Method for quantifying and presenting experimental errors

Abstract

In accordance with an example aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising quantifying a total experimental error of a multi-step sample processing and / or analysis sequence comprising at least two steps, including quantifying respective individual experimental errors of the at least two steps; and presenting, by an output device, the total experimental error and / or an output value derived from the total experimental error.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to quantifying errors in sample processing sequences, and in particular to quantifying and reducing errors accumulated during multi-step sample processing sequences in the laboratory. Background Art

[0002] Sample preparation and its analysis in the laboratory often involve multi-step protocols during which multiple pieces of laboratory equipment are required. Such protocols may require accurate determination of, for example, sample weight, sample volume, and sample composition.

[0003] In liquid handling applications, several liquid handling devices for different liquid volumes and multiple dispensing steps are often used to complete the desired application or workflow. Examples of such liquid handling applications include preparation of dilution series and multi-step kits. In addition to liquid handling steps, other processing and measurement methods, such as weighing, can also be used in the same workflow.

[0004] Such multi-step and multi-device workflows are prone to accumulating experimental errors, which may seriously affect the accuracy of the final results of the workflow. For example, if in a 5-step liquid dispensing sequence, each dispensing step involves an experimental error of 10%, the total amount of liquid dispensed after five steps will be in the range of 59% to 161% of the target amount of 100%.

[0005] It is known to reduce random and systematic experimental errors in sample processing by calibrating the equipment used and by trying to reduce any random variations in the sample processing procedure. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method is provided, comprising: quantifying the total experimental error of a multi-step sample processing and / or analysis sequence comprising at least two steps, comprising quantifying the respective individual experimental errors of the at least two steps; and presenting the total experimental error and / or an output value derived from the total experimental error via an output device.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sample processing device comprising an apparatus for performing a method according to the first aspect, comprising: a computing device configured to quantify the total experimental error, and an output device configured to present the total experimental error and / or the output value.

[0009] Various implementations of the first aspect or the second aspect may include one or more features from the following bulleted list:

[0010] • Before or during the quantifying step, the method comprises obtaining one or more of the experimental errors.

[0011] The obtaining includes any one of: estimating an experimental error, measuring the experimental error, or retrieving a predetermined value of the experimental error, or any combination thereof.

[0012] The quantization includes quantization by an algorithm trained by experience.

[0013] • The quantification comprises calculating the sum of the individual experimental errors, for example a weighted sum.

[0014] • The quantification includes quantification of individual experimental errors.

[0015] • The total experimental error takes into account at least two steps of a multi-step sample processing and / or analysis sequence comprising more than two steps.

[0016] • The sample handling and / or analysis sequence comprises or consists of: a liquid handling and / or analysis sequence.

[0017] The sample handling and / or analysis sequence comprises one or more of the following steps: liquid handling, such as liquid aspiration, liquid dispensing and / or liquid pipetting, sample weighing, sample analysis, preferably at least liquid handling; and preferably quantifying the respective experimental errors of the steps.

[0018] - The sample processing and / or analysis sequence involves the use of laboratory equipment.

[0019] The laboratory equipment includes a handheld pipette, a liquid handling robot, a scale, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a spectrometer, or a sample analysis device.

[0020] Experimental errors in the use of one or more of the following equipment during the sample processing and / or analysis sequence contribute to the total experimental error to be quantified and are taken into account: handheld pipette, liquid handling robot, scale, air pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, spectrometer, sample analysis equipment.

[0021] Experimental errors in the use of at least two of the following equipment during the sample processing and / or analysis sequence contribute to the total experimental error to be quantified and are taken into account: a handheld pipette, a liquid handling robot, a scale, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a spectrometer, and a sample analysis device.

[0022] • The quantification takes into account one or more of the following experimental errors during the sample processing and / or analysis sequence: pipetting errors, weighing errors, sample analysis errors and concentration errors of chemical or biological compounds.

[0023] The output value includes one or more of the following group: parameters, instructions and suggestions derived from any one and combination of the experimental errors.

[0024] Output devices include displays for laboratory equipment used in sample processing and / or analytical sequences.

[0025] Output devices include displays for handheld lab equipment.

