Sequential Dried Blood Sample Elution for Protein and DNA Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require multiple blood samples or additional collections to perform multiple medical tests, which are costly and time-consuming, especially when dealing with small or insufficient dried blood spots from premature babies.
Innovation Solution
A method to analyze multiple types of analytes from a single dried blood sample by sequentially eluting non-nucleotide and nucleic acid targets using different solutions, followed by specific detection methods like mass spectrometry and PCR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate blood samples are collected for different tests, then each test can be performed with sufficient sample volume, but the cost and time required for sample collection and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test procedures into a single integrated workflow using one dried blood spot sample. The method merges protein elution and nucleic acid extraction into a sequential process where the same sample undergoes both analyses, eliminating the need for separate sample collections and reducing overall processing time while maintaining test reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The dried blood spot sample serves multiple functions simultaneously - it is used for both protein analysis and nucleic acid analysis. This multi-functional use of a single sample allows the system to perform multiple diagnostic tests without requiring additional sample collections, thereby reducing time loss while ensuring reliable results for each test type
2Reliability
If multiple separate blood samples are collected for different tests, then each test can be performed with sufficient sample volume, but the cost of sample collection and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple test procedures into a single integrated workflow using one dried blood spot sample. The method merges protein elution and nucleic acid extraction into a sequential process where the same sample undergoes both analyses, eliminating the need for separate sample collections and reducing overall processing time while maintaining test reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The dried blood spot sample serves multiple functions simultaneously - it is used for both protein analysis and nucleic acid analysis. This multi-functional use of a single sample allows the system to perform multiple diagnostic tests without requiring additional sample collections, thereby reducing time loss while ensuring reliable results for each test type
3Loss of time
If a single dried blood spot sample is used for multiple tests, then sample collection time and cost are reduced, but the sample may be insufficient or depleted after the first test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process into distinct sequential phases - first eluting proteins from the dried blood spot, then extracting nucleic acids from the same sample. This segmentation allows different types of biomolecules to be recovered in separate steps, maximizing the information obtained from a limited sample volume without depleting it between tests
Solution Approach 2:
The method maintains continuous useful action by immediately proceeding from protein elution to nucleic acid extraction without discarding the sample. The sequential process ensures that each analytical step builds upon the previous one, fully utilizing the available sample material throughout the entire workflow rather than losing valuable analyte between separate tests
4Reliability
If different collection methods are used for different tests, then each test protocol can be optimized, but the complexity of sample preparation and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dried blood spot sample serves multiple functions simultaneously - it is used for both protein analysis and nucleic acid analysis. This multi-functional use of a single sample allows the system to perform multiple diagnostic tests without requiring additional sample collections, thereby reducing time loss while ensuring reliable results for each test type
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 increases throughput and reduces measurement errors by allowing multiple tests from a single sample, preserving the integrity of both protein and nucleic acid targets for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the dried blood sample with an elution solution, incubating the dried blood sample in the elution solution for a time sufficient to elute one or more non-nucleotide targets
Implementation Method 2
contacting the separated dried blood sample with nucleic acid releasing solution suitable for eluting nucleic acids, and incubating the separated dried blood sample in the nucleic acid releasing solution for a time sufficient to elute the nucleic acids
Implementation Method 3
Optionally, for either method a protein or metabolite sample may be analyzed by mass spectrometry
Implementation Method 4
Optionally for either method a nucleic acid may be analyzed by polymerase chain reaction, optionally quantitative PCR
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are processes for the use of a single dried blood sample for the preparation of test samples including targets of differing structures. The processes allow the same dried blood sample to be used for preparation of a first test sample including a non-nucleic acid target, and the same dried blood sample to be subsequently processed for preparation of a test sample that includes a nucleic acid target whereby the processes preserve the ability of the nucleic acid to be detected in subsequent detection assays following prior isolation of non-nucleic acid targets.