Automated Sample Pretreatment Column for Discrete Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sample pretreatment in laboratory settings is a bottleneck for automated chemical analysis, leading to increased time, labor, and error risks, especially in clinical testing where sample types require pretreatment steps like separation, homogenization, and interference removal, which are not well-suited for automated discrete analysis systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pretreatment method for automated discrete analyzing apparatuses that selectively retains matrix substances or analytes without chemically altering them, allowing for subsequent analysis, using methods like immobilization, filtration, or reversible covalent bonding, enabling separation and enrichment of analytes from complex samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sample pretreatment is performed, then sample analysis can be conducted, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated pretreatment steps (homogenization, centrifugation, filtration) that are performed automatically before analysis without requiring manual intervention. The system prepares samples in advance through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for manual pretreatment operations and significantly reducing both time consumption and labor requirements while maintaining analysis capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual sample pretreatment is performed, then complex samples can be processed, but error risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pretreatment system incorporates feedback mechanisms through standardized protocols and automated control that monitor and adjust pretreatment parameters. This ensures consistent processing of complex samples (blood, urine, tissue, food) while minimizing human error. The system automatically detects sample characteristics and adjusts processing conditions, maintaining high reliability across diverse sample types without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated discrete analysis is used, then analysis speed increases, but pretreatment capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges automated pretreatment functions (homogenization, centrifugation, filtration, separation) with discrete analysis capabilities into an integrated system. This combination allows the system to maintain high analysis speed while simultaneously providing comprehensive pretreatment capability for complex samples. The merged system processes samples through automated pretreatment steps followed immediately by discrete analysis, eliminating the bottleneck of manual pretreatment and enabling both speed and versatility.
4Ease of operation
If manual pretreatment steps are performed, then sample preparation can be completed, but labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the pretreatment apparatus automatically performs all necessary sample preparation steps without human intervention. The system autonomously executes homogenization, centrifugation, filtration, and separation protocols, then automatically transfers prepared samples to the discrete analysis module. This self-service capability dramatically simplifies operation while maximizing automation level, requiring minimal human input beyond sample loading and result collection.
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 approach enhances sample throughput and standardization by allowing automated pretreatment within the analysis system, maintaining analyte integrity and reducing contamination risks, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of chemical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
selectively either a pretreatment wherein at least one matrix substance is retained from a sample volume without chemically changing the chemical composition of the analyte
Implementation Method 2
using methods like immobilization, filtration, or reversible covalent bonding
Implementation Method 3
using methods like immobilization, filtration, or reversible covalent bonding
Implementation Method 4
They may combine both routine and sophisticated assay techniques such as spectrophotometry, fluorometry
Implementation Method 5
They may combine both routine and sophisticated assay techniques such as spectrophotometry, fluorometry
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for pretreatment of a desired sample in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument includes a frame rotatably mounted on or within the discrete fluid analyzing instrument with a column for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample. The substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized. A first fluid transport line is provided for aspirating the sample into the column and for ejecting the substance or analyte eluted from the column. A pump is provided for pumping the sample through the column with a second fluid transport line connecting the pump to the column. A member is providing to supply the eluted substance or analyte to the discrete fluid analyzing instrument for measurement of at least one property of the substance or analyte. A device is provided for simultaneously or consecutively directing any non-pretreated sample or any subsample directly to the discrete fluid analyzing instrument.