Dual-Needle Sample Analyzer With Item-Matched Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample analyzers using single-needle pipetting devices limit detection speed and precision due to resource wastage and increased calibration costs when multiple needles are used, leading to inefficiencies and accuracy deviations.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with independent first and second sample dispensing components, each with its own needle, and a controller to manage distribution and detection processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency by calibrating and correcting distribution deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-needle pipetting device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pipetting device is segmented into multiple independent pipetting needles (first sample needle, second sample needle, first reagent needle, second reagent needle) that can operate simultaneously or independently, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples and reagents, thereby increasing detection speed without significantly increasing overall device complexity
2Productivity
If multiple pipetting needles are used to improve detection speed, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to distribution accuracy differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs parameter calibration for each pipetting needle to determine correction parameters that compensate for individual needle variations. By adjusting the distribution volume parameters of each needle based on calibration data, the system ensures that all needles achieve consistent distribution accuracy despite manufacturing variations
3Measurement precision
If each pipetting needle is calibrated separately for its respective detection item, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to resource waiting
Solution Approach 1:
Each pipetting needle is equipped with its own independent calibration system that can perform calibration operations autonomously. This universal calibration capability allows multiple needles to be calibrated in parallel or independently, eliminating the need for sequential calibration and reducing sample waiting time while maintaining detection accuracy
4Measurement precision
If clinical item calibration is performed for each detection item with multiple needles, then measurement precision is ensured, but loss of substance increases due to multiple calibrators and reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the calibration operations of multiple pipetting needles by allowing them to share common calibrator and reagent sources. By coordinating the calibration processes and using a unified calibration protocol across all needles, the system reduces the total consumption of calibrators and reagents compared to performing separate calibration operations for each needle
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a sample analyzer, including a sample distribution device, a sample detection device, and a controller. The sample distribution device includes first and second sample dispensing components. The controller is configured to: perform a first detection process including controlling the first sample dispensing component to perform a sample distribution action and obtaining a first detection result based on first detection data detected by the sample detection device and first calibration data; and perform a second detection process including controlling the second sample dispensing component to perform a sample distribution action and obtaining a second detection result based on second detection data detected by the sample detection device and second calibration data. When a detection item performed by the first detection process and a detection item performed by the second detection process are the same, the first calibration data and the second calibration data are the same.