Assay Cartridge Electrical Connection Integrity Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated detection systems for nucleic acid or biomolecular testing often fail to perform accurately due to improper electrical connections between assay cartridges and instrument bays, leading to preventable medical errors and delays, which can be fatal in cases like sepsis detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for assessing the integrity of electrical connections between assay cartridges and instrument bays by measuring impedance values, determining a quality factor, and validating the connections before proceeding with the assay, ensuring proper electrical connections are maintained for accurate testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated detection systems are used for nucleic acid or biomolecular testing, then testing efficiency and speed are improved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to improper electrical connections between assay cartridges and instrument bays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary electrical connection validation by measuring impedance values between the assay cartridge and instrument bay before the actual detection process begins. This preliminary action ensures that proper electrical connections are established, preventing detection errors while maintaining high testing efficiency through automated validation.
2Reliability
If strict controls are placed on detection systems to ensure accuracy, then detection reliability is improved, but valid samples are rejected resulting in waste and time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual inspection and subjective judgment with automated electrical impedance measurement and objective algorithmic analysis. This substitution enables rapid, consistent validation of electrical connections, reducing false rejections of valid samples while maintaining high detection accuracy through precise electrical parameter measurement.
3Reliability
If electrical connection integrity is validated through impedance measurement, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional validation components and procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates electrical impedance measurement and connection validation into the existing automated detection platform, allowing the same hardware infrastructure to serve multiple functions: sample processing, signal detection, and electrical connection validation. This multi-functionality approach minimizes additional complexity while ensuring reliable electrical connection verification.
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
This approach increases the validity rates of assay devices, reduces preventable medical errors, and saves lives by ensuring accurate detection of target analytes, particularly in critical situations like sepsis where timely antibiotic therapy is essential.
Implementation Method 1
measuring electrical signals to determine impedance values associated with at least two circuits between the assay cartridge and the assay processing device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for assessing the integrity of electrical connections between elements of interfacing electronic devices. In some aspects, a system includes an analysis device having electronics that interface with an assay cartridge inserted into the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is configured to conduct a preflight test in which impedance values for each circuit between the assay cartridge and analysis device are rearranged and assessed to determine the electrical connection integrity of the assay cartridge to the analysis device prior to implementing the assay.