Automated Cell Suspension Preparation via Pipetting Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated devices for preparing and analyzing cell suspensions often produce artifacts and have issues with filter clogging and variable handling procedures, limiting the standardization and reliability of cytological sample analysis.

Innovation Solution

A process and automated device that breaks up cell clusters via pipetting-dispensing means, mixes and filters the suspensions, and uses differential decantation to select relevant cells, followed by automated staining and analysis, ensuring standardized and reliable preparation and analysis of cell suspensions without opening the sample containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated devices are used to prepare cell suspensions, then processing speed increases, but artifacts are generated and filter clogging occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsample quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the problematic filter component from the automated preparation system. By eliminating the filter, the system avoids filter mesh clogging with debris and artifacts generation while maintaining automated high-speed processing capability. The cell suspension is prepared without passing through a filter, thus preserving sample integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs disposable microtip containers and single-use preparation systems that eliminate the need for reusable filters. Each sample is processed in a fresh disposable container, preventing cross-contamination and filter clogging issues that accumulate with repeated use of permanent filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different handling operations are used for different sample types, then sample-specific requirements are met, but standardization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample type flexibilityVSAvoidhandling procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal automated preparation system that handles all cytological sample types (gynaecological and non-gynaecological) through a single standardized protocol. The same automated device and preparation method work for all sample types without requiring operator intervention or procedure changes, achieving both versatility and standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains adaptability to different sample types by adjusting physical parameters such as centrifugation speed, incubation time, and reagent volumes through automated programming, rather than changing handling procedures. This allows one standardized method to accommodate various sample characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If manual preparation methods are used, then sample quality is maintained, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary automated actions including cell cluster breaking, differential decanting, and sample concentration adjustment before the actual analysis. By pre-processing samples automatically with controlled parameters, the system maintains diagnostic quality while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical manipulation with automated mechanical systems including robotic pipetting, automated centrifugation, and computer-controlled sample handling. This substitution maintains or improves sample quality through precise, repeatable operations while reducing preparation time and eliminating human variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The solution enables fast, reliable, and standardized preparation and analysis of cytological samples, reducing technical preparation time by 90% and improving smear quality and reproducibility, while maintaining cell integrity and facilitating traceability.

Implementation Method 1

selecting relevant cells by differential decanting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential decantation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS9983222B2Automatic process and automated device for preparing and analysing a plurality of cell suspensions

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 NOVACYT

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for preparing and analyzing a plurality of cell suspensions (5) comprising at least the following successive steps:(a) loading a plurality of bottles (4) onto a reception plate (6), each bottle (4) comprising a cell suspension (5) to be analyzed;(b) loading a plurality of analysis containers (32, 34, 36) onto the reception plate (6); and(c) taking a sample of a cell suspension (5) from a bottle (4) and depositing this sample in an analysis container (34, 36); wherein step (c) is repeated for each bottle (4) to be analyzed.Step (c) of taking a sample of a cell suspension from a bottle (4) and depositing this sample in an analysis container (34, 36) comprises at least one step of breaking up the cell clusters by virtue of pipetting distribution means (20).The invention also relates to an automated device for implementing this process.