[0026] The output device comprises a display of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet computer, which is used in the sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0027] • The presentation is provided via a mobile app or tablet software, a web-based service, or as software integrated into laboratory equipment.

[0028] The output includes suggestions for adjusting individual sources of experimental error, such as adjusting parameters associated with the sources, in order to reduce the accumulation of the total experimental error.

[0029] - The output value comprises a recommendation to use a specific liquid handling device and / or a specific tip in a liquid handling device during performance of a current step or an upcoming step of the sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0030] The presenting comprises presenting one or more diagrams, graphic symbols and / or alphanumeric symbols on a display.

[0031] • The presenting comprises presenting a graphical symbol of variable size on the display, such as an arrow or a circle. • The presenting comprises presenting a numerical uncertainty factor on the display.

[0032] The method comprises: based on the quantified experimental error, automatically locking the function of the laboratory equipment whose use contributes to the error.

[0033] • Report the quantified experimental error or output value to the laboratory equipment whose use contributed to the error.

[0034] • The output values ​​include parameters that are control commands or correction factors for laboratory equipment to reduce the total experimental error.

[0035] The reporting includes reporting to a previous step and / or to an upcoming step.

[0036] The reporting includes sending control commands or correction factors to laboratory equipment used in the previous step or the upcoming step.

[0037] The correction factor includes a slope.

[0038] • Apparatus for processing and / or analyzing samples including liquid handling equipment.

[0039] The output device is a display, an audio device or an audio-visual device.

[0040] The device is a handheld device, such as a handheld electronic pipette.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improving known methods of reducing experimental errors during sample processing.

[0042] At least some embodiments enable more efficient handling of experimental errors and their accumulation, particularly in the context of multi-step sample handling and analysis processes where multiple laboratory instruments and / or multiple users are involved.

[0043] An advantage of an embodiment is that a user can react immediately to the accumulation of errors and adjust or interrupt the ongoing sample processing process.

[0044] An advantage of an embodiment is that confirmed or predicted sources of error in sample processing may be indicated to a user during said sample processing.

[0045] An advantage of an embodiment is that the user is informed of errors or error accumulation during sample processing or at sequential steps in sample processing. This enables the user to take specific actions or protocol modifications or even protocol interruptions to reduce experimental errors in the sample processing protocol and / or avoid executing a protocol in which the total experimental error would be unacceptably large.

[0046] An advantage of an embodiment is that a user may receive information of previous errors accumulated during earlier steps in a sample processing protocol and / or errors in current and upcoming steps.

[0047] An advantage of an embodiment is that unnecessary process steps may be avoided, since the user may be informed of the level of uncertainty in a sample processing and / or analysis sequence during the course of the sequence and, for example, before starting a specific step thereof.

[0048] An advantage of an embodiment is that accuracy and reproducibility may be improved, particularly in multi-step and / or multi-device sample processing protocols. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 An exemplary visual representation of the accumulation of experimental errors during a 3-step liquid dispensing sequence in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] definition

[0051] In this context, the term "experimental error" refers to random and / or systematic experimental or observational error.

[0052] In the present context, the term "sample processing device" may refer to any device, typically laboratory equipment, intended for processing a sample, such as a sample analysis device, a liquid handling device or a sample weighing device.

[0053] Typically, the term "laboratory equipment" refers to sample processing equipment.

[0054] Generally, the term "sample processing" includes sample handling and / or analysis.

[0055] In the present context, the term "display" may refer to any display that may be part of, connected to or integrated into a lab-device, such as a sample processing device, during a sample processing task or sequence.

[0056] It has surprisingly been observed that the accuracy and / or reproducibility of sample processing in the laboratory can be significantly improved by the present method, wherein the accumulation of experimental errors during a sample processing protocol is quantified and presented to the user during the execution of the protocol or even already at the beginning of the execution of the protocol.

[0057] Experimental errors to be quantified may include errors from various sources. The sources of experimental errors may include instruments, environment, procedures, and human factors. Experimental errors may include random and / or systematic errors. Typically, experimental errors include experimental errors in sample processing and / or sample analysis.

