IVD Fluidic Path Washing Using Alternating Air and Wash Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vitro diagnostic analyzers face challenges in efficiently washing their fluidic systems with limited wash fluid volume and time, leading to increased turn-around time and disposal costs due to the use of milder wash fluids in larger volumes, which can result in carryover and reduced analytical performance.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for washing the fluidic system of an in-vitro diagnostic analyzer that dynamically adapts to different conditions, using a controller to operate in time-priority or wash-fluid-priority modes, optimizing the use of air and wash fluid to efficiently remove previous fluids with minimal volume while ensuring thorough cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aggressive wash fluids are used, then washing efficiency is improved and wash fluid volume is reduced, but environmental disposal issues and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process is segmented into multiple steps with different functions: a first washing step using aggressive wash fluid at high flow rate for short duration to remove bulk contaminants, followed by a second washing step using milder wash fluid at lower flow rate for longer duration to remove residues. This segmentation allows each step to use optimally suited wash fluid characteristics for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The washing process uses periodic action by alternating between high-intensity washing (aggressive fluid, high flow rate) and low-intensity washing (milder fluid, lower flow rate) in distinct time periods. The aggressive wash fluid is applied in bursts during the first step, then replaced by milder fluid in the second step, creating a periodic pattern of intensive and maintenance washing phases.
2Loss of substance
If milder wash fluids are used in larger volumes, then environmental disposal issues are reduced, but washing efficiency decreases and turn-around time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process is segmented into multiple steps with different functions: a first washing step using aggressive wash fluid at high flow rate for short duration to remove bulk contaminants, followed by a second washing step using milder wash fluid at lower flow rate for longer duration to remove residues. This segmentation allows each step to use optimally suited wash fluid characteristics for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters throughout the washing process: flow rate (high in first step, lower in second step), wash fluid aggressiveness (aggressive in first step, milder in second step), and duration (shorter first step, longer second step). These parameter changes optimize both washing efficiency and wash fluid consumption by matching parameters to the specific washing needs at each stage.
3Reliability
If larger volumes of wash fluid are used, then washing thoroughness is improved, but space availability is exceeded and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process is segmented into multiple steps with different functions: a first washing step using aggressive wash fluid at high flow rate for short duration to remove bulk contaminants, followed by a second washing step using milder wash fluid at lower flow rate for longer duration to remove residues. This segmentation allows each step to use optimally suited wash fluid characteristics for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by controlling wash fluid flow rate and pressure dynamically. During the first washing step, high flow rate and pressure are applied to efficiently remove bulk contaminants with minimal fluid volume. During the second washing step, lower flow rate and pressure are used to gently remove residues without requiring excessive fluid volumes, thereby reducing overall wash fluid consumption while maintaining thoroughness.
4Reliability
If longer washing times are used, then washing efficiency is improved, but turn-around time between analyses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing process uses periodic action by alternating between high-intensity washing (aggressive fluid, high flow rate) and low-intensity washing (milder fluid, lower flow rate) in distinct time periods. The aggressive wash fluid is applied in bursts during the first step, then replaced by milder fluid in the second step, creating a periodic pattern of intensive and maintenance washing phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple parameters throughout the washing process: flow rate (high in first step, lower in second step), wash fluid aggressiveness (aggressive in first step, milder in second step), and duration (shorter first step, longer second step). These parameter changes optimize both washing efficiency and wash fluid consumption by matching parameters to the specific washing needs at each stage.
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 method enables efficient washing with reduced fluid consumption and time, minimizing carryover and disposal costs, while maintaining analytical performance by dynamically adjusting pumping speeds and fluid selection based on fluid type and system requirements.
Implementation Method 1
pumping at higher speed air, in a first step, in order to remove the previous fluid from the at least one fluidic path
Implementation Method 2
wash-fluid plugs alternated to air plugs, in a second step, in order to wash out residuals of the previous fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An automated method of washing a fluidic system 210 of an IVD analyzer 200 from a previous fluid is disclosed, the fluidic system 210 comprising at least one fluidic path 211, 213, 215. The method comprises controlling by a controller 250 a pump 240 and at least one fluid-selection valve 230 for pumping a wash fluid 221 and/or air 232 through the at least one fluidic path, wherein in a time-priority mode 10 the method comprises pumping at higher speed air, in a first step 11, in order to remove the previous fluid from the at least one fluidic path, and wash-fluid plugs alternated to air plugs, in a second step 12, in order to wash out residuals of the previous fluid, and wherein in a wash-fluid-priority mode 20 the controller 250 is configured to operate according to either a sample-wash mode 30 if the previous fluid is a sample 2 or according to an other-fluid-wash mode 40 if the previous fluid is any fluid other than a sample 2, wherein in the sample-wash mode 30 the method comprises pumping air at lower speed, in a first step 31, in order to remove the previous fluid from the at least one fluidic path, pumping at least one wash-fluid plug at higher speed, in a second step 32, and pumping wash-fluid plugs alternated to air plugs at lower speed, in a third step 33, in order to wash out residuals of the previous fluid, and wherein in the other-fluid-wash mode 40 the method comprises pumping air at lower speed, in a first step 41, in order to remove the previous fluid from the at least one fluidic path and pumping wash-fluid plugs alternated to air plugs at lower speed, in a second step 42, in order to wash out residuals of the previous fluid.