Automatic Analyzer Preparation Timing and Liquid Freshness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic analyzers face a long turnaround time for sample analysis due to inefficient preparation processes, which can extend the time to acquire results, especially after startup or restart, and executing preparation processes in the initial phase can lead to system liquid deterioration affecting precision.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with selection means to execute specific preparation operations either in the initial process or during sample analysis, along with automatic validation of system liquid freshness, allowing for optimized timing of preparatory operations such as system liquid replacement, sample nozzle pressure sensor checking, reaction vessel discarding, and pre-cleaning liquid replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the analysis preparation process is executed after the measurement start request, then the apparatus can be in standby state ready for measurement, but the turnaround time for initial samples becomes significantly longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent executes the analysis preparation process in advance during the initial process after powering on, before the apparatus enters standby state. This preliminary execution of preparatory operations (system liquid replacement, nozzle clog checking, reaction vessel discarding, pre-cleaning liquid replacement) eliminates the need to wait 15 minutes after measurement start request, thereby reducing turnaround time for initial samples while maintaining readiness for measurement
2Loss of time
If the analysis preparation process is executed in the initial process after powering on, then the turnaround time for initial samples is shortened, but the system liquid may deteriorate during standby state affecting measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the execution timing of the analysis preparation process based on the standby time duration. When standby time exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system automatically re-executes necessary preparatory operations (particularly system liquid replacement) before measurement starts. This dynamic adaptation ensures system liquid freshness and measurement precision while still reducing turnaround time compared to conventional fixed timing approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism that monitors the standby time duration and uses this information to determine whether to re-execute the analysis preparation process. The control unit compares the actual standby time against a predetermined threshold and automatically triggers preparatory operations when needed, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains measurement precision adaptively
3Measurement precision
If the analysis preparation process is executed every time measurement starts, then measurement precision is maintained, but operational efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively executing only the necessary preparatory operations based on the standby time duration. Instead of always executing the complete analysis preparation process, the system performs only the required subset of operations (system liquid replacement, nozzle checking, etc.) when standby time exceeds the threshold, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing unnecessary operational overhead and improving overall productivity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
An automatic analyzer comprises selection means for selecting whether a preparatory operation, specified from a plurality of analysis preparation processes of the automatic analyzer, should be executed in an initial process at the powering on of the analyzer or after the start of the actual analysis (i.e., in parallel with the sample analysis operation). For example, the automatic analyzer is equipped with means which allows the analyzer to execute a "system liquid replacement operation", a "sample nozzle pressure sensor checking operation", a "reaction vessel discarding operation" and a "pre-cleaning liquid replacement operation" which among various operations that are executed in the preparation process in conventional immunological analyzing apparatus in processes other than the preparation process. Consequently, the time from the occurrence of the analysis request to the actual start of the analysis can be reduced to a minimum and the turnaround time of the inspection just after the start of the analysis can be shortened in automatic analyzers such as immunological analyzing apparatus.