[0058] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprising: quantifying the total experimental error of a sample processing and / or analysis sequence, the sequence comprising at least two steps and respective individual experimental errors; presenting the total experimental error and / or presenting parameters and / or instructions and / or suggestions derived from the total experimental error to a user performing the steps of the sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0059] Sample processing order

[0060] A sample processing sequence typically includes at least two sample processing steps or tasks.

[0061] The sample handling step or task may be a liquid pipetting task or a sample weighing task.

[0062] In one embodiment, a sample processing sequence includes at least one liquid handling task or liquid handling sequence.

[0063] Sample processing sequences may include pipetting sequences involving multiple liquid aspiration and dispensing steps.

[0064] In one embodiment, the sample handling sequence includes one or more (one or more) of the following tasks: liquid handling, such as liquid aspiration, liquid dispensing or liquid pipetting; or sample processing, such as sample weighing or sample analysis, preferably at least liquid pipetting.

[0065] In one embodiment, the sample processing sequence can be performed using one or more (one or more) of the following devices: a handheld pipette, a liquid handling robot, a scale, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a spectrometer, a sample analysis device.

[0066] Quantization Error

[0067] Individual experimental errors in the use of these sample processing devices can be quantified. The total experimental error can be calculated from the individual experimental errors and presented to the user.

[0068] Experimental errors can be quantified and presented as absolute errors or relative errors or both.

[0069] For example, the total error may take into account experimental errors in a current sample processing and / or analysis step to be performed by a user and / or experimental errors in previous and / or upcoming sample processing and analysis steps for the same sample.

[0070] Taking previous sample processing steps into account when quantifying the total experimental error to be presented provides the advantage that if the error that has accumulated is unacceptably large, the user may decide not to perform the next step at all.

[0071] Considering the current and upcoming sample processing steps when quantifying the total experimental error to be presented provides the advantage that the user can adjust the execution to avoid accumulating too large a total experimental error. In this way, the entire multi-step sample processing protocol can be completed with an acceptable experimental error.

[0072] Experimental errors in the use of one or more (one or more) devices (these devices may be referred to as sample processing devices) during a sample processing sequence may contribute to the total experimental error to be quantified. The one or more (one or more) sample processing devices may include at least one of the following: a handheld pipette, a liquid handling robot, a scale, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a spectrometer, or a sample analysis device.

[0073] For example, a handheld pipette may cause errors based on its setup, control, use, processing stage, etc. A liquid handling robot may cause errors based on its setup, control, program, processing stage, etc. A pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and / or humidity sensor may cause errors based on its setup, calibration, use, etc. A sensor may cause errors to other equipment, readings, results, or samples to be processed. A spectrometer and / or sample analysis equipment may cause errors based on its setup, control, use, process or process stage used, calibration, etc. The scale of any of the above scales and / or the calibration of the scale may cause errors. Any error may be directly caused by the source, the use of the source, the selection of the source used, the scale of the source, the setup, control, etc.

[0074] Experimental errors may be related to the accuracy of the sample processing equipment, the actions of sample processing and / or the object of processing (the sample itself).

[0075] In some embodiments, error quantification takes into account one or more experimental errors during a sample processing sequence. The one or more experimental errors may include at least one of the following: pipetting errors, weighing errors, sample analysis errors, and concentration errors of chemical or biological compounds.

[0076] In some embodiments, quantification errors are reported or fed back to sample processing or analysis equipment, which use forms part of the sample processing task or sequence, thereby contributing to the accumulation of total experimental error.

[0077] For example, based on the quantified error, a correction factor, such as a slope, can be calculated and sent to a laboratory device used in a previous step or in an upcoming step. Temperature variations between steps can be a source of systematic errors that can be taken into account and corrected in this way.

[0078] The total error can be quantified using an empirically trained algorithm.

[0079] The algorithm can be a parameterized algorithm or a learning algorithm.

