Automated Analyzer Special Washing to Prevent Sample Carryover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated biochemical analyzers do not prevent sample carryover via reagent dispensing probes and stirring rods due to lack of special washing, especially for strongly positive samples.
Innovation Solution
An automated analyzer system that includes a reagent dispensing probe, a sample dispensing probe, a stirring rod, and a storage unit for special washing information, where a determination unit assesses the need for special washing based on sample information and a controller controls operations to dispense a wash liquid and stir it with the stirring rod to prevent carryover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special washing is performed only on sample dispensing probes and diluting/stirring rods, then the structure and operation remain simple, but sample carryover occurs via reagent dispensing probes and stirring rods
Solution Approach 1:
The washing system is extended to perform special washing on multiple types of probes (sample dispensing probe, reagent dispensing probe) and stirring rods that come into contact with samples or reagents. This multi-functional washing approach ensures comprehensive prevention of sample carryover across all components, resolving the contradiction by making the washing system universal rather than limited to specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines whether special washing is needed based on sample information before performing analysis, and executes the washing procedure in advance. This preliminary action prevents sample carryover before it can affect subsequent measurements, resolving the contradiction by proactively addressing contamination risks rather than reactively dealing with them.
2Reliability
If special washing is performed on reagent dispensing probes and stirring rods, then sample carryover is prevented, but the washing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines whether special washing is required based on sample information and executes the washing procedure without manual intervention. The controller autonomously manages the washing process for reagent dispensing probes and stirring rods, making the complex operation transparent to the user and resolving the contradiction by automating the decision-making and execution processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sample information as feedback to determine whether special washing is needed. Based on the characteristics of the sample being analyzed, the controller automatically adjusts the washing procedure, ensuring accurate results while simplifying operation through intelligent, condition-based decision-making rather than requiring manual assessment of washing needs.
3Reliability
If no special washing is performed on reagent dispensing probes, then the operation is simple, but strongly positive samples cause carryover contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs special washing only when determined to be necessary based on sample information, rather than performing it unconditionally on all samples. This partial action approach prevents contamination for samples that require it while avoiding unnecessary consumption of wash liquid for samples that do not require special washing, resolving the contradiction by applying washing selectively rather than universally.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents sample carryover by performing special washing on reagent dispensing probes and stirring rods, ensuring accurate analysis results by maintaining the purity of wash liquids and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
causing the reagent dispensing probe to dispense a wash liquid to the reaction vessel
Implementation Method 2
causing the stirring rod to stir the wash liquid in the reaction vessel
Implementation Method 3
sample dispensing probes that dispense samples and diluting/stirring rods that stir diluted samples are washed using an alkaline detergent
Data Source
AI summary
An automated analyzer includes a reagent dispensing probe that dispenses a reagent to a reaction vessel, a sample dispensing probe that dispenses a sample to the reaction vessel, a stirring rod that stirs a sample and a reagent in the reaction vessel, and a storage unit that stores special washing information including information about a condition for performing special washing to prevent sample carryover and a washing method. The automated analyzer further includes: a determination unit that determines whether the special washing is required based on information about the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing probe and the special washing information; and a controller that causes the reagent dispensing probe to dispense a wash liquid to the reaction vessel and causes the stirring rod to stir the wash liquid in the reaction vessel based on the special washing information, when the special washing is performed.