Automated Flow Cytometry Stimulus Testing for Equivocal Results
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometry stimulus response tests, such as the basophil activation test (BAT), face challenges with inconsistent results due to assay sensitivity or stimulus availability, leading to time-consuming and resource-intensive manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using flow cytometry to measure fluorescence intensities at varying concentrations of chemical stimuli, determining if the response exceeds or falls below a preselected threshold, and adjusting the stimulus concentration or testing multiple stimuli autonomously to clarify equivocal results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustments and reattempts of assay process conditions are performed to address inconsistent flow cytometry results, then measurement precision may be improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs adjustments to assay process conditions based on detected inconsistent results without requiring manual intervention. The flow cytometry system self-corrects by modifying stimulation conditions, reagent volumes, or measurement parameters to resolve equivocal results, thereby eliminating time loss to manual adjustments while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where inconsistent or equivocal test results trigger automatic retesting with adjusted parameters. The system analyzes the initial results, determines that adjustment is needed, and automatically re-performs the assay with modified conditions to obtain definitive results, reducing both time and material waste compared to manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustments and reattempts of assay process conditions are performed to address inconsistent flow cytometry results, then measurement precision may be improved, but loss of substance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages reagent and sample consumption by intelligently determining when adjustments are necessary and performing only the minimum required retesting. The automated system optimizes the use of precious biological samples and reagents by avoiding unnecessary manual reattempts, thereby reducing substance loss while ensuring accurate results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by performing adjustments only when equivocal results are detected, rather than automatically retesting all samples. This selective approach minimizes unnecessary consumption of samples and reagents while still achieving measurement precision for cases that require it.
3Productivity
If automated methods are implemented to reduce manual intervention in flow cytometry testing, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: it performs the original flow cytometry measurement, analyzes results for consistency, determines when adjustments are needed, and executes the adjustment and retesting automatically. This multi-functional integration increases productivity while managing complexity by consolidating control within the existing flow cytometry instrument rather than requiring separate automated systems.
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
Provides efficient and accurate automated testing by differentiating true positive/negative responses from assay-related sensitivities, reducing manual intervention and resource waste.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, using flow cytometry of a first portion of the sample, one or more fluorescence intensities associated with activation of the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods for the automated testing of a sample response to one or more chemical stimuli. The provided methods are particularly useful for the automated analysis of allergic responses. Also provided are computer systems and instructions for implementing the provided methods.