[0080] The empirical data may be based on measurement results and / or some values ​​and / or ranges. The values ​​and / or ranges may be related to the equipment or process used, such as predefined settings, regulations, timings, controls, etc. The empirical data may be used to train executable programs. For example, machine learning and neural networks may use empirical data as input. The input empirical data may result in an output derived from any input empirical data or a combination thereof. The output may be a parameter, which may indicate a deviation from a predetermined range or value. The output may be an instruction for correcting an error, such as by adjusting or changing a device or a setting of the device, or correcting a previous step or an upcoming stage of a process. In response to receiving an instruction, the device may be automatically adjusted based on the received instruction. The output may be a suggestion for adjusting, changing and / or controlling a device, setting, process and / or its stage.

[0081] The total error can be quantified by calculating from the individual errors associated with the individual steps in a multi-step sample processing sequence.

[0082] Quantization may include, for example, calculating the sum of the individual errors, possibly after giving individual weights or probabilities to the errors to be added together, or possibly after quantizing the individual errors to be added together.

[0083] The means for quantifying the error may comprise a computing device, which is typically integrated into a sample processing device, such as a handheld sample processing device. The computing device is preferably configured to quantify the cumulative error from individual experimental errors in steps or stages of a sample processing sequence, which may include liquid processing tasks performed by a liquid processing device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the computing device has been integrated into a liquid handling device, such as a handheld liquid handling device or an automated liquid handling station, preferably a handheld liquid handling device.

[0085] By quantifying and presenting the total experimental error, embodiments provide information about the current state of sample processing and / or possible estimates for further steps. This enables the user to track and understand the impact of experimental error accumulation and in this way improve the reliability of the results.

[0086] Output value

[0087] The method may include presenting the quantized error.The method may alternatively or additionally include presenting one or more output values ​​derived from the error.

[0088] The type of output value may be tailored, for example, based on the user and / or based on a rate of error accumulation.

[0089] Educated users may benefit from receiving error information directly, while uneducated users may prefer to receive output values ​​that include specific or practical instructions.

[0090] As an example, if the total error accumulates slowly, the output value may include a more general instruction than if a sudden increase in the total error is observed.

[0091] The method preferably includes displaying an output value via an output device, such as a display, based on the evaluation of the individual experimental errors and the total experimental error.

[0092] The method preferably comprises displaying instructions and / or suggestions to a user, e.g., via an output device, such as a display. The display may be part of, connected to or integrated with, a laboratory device, such as a sample processing device, during a sample processing task or sequence. The instructions and / or the suggestions preferably guide the user to reduce the quantization error in performing the sample processing task in a current step or an upcoming step of a sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0093] The recommendations may relate to the steps or devices where adjustment has the greatest likelihood of reducing the overall error.

[0094] The recommendations may relate to steps or devices where adjustments are not likely to increase errors in other steps or other devices.

[0095] The recommendation may include a recommendation to use a specific liquid handling device and / or a specific tip in a liquid handling device in a liquid handling task during performance of a current step or an upcoming step of the sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0096] For example, the choice of tip volume can be a source of systematic error, particularly for tips used in automated liquid handling robots.

[0097] Furthermore, if the same tip is used for an extended period of time, systematic errors may begin to accumulate.

[0098] In air displacement pipettes, errors that are typical or specific to their use can be detected, for example, if the user does not pre-wet the tip or does not work under temperature equilibrium. Such errors can be indicated to the user. These errors can also be taken into account by applying correction factors.

[0099] The recommendation may include a recommendation to use specific liquid handling parameters in the liquid handling task, such as the volume of liquid to be dispensed.

[0100] Preferably, the suggestion directs the user to take an action suitable for reducing the experimental error in the current and / or any upcoming step of the sample processing procedure. The suggestion may direct the user to take an action suitable for reducing the total experimental error of the entire sample processing procedure. The action may include continuing the current procedure with the adjusted parameters or the adjusted equipment. The action may include interrupting and restarting the current sample processing step or the entire sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0101] In some embodiments, such interruptions or restarts can be avoided by reporting parameters, such as correction factors, as output values ​​to upcoming steps.

[0102] In an embodiment, the output value is based on the experimental error of the current step.

[0103] In an embodiment, the output value is based on the cumulative error, ie the experimental error of the current step and the experimental errors of at least one previous step, preferably all previous steps.

