Flow Cytometer Data Quality Control via Real-Time Pattern Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flow cytometry systems face challenges in maintaining high throughput and consistency during prolonged operations, particularly in handling varying sample quality and fluidics issues like turbulence and occlusions, which require continuous operator attention to avoid data corruption and loss of rare cell populations.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically monitors multiparameter data for aberrant patterns and implements corrective actions, such as purging or adjusting gates, to maintain data integrity and ensure consistent sample analysis without constant human supervision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flow cytometry systems operate for prolonged periods to achieve high throughput, then productivity increases, but reliability deteriorates due to fluidics issues and sample quality variations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoiddata quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors multiparameter data in real-time and compares it against expected patterns, automatically detecting deviations caused by fluidics issues or sample quality variations. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliability during prolonged high-throughput operations by identifying and responding to anomalies as they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The flow cytometry system performs self-monitoring and self-assessment of data quality without requiring constant operator intervention. The automated quality assessment capabilities allow the system to service itself by detecting issues and triggering appropriate responses, enabling unattended high-throughput operation while maintaining data consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the system implements automated monitoring and corrective actions, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunattended operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs multiple functions including data collection, real-time monitoring, quality assessment, anomaly detection, and automated corrective actions within a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems while providing comprehensive automated operation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual operator monitoring and intervention with automated electronic monitoring and control mechanisms. Software-based quality assessment and automated corrective actions substitute for mechanical/operator-based quality control, reducing operational complexity despite increased electronic system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the system performs real-time data analysis to detect aberrant patterns, then measurement precision improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata quality assessment accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies quality assessment and pattern recognition to the extent necessary to detect anomalies without performing exhaustive analysis on every data point. By monitoring key parameters and comparing against expected patterns rather than进行全面 analysis, the system achieves sufficient measurement precision while managing computational energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2277024B1High throughput flow cytometer operation with data quality assessment and control
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP2277024B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2277024B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP2277024B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

The invention provides a flow system and method for reliable multiparameter data acquisition and particle sorting. In accordance with the invention, a flow system assesses changes in the pattern of data collected in successive time intervals and actuates one or more corrective actions whenever the changes exceed predetermined limits. The present invention overcomes problems associated with collecting data and sorting and enumerating particles in flow cytometry systems that operate for prolonged periods or that must accommodate samples that vary widely in quality.