Immunological Analyzer Temperature Control B/F Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers are susceptible to environmental changes such as temperature and ionic strength variations during the B/F separation step, which can disrupt the equilibrium of immunological binding reactions.
Innovation Solution
An automatic analyzer with a constant temperature-controlled incubator and integrated B/F separation and detection mechanism, utilizing a preheater and temperature control unit to maintain uniform temperature conditions throughout the process, minimizing the impact of environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow cell type detection mechanism with B/F separation mechanism is combined to improve detection sensitivity, then detection sensitivity is improved, but environmental changes during B/F separation step affect the equilibrium state of immunological binding reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator and B/F separation mechanism are integrated into a single device, allowing the B/F separation to occur within the constant temperature environment of the incubator. This merging ensures that temperature changes do not occur during the separation process, maintaining the equilibrium state of the immunological binding reaction while achieving sensitive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the B/F separation process. This intermediary maintains constant temperature conditions during B/F separation, preventing environmental changes from disrupting the equilibrium state while still allowing the separation to proceed.
2Measurement precision
If solution replacement is performed during B/F separation step, then unreacted components are removed, but ionic strength change affects the equilibrium state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by carefully controlling the composition and temperature of the replacement solution. The replacement solution is designed to match the ionic strength and temperature of the reaction medium, allowing removal of unreacted components while maintaining the equilibrium state through controlled parameter matching.
3Productivity
If temperature changes occur during B/F separation step, then separation efficiency may be improved, but the equilibrium state of immunological binding reaction is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the B/F separation mechanism with the constant temperature incubator, the system achieves both separation efficiency and equilibrium stability simultaneously. The magnetic separation occurs within the temperature-controlled environment, eliminating the need to compromise between separation speed and reaction stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The incubator pre-establishes a constant temperature environment before B/F separation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the temperature is already optimized for maintaining equilibrium when the separation process starts, preventing temperature-induced disruptions to the immunological binding reaction.
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 solution effectively stabilizes the equilibrium state of immunological binding reactions by maintaining consistent temperature and ionic conditions, enhancing detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic collecting unit (202) that collects magnetic particles (402) with a magnetic field at a position inside the reaction container (122)
Implementation Method 2
an automatic analyzer that forms an immune complex by immunologically binding magnetic microparticles with a luminescent label
Implementation Method 3
an automatic analyzer that forms an immune complex by immunologically binding magnetic microparticles with a luminescent label
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An object is to provide an automatic analyzer that prevents an effect of various environmental changes on an equilibrium state of an immunological binding reaction. An automatic analyzer of an embodiment of the invention includes a B/F separation unit that executes a B/F separation step separating an unreacted component and a reacted component from a liquid in which a sample and a reagent are reacted, a detection unit that detects a reacted component in the liquid after the B/F separation step, and a temperature maintaining unit that maintains the B/F separation unit and the detection unit in substantially the same temperature environment.