[0104] In an embodiment, the output value is based on the accumulated error and the estimated upcoming error, ie, the experimental error of the current step, all previous steps, and all upcoming steps.

[0105] In an embodiment, if a threshold value of error is approached or exceeded, an output value is generated.

[0106] The threshold may be a predetermined threshold, or it may be a learned threshold, such as a threshold determined by a learning algorithm.

[0107] The threshold value may be a threshold value of the error of an individual step or a threshold value of the error accumulated during several steps.

[0108] In one embodiment, the recommendation includes a recommendation to use a specific combination of laboratory equipment, such as liquid handling equipment, to minimize overall experimental error.

[0109] The combination may include a combination of at least two sample processing devices, which may be the same or different.

[0110] The combination may include a combination of at least three sample processing devices, such as at least four sample processing devices.

[0111] The combination may include at least one automated liquid handling station or a handheld pipette. For example, the combination may include a handheld pipette and an automated liquid handling station. As another example, the combination may include an automated liquid handling station and a scale. As another example, the combination may include a handheld pipette and an automated liquid handling station.

[0112] In embodiments, the suggesting includes suggesting the use of an electronic pipette, an automated liquid handling station, a mechanically actuated pipette, or any combination thereof.

[0113] In embodiments, the recommendation includes suggesting optimal dispensing volumes in the preparation of a dilution series: for example, whether to prepare a 1:30 dilution by first diluting 1:3, followed by 1:3, or alternatively by diluting twice at about 1:5.47.

[0114] In an embodiment, the recommendation includes a recommendation to use a tip from a particular tip manufacturer.

[0115] In an embodiment, the recommendation includes a recommendation to change the tip.

[0116] In an embodiment, the recommendation comprises a recommendation to replace a liquid handling device or a sample weighing device.

[0117] In an embodiment, the suggestion comprises a suggestion to interrupt and re-execute the sample processing sequence, for example by using a different liquid handling device or a different scale or different pipetting parameters.

[0118] Presentation Error

[0119] The error is presented by an output device, such as an electronic output device. Typically, the output device is a display.

[0120] In an embodiment, the presentation is performed by an output device of a laboratory device operable by a user and / or used for sample processing and / or sequence analysis.

[0121] Preferably, the error is presented in a handheld device.The handheld device may be a handheld laboratory device operable by a user to perform a sample processing sequence.

[0122] Most preferably, the error is presented on a display of the handheld laboratory device.

[0123] In an embodiment, the presentation is performed via a display integrated into a liquid handling device, such as an electronic pipette or an automated liquid handling station.

[0124] In an embodiment, the presenting is performed via a display of a sample processing device used in a sample processing sequence.

[0125] In some embodiments, the presentation can be performed by any suitable means or output device, such as by visual means, by audio-visual means, or by audio means. The use of visual means enables more information, particularly alphanumeric information, to be presented to the user about the size and nature of the error. The advantage of an audio means is that the user does not need to observe any display.

[0126] In an embodiment, said presenting comprises vibrating said handheld laboratory device.

[0127] Preferably, the presentation is performed via a device held or worn by or in the line of sight of a user who is performing a sample processing and / or analysis task associated with the presented experimental error. The device for presentation may be connected or integrated to the sample processing device, or connected or integrated to a control device of the sample processing device.

[0128] In an embodiment, the presentation is performed by an output device of a mobile device available to a user during the execution of the sample processing sequence. The mobile device may be a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. The mobile device may be capable of receiving the information to be presented (output) via a wireless or wired connection.

[0129] The presentation may be provided via a wireless or wired connection, via a mobile application or tablet computer software or a web-based service, or via software integrated into the sample processing device.

[0130] The presenting may include displaying one or more charts, graphical symbols, and / or alphanumeric symbols on a display of the sample processing device.

[0131] The presenting may include presenting a variable-sized graphical symbol, such as an arrow or a circle, on a display of the sample processing device.

[0132] Preferably, said presenting comprises presenting the numerical uncertainty factor to a user on a display of the sample processing device, which may be a handheld device, for example.

[0133] In embodiments, the uncertainty factor may be derived from the total experimental error of the entire sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

[0134] In embodiments, the uncertainty factor may be derived from experimental errors in individual sample processing steps.

