Fluorometer Self-Check Using Movable Reference Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic instruments, such as fluorometers, face challenges in continuously monitoring the functionality of optical signal detectors during operation, leading to potential errors in diagnostic results due to mechanical and electrical failures, which are difficult to detect without interrupting the instrument's operation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for self-checking a fluorometer using fluorescent reference standards that can be positioned in and out of optical communication with the detector, allowing for continuous monitoring of performance without interrupting the instrument's operation, utilizing a drive mechanism to adjust the positioning of the standards relative to the fluorometer's channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorometer functionality testing is performed during routine maintenance, then detection of device failure is improved, but instrument operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs fluorometer functionality testing in advance by incorporating reference standards that are automatically tested during the assay run, before actual sample analysis begins. This preliminary testing ensures detector functionality without requiring separate maintenance shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorometer maintains continuous operation by integrating reference standard testing into the normal assay workflow. The reference standards are measured alternately with sample receptacles during continuous instrument operation, eliminating interruptions while maintaining detection capability.
2Productivity
If fluorometer is operated continuously for extended periods, then maximum throughput is achieved, but undetected malfunctions cause errors in diagnostic results
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by measuring reference standards at regular intervals during extended operation. The measured signal intensities are compared against expected values, and any deviations trigger alerts, ensuring diagnostic accuracy is maintained throughout continuous high-throughput operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorometer performs self-diagnosis by automatically measuring its own reference standards and detecting potential malfunctions without external intervention. This self-monitoring capability allows the instrument to maintain both high throughput and reliability through continuous autonomous performance verification.
3Reliability
If reference standards are positioned in optical communication with fluorometer channels, then performance monitoring is enabled, but sample analysis time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic measurement of reference standards interspersed with sample analysis. The reference standards are measured at predetermined intervals during the assay run, allowing performance monitoring without continuously occupying measurement time that would otherwise be used for sample analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference standards are positioned to allow partial measurement capability where the same optical path serves both reference standard monitoring and sample analysis. This partial utilization of the measurement system enables performance monitoring with minimal impact on overall sample analysis throughput.
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
Enables continuous, uninterrupted monitoring of fluorometer performance, reducing the risk of errors in diagnostic results by detecting failures or deteriorated performance in real-time, thus ensuring accurate data collection during extended operation periods.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for self-checking a fluorometer using fluorescent reference standards
Implementation Method 2
a drive mechanism configured to adjust the relative horizontal positioning between the reference standards and the fluorometer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring reactions with a plurality of receptacle vessels that includes: an incubator; a movable receptacle carrier contained within a temperature-controlled chamber of the incubator; one or more fixed fluorometers configured to measure a fluorescent emission and positioned with respect to the receptacle carrier to measure fluorescent emissions from receptacle vessels carried on the receptacle carrier into an operative position with respect to each fluorometer; one or more fluorescent reference standards mounted on the receptacle carrier; and a controller configured to control operation of the receptacle carrier and the one or more fluorometers to determine if a fluorescent emission intensity of one or more of the fluorescent reference standards deviates from an expected fluorescent emission intensity.