Assay Consumable Data Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated assay systems face challenges in achieving reproducible results due to human or machine errors during assay preparation, sample dilution, and consumable loading, as well as variations in sample concentration caused by evaporation and temperature control issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated assay system with precision training plates, heat exchangers for temperature control, standardized consumable loading, and a user interface to guide protocol selection, along with specialized storage units and a robotic gripper arm and pipettor to minimize errors and ensure reproducibility, using consumable identifiers like 2D or 1D barcodes for tracking and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preparation and loading of assay consumables is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but human errors occur leading to poor reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-identifying consumables with embedded identifiers that automatically provide information to the automated system, enabling the consumables to serve themselves in the identification and tracking process without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements tracking and verification mechanisms that monitor consumable identification, loading status, and assay execution, providing feedback loops that detect and correct errors to ensure reproducible results
2Measurement precision
If consumables are tracked with identifiers and data management systems, then tracking precision and error detection are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts identification and tracking data directly from embedded identifiers on consumables, separating the identification function from manual tracking processes and integrating it into the automated system workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The identifier system serves multiple functions including consumable identification, tracking, validation, and data association, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a unified multi-functional approach
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
The system achieves reproducible assay runs with minimized errors and variations, ensuring consumables are properly loaded and maintained at optimal temperatures, thereby enhancing the reliability and consistency of assay results.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers are provided to maintain a selected operating temperature in the assay system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay-systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.