[0135] In embodiments, the uncertainty factor may be derived from accumulated experimental errors.

[0136] In embodiments, the uncertainty factor may be derived from an estimated experimental error of the current step and / or upcoming steps.

[0137] The method may include automatically locking out one or more functions of the sample processing device, such as temporarily locking out.An advantage is that the execution of the protocol and the accumulation of errors are automatically stopped without having to rely on the user's reaction to the presented information.

[0138] The present invention also provides a system configured to perform the method.

[0139] The system may include one or more (one or more) of the following devices: a handheld pipette, a liquid handling robot, a scale, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a spectrometer, a sample analysis device, preferably at least a handheld device, such as a pipette. In addition, the system may include a device for controlling or operating the system or liquid handling execution, which may include sample processing and / or sequence analysis. The device for controlling may be referred to as a controller. The controller may be a computer or a mobile device.

[0140] The devices may be connected to each other via a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth connection. In this way, data, such as error data, such as a quantized total error, may be transmitted between the devices, such as in the case where the total error is quantized by a different device than the device that will present the error to the user.

[0141] In an embodiment, a total experimental error is calculated by the handheld liquid handling device and the error is presented by the handheld liquid handling device.

[0142] In an embodiment, the total experimental error is calculated by the automated liquid handling station and the error is presented by the handheld liquid handling device.

[0143] In an embodiment, the total experimental error is calculated by an automated sample analysis device or station and the error is presented by the handheld liquid handling device.

[0144] In some embodiments, the data retrieved from one or more (one or more) laboratory equipment can be displayed on the display of the handheld pipette. Such data can include experimental errors and / or the output values ​​drawn therefrom. Therefore, the display of the pipette can present a combination of errors and / or output values. In this way, the error accumulation and source in the previous steps can be explained to the user in detail and in time, for example, when total error slowly accumulates and approaches a set threshold value.

[0145] The present invention may also provide a sample processing device comprising means for performing the method. In an embodiment, the sample processing device comprises: a computing device configured to quantify the total experimental error, and an output device, such as a display, configured to present the total experimental error.

[0146] Figure 1 An exemplary visual representation of the accumulation of experimental errors during a 3-step liquid dispensing sequence according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The individual experimental errors in each of the three steps (step 1, step 2, and step 3) and the total experimental error after the three steps are presented graphically.

[0147] If steps 1, 2 and 3 are different, for example performed by different types of equipment or involving different types of sample processing actions, it is preferred to quantify the errors before adding them together.

[0148] Example

[0149] In one embodiment, sample processing and / or analysis sequence comprises programmed pipetting sequence.The pipette is configured to follow the accumulation of experimental errors and estimate the total experimental error of the entire programmed sequence.Therefore, the pipette quantifies or determines the experimental error of past steps, calculates the cumulative error, optionally compares with the corresponding threshold value, estimates the upcoming error, and calculates (estimates) the total error of the entire sequence.Estimation can change or update as the sequence progresses.The pipette presents the cumulative experimental error and / or the estimated total experimental error to the user.The user can assess whether the programmed sequence can be completed at an acceptable level of uncertainty.Alternatively, the pipette can automatically generate this assessment and present it to the user.

[0150] In one embodiment, when quantifying the total experimental error in a liquid handling sequence, one or more of the following is considered: tip, liquid to be dispensed, number of doses to be dispensed, user, air humidity, ambient temperature. Thresholds or acceptable values ​​may be associated with each individual error source.

[0151] Processing solvents in the same space where other sample processing and / or analytical procedures are performed increases the experimental error in the procedure. In one embodiment, a volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor is used to detect the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the laboratory air. The detected concentration is taken into account when quantifying the total experimental error in the sample processing and / or analytical procedure.

