Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Cartridge Parallel Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) systems are limited by the number of reservoirs on test panels, leading to increased costs and reduced throughput, as they can only process a limited number of antimicrobials per test, which results in underutilization of resources and incomplete information for patients, especially in high-risk situations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an AST cartridge with over 150 reservoirs that can simultaneously process two or more microorganism-comprising samples using multiplexed panels, allowing for parallel testing with similar antimicrobial menus and concentrations, and a system for inoculating these samples to minimize contamination and optimize workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of reservoirs on test panels is increased to process more antimicrobials per test, then the completeness of test information and throughput are improved, but the panel manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large panel into multiple smaller subpanels, each containing a subset of antimicrobial reservoirs. These subpanels are processed independently and then integrated to provide comprehensive results. This segmentation reduces the complexity of individual panels while maintaining the ability to test a broad spectrum of antimicrobials across multiple subpanels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from processing single samples per panel to parallel processing of multiple samples across multiple subpanels. By organizing reservoirs into a multi-dimensional structure where samples can be assigned to different subpanels, the system increases throughput without requiring each individual panel to contain all possible antimicrobial combinations.
2Loss of information
If the number of reservoirs on test panels is increased to process more antimicrobials per test, then the completeness of test information is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the comprehensive antimicrobial panel into multiple smaller subpanels, the patent enables parallel processing of multiple samples. Each subpanel can be manufactured independently with fewer reservoirs, reducing the per-panel manufacturing cost and complexity while the combined results from multiple subpanels provide complete test information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a workflow where subpanels that are not fully utilized can be discarded, and the system recovers by assigning subsequent samples to different subpanel configurations. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to varying test requirements without manufacturing overly complex panels for every possible scenario.
3Device complexity
If current AST systems process only a limited number of antimicrobials per test, then the system complexity is reduced, but the throughput and resource utilization are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple subpanels into a unified processing workflow, where results from multiple subpanels are integrated to provide comprehensive AST results. This merging approach enables the system to process more antimicrobials per test cycle without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual processing units, thereby improving throughput while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform that can handle multiple sample types and antimicrobial combinations through a standardized subpanel architecture. Each subpanel is designed with universal features that allow it to be used across different test scenarios, enabling the system to process diverse samples efficiently without requiring separate specialized systems for each test type.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system, method and interface for automated rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is disclosed which includes, in one aspect, a carrier population station comprising a workstation having a graphic user interface (GUI). The GUI accepts information from a lab technologist, including information related to a scope of testing to be performed on a microorganism containing sample. The GUI controls intelligent assignment of microorganism containing samples to test panels in a manner that maximize utilization of the test carrier by grouping together samples of similar tests scopes and advantageously testing those samples using one multiplexed test panel. Customizing workflow in accordance with test scope to facilitate parallel processing of multiple samples advantageously reduces laboratory waste, decreases test latencies, increases AST system throughput and efficiency, and thus lowers the costs to the AST lab.