, the project significantly expanded scientific and engineering knowledge in hematology optical measurement technologies. The results establish a strong foundation for the industrial application and future commercialization of the new measurement system while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
This development represents another important milestone in advancing medical technology innovation in Hungary and contributes to faster, more accurate laboratory diagnostics that ultimately support improved patient care.
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