Automated Sample Prep and Analysis System for Dynamic LCMS Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current LCMS systems are complex and require specialized technologists, making them unsuitable for typical hospital labs, leading to delays in sample analysis and inefficiencies in handling different analyte assays, especially for time-sensitive specimens.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample preparation and analysis system that dynamically reconfigures based on selected assays, allowing for efficient processing of various analyte assays without the need for extensive technical expertise, using a data communication link to reconfigure the analyzer and transport samples between preparation and analysis stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If batch mode automation is used to process specimens, then the amount of LCMS technologist intervention is reduced, but the time to result for each specimen significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the LCMS instrument settings, columns, and mobile phases based on the specific analyte assay being performed. This allows the system to adapt between different assay types without requiring manual intervention or batch processing, enabling both high automation and fast turnaround time by processing specimens individually with automated method selection and instrument reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reconfiguration of LCMS equipment is performed to accommodate different analyte assays, then the system can be optimized for specific analyses, but the process becomes time consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically selects and configures the appropriate LCMS methods, columns, and mobile phases based on the analyte assay being performed. The automated system performs what previously required manual technologist intervention, eliminating time-consuming manual reconfiguration and reducing errors while maintaining the ability to adapt to different analyte types through automated method selection and instrument control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LCMS systems are purchased for different dedicated analyses, then each system can be optimized for specific assays, but the capital investment becomes prohibitively large for hospital labs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single LCMS instrument to perform multiple different analyte assays by automatically reconfiguring instrument settings, selecting appropriate columns, and adjusting mobile phases based on the assay being performed. This multi-functionality allows hospital labs to maintain one versatile system rather than purchasing multiple dedicated systems, significantly reducing capital investment while maintaining the ability to perform diverse analyses.
4Measurement precision
If LCMS systems are used in hospital labs, then high accuracy analyte detection is achieved, but the technical complexity and need for specialized technologists increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system handles the complex tasks of method selection, instrument reconfiguration, and assay optimization without requiring manual intervention by specialized technologists. The system self-manages the technical complexity aspects while maintaining high measurement precision, allowing hospital labs to use LCMS technology without needing to employ specialized LCMS technologists.
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
This system enables faster and more flexible analysis of multiple analyte assays, reducing the need for specialized technologists and minimizing delays, thus improving the efficiency and speed of sample processing in clinical labs.
Implementation Method 1
A transport mechanism transports the prepared sample from the sample preparation system to the sample analysis system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A sample preparation and analysis system. The system 10 includes a sample preparation system 12 and a sample analysis system 14. The sample preparation system 12 prepares samples in accordance with an assay that is selected from a database containing a plurality of unique assays. The sample analysis system 14 includes an analyzer 110 that is dynamically reconfigurable based on the selected assay so as to analyze the prepared sample in accordance with that selected assay. A data communication link 115a communicates data from the sample preparation system 12 to the sample analysis system 14 to reconfigure the analyzer 110 in accordance with the selected assay.