Integrated Biochemical Assay Flow Control for Point-of-Care Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biochemical assays require separate devices for sample processing and detection, which can complicate the analysis and reduce efficiency, especially in point-of-care diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An integrated biochemical assay apparatus that uses a detection instrument to control a sample processing device through linear and/or rotary actuations, incorporating a manifold, antibody array, and actuable valves to sequentially process and detect biological fluid samples, facilitating efficient sample handling and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate devices are used for sample processing and detection, then device complexity is reduced, but assay efficiency and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample processing device and detection instrument into a single integrated biochemical assay apparatus. The sample processing device is mounted on a movable platform within the detection instrument enclosure, allowing sequential fluid handling operations (dilution, washing, reagent addition) to be performed directly coupled with detection, eliminating the need for separate devices and manual transfer steps.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling is used for sample processing, then ease of operation is improved, but assay accuracy and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus performs sample processing operations automatically through a sequence of automated fluid handling steps. The system self-manages the dilution, washing, and reagent addition processes without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving assay accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-prepares reagents and samples in designated chambers before the actual assay begins. The elongate vessels contain pre-measured reagents (diluent, wash buffer, assay label) that are automatically delivered in the correct sequence, eliminating manual preparation steps and ensuring consistent, accurate results.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for sequential processing steps, then device versatility is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus enables continuous automated fluid handling through sequential actuation of plungers that drive samples and reagents through the processing chambers in a continuous flow. The movable platform sequentially positions different chambers under the detection zone without interruption, eliminating idle time between processing steps and enabling uninterrupted assay execution.
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 integration enhances the efficiency of biochemical assays, enabling point-of-care diagnosis by streamlining sample processing and detection, reducing complexity and improving analytical performance.
Implementation Method 1
the linear actuator depresses the air plunger to cause air from the elongate air chamber to enter the elongate fluid compartment and flush the biological fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
the linear actuator depresses the fluid plunger of the first elongate vessel to cause the diluted biological fluid sample to enter the antibody array
Implementation Method 3
the linear actuator depresses the fluid plunger of a second elongate vessel to cause a wash reagent to enter the antibody array
Implementation Method 4
the linear actuator depresses the fluid plunger of a third elongate vessel to cause an assay label reagent to enter the antibody array
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a biochemical assay apparatus in which a sample processing device is controlled by a detection instrument through a series of linear and rotary actuations to execute a biochemical assay on a biological fluid sample.