Automated Assay Consumable Data Management to Reduce Handling Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated assay systems face challenges in achieving reproducibility and minimizing human or machine errors during assay preparation, consumable loading, and execution, particularly in immunoassays like electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunoassays, due to variations in sample concentration, evaporation, and inconsistent consumable handling.
Innovation Solution
An automated assay system with features such as precision training plates, heat exchangers, standardized consumable storage units, and a software architecture that minimizes errors through reproducible assay runs, uses consumable identifiers for data management, and includes a loading cart to guide users in proper consumable loading, ensuring consistent assay execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual consumable handling and loading is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to human errors and inconsistent handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where consumables automatically identify themselves through embedded identifiers, and the system automatically retrieves, tracks, and manages them without manual intervention. The consumable carrier and identifier work together to enable automatic system recognition and handling, eliminating the need for complex manual tracking procedures while maintaining precision.
2Reliability
If automated consumable management is implemented, then reliability improves through consistent handling, but device complexity increases due to additional tracking and identification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The identification and tracking data are extracted from the consumable itself through embedded identifiers, rather than requiring external tracking systems. The consumable carrier separates the identification function from the handling function, allowing the system to manage consumables reliably through simple identifier recognition rather than complex data management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable identifier serves multiple functions: it identifies the consumable type, tracks its location, and provides information for proper handling. This multi-functional identifier reduces the need for separate tracking systems, databases, and management software, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If consumables are stored in standardized units, then ease of operation improves through consistent loading, but device complexity increases due to standardized storage infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into standardized consumable carriers that can be independently handled and loaded. Each carrier is a discrete unit with standardized features, allowing flexible configuration and loading without requiring a complex integrated storage system. The carrier itself is the standardized unit, not the entire storage infrastructure.
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 results by minimizing errors in consumable handling and execution, maintaining temperature control, and reducing variations in assay timing, thereby enhancing the reliability and consistency of biological assays.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers are provided to maintain a selected operating temperature in the assay system
Data Source
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.