Existing Aliquot Sample Tubes for Late Add-On Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory middleware systems lack flexibility in handling additional tests on aliquot sample tubes, often requiring new aliquots to be created from primary tubes, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes existing aliquot sample tubes for additional tests by determining their availability and location, transporting them to analytical devices if necessary, and reassigned to primary tubes if timeouts occur, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a new aliquot is created from the primary tube for additional tests, then the additional test can be performed, but laboratory time and resources are wasted and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating aliquots in advance before additional tests are requested. When an initial test is ordered, the system proactively creates aliquots and stores them in the automation system, so that when additional tests are requested later, ready-to-use aliquots are already available rather than needing to create new ones from the primary tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time conditions. The workflow engine continuously monitors for additional test requests and automatically determines whether to use existing aliquots or create new ones based on current system state, aliquot availability, and test requirements, making flexible decisions rather than following rigid predefined paths.
2Reliability
If a new aliquot is created from the primary tube for additional tests, then the additional test can be performed, but costs and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating aliquots in advance before additional tests are requested. When an initial test is ordered, the system proactively creates aliquots and stores them in the automation system, so that when additional tests are requested later, ready-to-use aliquots are already available rather than needing to create new ones from the primary tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses existing biological material by creating multiple aliquots from a single primary sample tube. These aliquots can be used for multiple different tests over time, effectively recovering the sample material for repeated use rather than repeatedly consuming from the primary tube.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the workflow engine creates a new aliquot for additional tests, then test requests are fulfilled, but laboratory efficiency and performance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating aliquots in advance before additional tests are requested. When an initial test is ordered, the system proactively creates aliquots and stores them in the automation system, so that when additional tests are requested later, ready-to-use aliquots are already available rather than needing to create new ones from the primary tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting additional test requests and autonomously retrieving appropriate aliquots or creating new ones without requiring manual intervention. The workflow engine monitors for new tests, queries the database for existing aliquots, and automatically routes samples through the automation system, making the entire process self-managing.
4Device complexity
If the system does not check for existing aliquots before creating new ones, then the workflow is simple, but economic and performance issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring for additional test requests and automatically querying the database to check for existing aliquots before proceeding. The workflow engine receives feedback about test requests, checks aliquot availability status, and adjusts its actions based on this information, creating a closed-loop system that prevents unnecessary aliquot creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting additional test requests and autonomously retrieving appropriate aliquots or creating new ones without requiring manual intervention. The workflow engine monitors for new tests, queries the database for existing aliquots, and automatically routes samples through the automation system, making the entire process self-managing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assigning an additional test to an existing aliquot sample tube or to a primary sample tube in a laboratory automation system is presented. The laboratory automation system comprises a workflow control unit and analytical laboratory devices in communication with the workflow control unit. The method comprises receiving an additional test request for the existing aliquot sample tube after processing of the existing aliquot sample tube has started, determining if the existing aliquot sample tube is at a retrievable target, waiting until the existing aliquot sample tube reaches a retrievable target if not at a retrievable target, determining if an aliquot timeout has occurred once the existing aliquot sample tube is at a retrievable target, reassigning the addition test to the primary sample tube if an aliquot timeout has occurred, and performing the additional test from the existing aliquot sample tube if no aliquot timeout has occurred.