[0152] In one embodiment, the sample processing and / or analysis sequence includes a liquid handling task, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis task, and a protein separation task. During the execution of the step, the accumulation of experimental errors is presented to the user, for example as an uncertainty factor. In this way, the user can evaluate whether there is reason to continue to perform the task and, for example, advance from one task to the next task based on the size of the uncertainty factor. In addition or alternatively, a suggestion is presented. The suggestion may include an indication based on the determined uncertainty factor. The indication may relate to an error source, and optionally to an adjustment to be made in order to make the uncertainty factor of the error source reach an acceptable level. An acceptable level refers to an error level that is not considered to be harmful to the continued execution of the task.

[0153] It should be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific structures, process steps or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0154] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing in multiple places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0155] As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements (elements), constituent elements (elements) and / or materials may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be interpreted as if each member in the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Therefore, in the absence of contrary instructions, any single member in such a list should not be interpreted as the de facto equivalent of any other member in the same list based solely on their presentation in a common group. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention and examples and alternatives of various components (assemblies) thereof may be mentioned herein. It is understood that such embodiments, examples and alternatives should not be interpreted as de facto equivalents to each other, but should be considered as independent and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0156] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided, such as examples of length, width, shape, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present invention can be practiced without one or more specific details or using other methods, components (assemblies), materials, etc. In other cases, known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring aspects of the present invention.

[0157] Although the foregoing examples illustrate the principles of the present invention in one or more specific applications, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made in the form, use and details of implementation without exercising creative ability and without departing from the principles and concepts of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited except by the claims set forth herein.

[0158] The verbs "comprise" and "include" are used in this document as open limitations, which neither exclude nor require the presence of unrecited features. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the features recited in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it is understood that "a or an" (i.e., the singular form) used throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

[0159] Industrial Applicability

[0160] The present invention is industrially applicable at least in sample handling and / or analysis methods in a laboratory environment, such as preparation, pipetting and / or analysis of samples.

Claims

1. Methods, including: - quantifying the total experimental error of a multi-step sample processing and / or analysis sequence comprising at least two steps, comprising quantifying the individual experimental errors of each of said at least two steps; as well as - presenting said total experimental error and / or an output value derived from said total experimental error via an output device. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the quantifying comprises any of: estimating the experimental error, measuring the experimental error, or retrieving a predetermined value of the experimental error, or any combination thereof.

3. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the quantification comprises quantification with the aid of an empirically trained algorithm, or calculating the sum of individual experimental errors, such as a weighted sum, or quantizing the individual experimental errors.

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sample handling and / or analysis sequence comprises or consists of a liquid handling and / or analysis sequence.

5. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein experimental errors in the use of one or more of the following equipment during the sample processing and / or analysis sequence contribute to the total experimental error to be quantified and are taken into account: handheld pipette, liquid handling robot, scale, air pressure sensor, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, spectrometer, sample analysis equipment.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output value comprises one or more of the following group: parameters, instructions and suggestions derived from any one and combination of the experimental errors.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output device comprises a display of a laboratory device used in the sample processing and / or analysis sequence, preferably the output device comprises a display of a handheld laboratory device.

8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the output device comprises a display of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet computer, which is used in the sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The output includes suggestions for adjusting individual experimental error sources, such as adjusting parameters associated with the sources, to reduce the accumulation of total experimental error, or The output values ​​include a recommendation to use a specific liquid handling device and / or a specific tip in a liquid handling device during performance of a current step or an upcoming step of the sample processing and / or analysis sequence.

10. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the presenting comprises presenting by the output device, such as a display, one or more of: a chart, a graphical symbol, an alphanumeric symbol, or any combination thereof.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said presenting comprises presenting the numerical uncertainty factor by said output device, such as a display.

12. A method according to any preceding claim, comprising: Automatically lock or adjust functionality of a lab device based on a quantified experimental error to which usage of the lab device contributes.

13. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein reporting a quantified experimental error or output value to a laboratory instrument to which use of the laboratory instrument contributed; and The output values ​​include parameters that are control commands or correction factors for laboratory equipment to reduce the experimental errors.

14. A device comprising means for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the device comprising: - Devices for processing and / or analyzing samples; - a computing device configured to quantify said experimental error, and - an output device configured to present said total experimental error and / or said output value.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein Apparatus for processing and / or analyzing samples includes liquid handling equipment, and The output device includes a display, an audio device or an audio-visual device.

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