Frozen Reagent Cartridge Handling for Rare Automated Lab Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fully automated analysis systems are uneconomical and complex for infrequently performed tests due to high development costs, stability issues of reagents, and frequent calibrations, lacking a cost-effective solution for rare laboratory tests.
Innovation Solution
The use of cartridges containing frozen reagents and measuring cuvettes, along with a system comprising devices for storing and thawing these components, allows for simplified development and execution of infrequently required tests on automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fully automated analysis systems are designed for frequently performed tests with reagents stored on the instrument, then automation and efficiency for common tests are improved, but development costs and complexity for rare tests become excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments reagents into separate frozen cartridges that can be stored externally and inserted into the analyzer only when needed. This separates the permanent instrument structure from the test-specific reagents, allowing the same instrument to support both common and rare tests without requiring dedicated infrastructure for each test type.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses disposable frozen cartridges containing reagents, controls, and calibrants. These cartridges are designed to be single-use or limited-use, eliminating the need for permanent installation of rare test components. The cartridge is frozen during storage and thawed only during the specific test run, then discarded after use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If reagents for rare tests are stored on the instrument, then test availability is improved, but stability issues and frequent discarding occur due to exceeded stability periods
Solution Approach 1:
The reagents are prepared and frozen in cartridges before being inserted into the instrument. This preliminary freezing action preserves reagent stability over extended periods. The cartridge remains frozen in the instrument's storage device until the test is required, at which point it is thawed and used immediately, eliminating long-term stability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the reagents from stored frozen state (e.g., -70°C) to operational thawed state (e.g., 20-25°C) only when needed. This parameter change allows reagents to maintain stability during storage while being functional during use, resolving the contradiction between long-term storage and immediate availability.
3Ease of manufacture
If frozen reagents are used in cartridges, then development costs for rare tests are reduced, but additional devices for storage and thawing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The frozen cartridge system serves multiple functions: it stores reagents in a stable frozen state, provides a standardized interface for different test types, enables rapid thawing and use, and eliminates the need for custom reagent preparation infrastructure. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of specialized storage and thawing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The frozen cartridge acts as an intermediary between the reagent manufacturer and the instrument. It pre-packages reagents in a stable, transportable format that can be stored externally and inserted into the instrument only when needed, mediating between the need for reagent stability and the need for rapid availability.
4Productivity
If rare tests are performed frequently on automated systems, then test throughput is improved, but calibration requirements become frequent and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge merges multiple calibration and control functions into a single integrated unit with the reagents. Calibration standards and controls are included in the same cartridge, allowing simultaneous calibration and testing in a single operational cycle, eliminating the need for separate calibration steps and reducing overall complexity.
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 reduces development effort and costs, enabling efficient execution of rare tests on these systems, while maintaining precision and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a fourth device for heating the cartridges from the first temperature to the second temperature
Implementation Method 2
a fourth device for heating the cartridges from the first temperature to the second temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Automatic analysis system (1) for analyzing a sample (23), the analysis system (1) comprising a first device (2) for storing cartridges (3) at a first temperature (T1), wherein the first temperature (T1) is less than 268.15 Kelvin.