Genetic Testing System with Universal Sample Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fully automated genetic testing systems are limited in their applicability to different specimen types and properties, leading to incompatibility issues and increased costs due to the need for multiple systems and manual nucleic acid extraction/preparation for specimens like sputum or tissues, resulting in variable testing results.

Innovation Solution

A genetic testing system with an extraction unit, assay preparation unit, reading unit, and conveying mechanisms that allow for flexible sample loading and processing, enabling automatic testing of various specimen types and properties within a single system, ensuring compatibility and reducing the need for multiple standard samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fully automated testing system is used, then the burden on the operator is reduced, but the system is limited in its applicability to different specimen types and properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator burdenVSAvoidapplicability to different specimen types

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is designed with multiple sample loading units (first sample loading unit, second sample loading unit, third sample loading unit) that can accommodate different specimen types (serum, plasma, sputum, tissues) and processing stages. This universal design allows a single system to perform various testing functions on different specimen types without requiring separate systems for each specimen type, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple testing systems are used for different specimen types, then compatibility issues are avoided, but measurement costs increase due to the need for multiple quantitative standard samples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting result compatibilityVSAvoidquantitative standard samples

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a single quantitative standard sample that can be processed through different extraction and preparation methods depending on the specimen type. The multiple sample loading units allow the same standard sample to be tested under different conditions (automated extraction, manual extraction, different preparation methods), enabling one standard sample to serve multiple testing scenarios and reducing the total number of standard samples needed while maintaining result compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts processing parameters and methods based on the specimen type while using the same quantitative standard sample. By changing extraction methods, preparation procedures, and other testing parameters according to the specific specimen requirements, the system maintains reliable and compatible measurement results across different specimen types without requiring separate standard samples for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual nucleic acid extraction and preparation are performed, then a wide range of testing items can be mounted, but the testing process becomes less automated and more labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of testing itemsVSAvoidtesting process automation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the testing process into distinct segments: automated nucleic acid extraction (first extraction unit), manual extraction options (second extraction unit), assay preparation (third preparation unit), and measurement. This segmentation allows the system to offer both fully automated testing and manual extraction options depending on the specimen type and testing requirements, thereby maintaining high automation for routine tests while preserving versatility for specialized applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system ensures consistent testing results across different specimen types and properties, minimizing the use of quantitative standard samples and reducing measurement costs by allowing all testing steps to be performed automatically within a single system.

Implementation Method 1

a nucleic acid extraction step of extracting nucleic acids from a sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNucleic acid extraction:

Implementation Method 2

the system performs a qualitative test by a PCR method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReal time PCR:

Implementation Method 3

a real time fluorescence measurement mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence detection: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentUS9970951B2Genetic testing device, genetic testing method and program

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

In the past, genetic testing systems for exclusive use were needed due to the difference in type or property of specimens. Therefore, a genetic testing system includes: an extraction unit; an assay preparation unit; a reading unit; a first conveying mechanism for conveying a sample among the extraction unit, the assay preparation unit, and the reading unit; multiple sample loading units which are provided corresponding to at least two units of the extraction unit, the assay preparation unit, and the reading unit; and multiple second conveying mechanisms which are provided corresponding to the multiple sample loading units and convey test samples to the inside of the system from the sample loading units.