Integrated Analyzer Single Tube Blood Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated analyzers require multiple sample tubes for different tests due to compatibility issues, leading to increased sample volume needs and inefficiencies, especially in high-volume testing environments where space and cost are concerns, and often necessitate external conveyor systems for sample handling.
Innovation Solution
An integrated automated analyzer system that processes a single whole blood sample in a single tube, using a pretreatment module with a mixer, centrifuge, and transporter to separate and analyze plasma and whole blood without an external conveyor, enabling multiple tests to be performed within a compact housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample tubes are used for different tests, then test compatibility is improved, but sample volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample tube is designed to serve multiple functions: it can hold whole blood for HbA1c testing and, after centrifugation, hold plasma for chemistry and immunoassay testing. The tube's geometry and material are optimized to be compatible with multiple analyzer types (hematology, chemistry, immunoassay) without requiring different tubes for different tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis process is segmented into sequential steps within the same tube: first whole blood analysis for HbA1c, then plasma separation via centrifugation, followed by plasma analysis for chemistry and immunoassay tests. This temporal and functional segmentation allows one tube to replace multiple tubes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sample tubes are used for different tests, then test compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple testing functions (HbA1c, chemistry, immunoassay) into a single integrated workflow using one sample tube. The tube design consolidates features needed for different test types, and the analyzer system is configured to handle the tube through multiple processing stages without requiring external conveyor systems or complex sample routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external conveyor system is used for sample handling, then sample routing capability is improved, but footprint and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single sample tube serves as a self-contained vessel that requires no external routing infrastructure. The tube's design and the integrated analyzer workflow allow the sample to be processed sequentially through different testing modules without needing external conveyor belts, robotic arms, or complex sample transport mechanisms.
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 reduces the need for multiple sample tubes, minimizes sample volume requirements, eliminates the need for external conveyor systems, and enhances efficiency by allowing multiple analyses on a single sample within a compact integrated system, reducing human error and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
centrifuging the whole blood sample in the single sample tube with the centrifuge and thereby separating plasma from the whole blood sample in the single sample tube
Data Source
AI summary
The presently claimed and described technology provides integrated automated instruments (100, 100A, 100B, 100C) and methods (800) for automatically processing a whole blood sample (50) in a single sample tube (80). These include: mixing the sample in the tube; analyzing a portion (50P) of the mixed sample (50M); centrifuging the sample in the tube thereby separating plasma (60); and analyzing a portion (60P) of the plasma. A pretreatment module (200) may mix, centrifuge, transport, and store the sample. The integrated instrument may include multiple detector components and does not require external sample handling.