Integrated Sample Processing for Multi-Mode Analyte Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Mass Spectrometry (MS) techniques face challenges in clinical application due to issues such as sample preparation, online extraction, throughput, automation, laboratory information system interfacing, inter-instruments standardization, and harmonization.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sample processing system that combines a chemical or immunoanalyzer with a mass spectrometer, featuring a common sample preparation station and optional multiple detection systems, including optical detection systems. This system simplifies the workflow from sample preparation to detection, eliminating the need for centrifugation and Liquid Chromatography (LC) systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional MS techniques are used with separate sample preparation and detection systems, then detection capability is achieved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample preparation system (analyzer) and mass spectrometer into a single integrated system where the mass spectrometer is directly coupled to receive processed sample aliquots from the analyzer, eliminating the need for separate centrifugation and LC systems while maintaining reliable analysis through coordinated operation of integrated components
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection systems are used, then detection versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system incorporates multiple detection capabilities including mass spectrometry and optical detection systems within a single platform, allowing the system to perform both MS-based analysis and optical-based analysis (such as immunoassay detection) using a common sample preparation station, thereby achieving multi-functionality without requiring entirely separate systems
3Productivity
If centrifugation and LC systems are included in sample preparation, then sample processing capability is improved, but turnaround time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the centrifugation and LC systems from the sample preparation workflow, retaining only the essential aliquoting and processing functions within the analyzer that are sufficient to prepare samples for direct mass spectrometry analysis, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining adequate sample preparation capability
4Loss of time
If integrated sample processing is implemented, then turnaround time is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sample processing and aliquoting within the integrated analyzer before transferring to the mass spectrometer, ensuring that samples are properly prepared and conditioned in advance of the detection phase, which maintains measurement precision by completing necessary preparation steps within the streamlined integrated workflow
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 integrated system enhances the robustness and accuracy of sample analysis, improves turnaround time, and allows for simultaneous use of multiple detection methods, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional MS techniques.
Implementation Method 1
Mass Spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used for determining the elemental composition of samples, quantifying the mass of particles and molecules, and elucidating the chemical structure of molecules
Implementation Method 2
The optical detection system may operate using immunoassay detection processes such as chemiluminescence or fluorescence
Implementation Method 3
The optical detection system may operate using immunoassay detection processes such as chemiluminescence or fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated sample processing system including an analyzer and a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The integrated sample processing system can perform multiple different types of detection, thereby providing improved flexibility and better accuracy in processing samples. The detection systems in the sample processing system may include an optical detection system and a mass spectrometer.