Flow-Induced Particle Stirring in POCT Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stirring techniques for liquid samples and reagents in test devices, such as immunochemical and biochemical analyzers, require additional driving gears and separate steps for injection and stirring, leading to complex structures and prolonged measurement times, particularly in Point of Care Testing (POCT) devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a cell with a liquid sample retaining section containing particles and a reagent, where the liquid sample is supplied to stir the reagent through the movement of particles caused by the flow, eliminating the need for additional driving gears and allowing simultaneous injection and stirring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional stirring techniques (magnetic rotor, piezo element, rotating reaction cassette) are used, then stirring function is achieved, but device structure becomes complicated due to additional driving gears
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate stirring mechanism (magnetic rotor, piezo element, or rotating cassette) from the reaction system. Instead, it uses the natural flow of liquid sample and reagent to move particles for stirring, thereby removing the complicated driving gears while maintaining the stirring function.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow itself performs the stirring function by moving particles within the reaction solution. The system uses its own operational fluid (liquid sample/reagent flow) to achieve stirring, eliminating the need for external driving mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If separate stirring step is performed after injection, then stirring is achieved, but measurement time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the injection process with the stirring process. The liquid flow that is introduced into the reaction system simultaneously performs both the function of delivering reagents and the function of stirring particles, eliminating the need for a separate stirring step and reducing measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The stirring action is performed preliminarily during the injection phase itself. By incorporating particle movement into the liquid flow introduction process, the system prepares the reaction mixture for immediate measurement without requiring additional time for separate stirring.
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 enables prompt and easy stirring of liquid samples and reagents, reducing measurement time and simplifying the device structure, making it suitable for POCT devices that require rapid and accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
stirring the liquid sample and the reagent by the movement of the particles caused in the liquid sample retaining section by the flow of the liquid sample resulting from the supply of the liquid sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method capable of stirring a liquid sample and a reagent promptly and easily includes the following steps (A) and (B). In step (A), using a cell including: a liquid sample retaining section having a plurality of particles; and a liquid sample supply inlet, a liquid sample containing an analyte is supplied from the liquid sample supply inlet to the liquid sample retaining section. In step (B), the liquid sample and a specific binding substance capable of specifically binding to the analyte are stirred by the movement of the particles caused by the flow of the liquid sample in the cell resulting from the supply of the liquid sample, to obtain a liquid mixture. The electric charge of at least the surface of the particles and the electric charge of the specific binding substance have the same polarity in the liquid mixture.