Consumable Data Management for Automated Assay Reproducibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated biological assays face challenges in reproducibility and repeatability due to human or machine errors during preparation, consumable loading, and execution, with issues like sample concentration variations, evaporation, and background noise in electrochemiluminescent (ECL) readings.
Innovation Solution
An automated assay system with precision training plates, heat exchangers, standardized consumable storage, and software architecture to minimize errors, ensure reproducibility, and calibrate pipettors and plate washers, using data deployable bundles for consumable data management and specialized lids to prevent reagent evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated assay systems are used to improve productivity, then output per unit time increases, but human or machine errors during preparation, loading, and execution cause variability in reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring consumable data in data deployable bundles, pre-validating assay protocols, and pre-calibrating instruments before actual assay execution. This ensures that all parameters are optimized and verified in advance, reducing errors during high-speed automated operation and improving reproducibility without sacrificing productivity
2Measurement precision
If precision training plates and calibrated instruments are used to improve measurement precision, then assay accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable precision training plates and single-use calibrated consumables that are pre-manufactured to high precision specifications. These disposable components eliminate the need for complex recalibration mechanisms and repeated validation procedures, maintaining high measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity through standardized, replaceable parts
3Reliability
If specialized consumable storage units and standardized loading procedures are implemented to improve reliability, then loading errors are minimized, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated consumable identification using data deployable bundles, automatic validation of consumable compatibility, and self-calibrating instruments. The system autonomously verifies loading accuracy and detects errors without requiring extensive user intervention or expertise, thereby maintaining high reliability while preserving ease of operation through automated quality control
4Reliability
If tight timing tolerances and automated timing control are applied to ensure run-to-run reproducibility, then assay consistency improves, but productivity decreases due to extended validation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs timing calibration and validation in advance using precision training plates and pre-configured protocols. By establishing timing parameters beforehand and storing them in data deployable bundles, the system eliminates the need for extended validation during each assay run, maintaining tight timing tolerances for consistency while preserving high throughput through pre-optimized parameters
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 system achieves reproducible assay runs with minimized errors, maintains sample concentration consistency, and reduces background noise in ECL readings, ensuring consistent and reliable assay results.
Implementation Method 1
Heat exchangers are provided to maintain a selected operating temperature in the assay system
Implementation Method 2
Specialized lids are provided to minimize the loss of reagents from container through evaporation
Implementation Method 3
electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunoassays
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.