In Vitro Diagnostics Automation With Segmented Reagent Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in vitro diagnostics automation systems are limited in the number of tests they can perform due to storage space constraints, requiring multiple analyzers and modules, which increases costs, maintenance, and turn-around time, and often rely on batch processing that increases labor costs and turn-around time.
Innovation Solution
An automation system with local and central reagent storage areas, where common reagents are stored proximate to testing stations and uncommon reagents are stored centrally, with a control system that directs reagents based on scheduling and historical information to optimize reagent usage and storage, allowing for a larger variety of tests to be performed without increasing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional systems store multiple packs for frequently used reagents to increase walk away time, then reagent availability is improved, but the physical space occupied by reagent packs increases, reducing the variety of tests that can be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storage system is segmented into local storage areas at each module and a central storage area. Local storage holds frequently used reagents for quick access, while central storage holds uncommon reagents. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both fast reagent availability and diverse test menu support without requiring all reagents at every location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a dimensional aspect to reagent storage by implementing a two-level hierarchy (local and central storage) rather than a single flat storage structure. This dimensional change allows the system to optimize for both speed (local) and variety (central) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between walk away time and test menu variety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analyzers and modules are used to expand test menu, then test variety is improved, but system cost, maintenance requirements, and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each module in the system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of performing multiple different tests by receiving different reagent packs from central storage. This universality allows a single module to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized analyzers, expanding test menu variety while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic reagent allocation where reagent packs are moved from central storage to local storage based on scheduling information and historical data. This dynamic approach allows modules to adapt their functionality over time, enabling test menu variety without requiring permanent installation of multiple specialized analyzers for each test type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If batch processing is used to increase test menu coverage, then test variety is improved, but turn-around time and labor costs increase due to manual loading and unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-loading reagent packs into central storage and using scheduling information to anticipate future test requirements. Reagents are proactively moved to local storage areas before they are needed, eliminating the need for manual loading during batch processing and reducing turn-around time.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation system performs self-service by automatically managing reagent pack movement between central and local storage based on scheduling algorithms and historical data. This eliminates the need for manual operator intervention in loading and unloading reagents during batch processing, reducing both labor costs and turn-around time while maintaining expanded test menu coverage.
4Speed
If local reagent storage is used at each module, then reagent access speed is improved, but the variety of reagents that can be stored locally is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reagent storage system is segmented into local storage areas at each module and a central storage area. Local storage holds frequently used reagents for quick access, while central storage holds uncommon reagents. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both fast reagent availability and diverse test menu support without requiring all reagents at every location.
Solution Approach 2:
The central storage area acts as an intermediary between the diverse reagent inventory and the local storage areas. It receives and manages the full variety of reagent packs and selectively supplies them to local storage based on scheduling needs, enabling local modules to access both common reagents quickly and uncommon reagents when required without compromising either speed or variety.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automation system for use with an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a track and a plurality of carriers configured to move along the track and hold one or more of a plurality of samples and one or more of a plurality of reagents having reagent types. The system also includes one or more testing stations, one or more local reagent storage areas located at or proximate to the one or more testing stations and one or more central reagent storage areas. The system further includes a control system configured to direct the one or more reagents from the one or more local reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on received reagent information and direct the one or more reagents from the one or more central reagent storage areas to the one or more testing stations based on the received reagent information.