Automated Blood Sample Preparation With Inversion And Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood sample preparation methods are prone to errors due to manual handling steps, inconsistent inversion and centrifugation times, and lack of automated tracking, which can impact diagnostic accuracy and patient care.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparation device with a holder and actuator for automated inversion and staging to ensure correct inversion cycles and clotting times, combined with a controller for automated tracking and routing to centrifugation or storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inversion and handling steps are used, then flexibility in handling different tube types is maintained, but errors and inconsistencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses machine-readable identifiers on tubes to automatically determine handling requirements, allowing the device to self-configure for different tube types without manual programming or complex programming interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
A single automated handling device performs multiple functions including inversion, timing, and routing for various tube types, replacing multiple manual operations with one multi-functional system
2Manufacturing precision
If automated inversion is implemented, then inversion consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inversion mechanism is divided into discrete, repeatable motion segments that can be precisely controlled and counted, ensuring consistent inversion accuracy across different tube types
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical inversion mechanisms are replaced with simpler actuating systems that use machine-readable instructions to control basic motion, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining precision
3Reliability
If clotting time is extended, then clotting completeness is improved, but turnaround time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs inversion and other preparatory actions before the clotting period begins, ensuring that when clotting starts, all preliminary steps are complete and can proceed without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically tracks and records clotting time, providing feedback to ensure optimal clotting duration is achieved while alerting when the time is up, preventing both under-clotting and unnecessary delays
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tube types are handled manually, then sorting flexibility is maintained, but handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Tubes carry their own identification information that the system automatically reads and processes, eliminating the need for manual identification and sorting decisions
Solution Approach 2:
Tube identification and routing decisions are made automatically as tubes are introduced to the system, preparing the sorting path in advance before the tube needs to be moved
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
Reduces errors by ensuring consistent and automated sample preparation, including correct inversion and clotting times, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing manual handling complexities.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is configured to cause the holder to repeatedly change a position of the sample container a set number of times when the sample container is held by the holder
Implementation Method 2
The set period of time is sufficient to allow the blood in the sample container to further clot
Implementation Method 3
Serum or plasma containers need to be centrifuged in order to separate the liquid portion of the blood from the cells prior to analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to blood sample preparation devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a blood sample comprises: receiving at a sample preparation machine a sample container containing the blood sample; scanning an identifier of the sample container, the identifier containing information indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the sample container or the blood sample contained therein, actuating, after the scanning, and based on the information, the sample container to repeatedly change a position of the sample container; determining, based on the information, whether the sample container should be centrifuged; and transporting the sample container to a centrifuge to be centrifuged and then to a storage compartment when the determining indicates that the sample container should be centrifuged, and to the storage compartment without entering the centrifuge when the determining indicates that the sample container should not be centrifuged.