Oxygen-Permeable Tubing Calibration for IVD Sensor Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration methods for oxygen-dependent metabolite sensors in flow-through sensor paths are time-consuming due to the need for tonometry, which involves waiting for oxygen diffusion, and can be further prolonged by requiring multiple calibration fluids, leading to inefficient use of the fluidic system and pump.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a controller to transport deoxygenated calibration fluids through oxygen-permeable tubing for oxygen uptake from ambient air, allowing simultaneous oxygenation and calibration without extending the calibration time, and enabling parallel fluid handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If deoxygenated calibration fluid is transported through oxygen-permeable tubing for tonometry, then the required oxygenation level is achieved, but calibration time is extended due to the waiting period for oxygen diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary oxygenation of calibration fluids by transporting them through oxygen-permeable tubing before they are needed for sensor calibration. This allows the oxygenation process to be completed in advance, so that when calibration is required, the oxygenated fluids are already ready for immediate use, eliminating the need to block the fluidic system during the oxygenation waiting period.
Solution Approach 2:
Oxygen-permeable tubing acts as an intermediary component that enables oxygen diffusion from the ambient environment into the deoxygenated calibration fluid. This intermediary mechanism allows controlled oxygenation without requiring direct oxygen injection or complex gas-liquid mixing systems, achieving the required oxygenation level through passive diffusion while maintaining system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple calibration fluids requiring tonometry are prepared sequentially, then each fluid is properly oxygenated, but the calibration process becomes even more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the calibration fluid preparation into separate segments, with each calibration fluid having its dedicated oxygenation pathway through oxygen-permeable tubing. This segmentation allows multiple fluids to be oxygenated simultaneously in parallel rather than sequentially, as each fluid can undergo tonometry independently through its own tubing loop without interfering with others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping multiple calibration fluids in simultaneous oxygenation through parallel tubing pathways. While one fluid is being oxygenated, another can be prepared or the sensor can be calibrated using previously oxygenated fluids. This continuous parallel processing ensures that the oxygenation process never blocks other calibration activities, maximizing throughput.
3Measurement precision
If the fluidic system is blocked during tonometry waiting period, then oxygenation can occur, but the pump and fluidic system are underutilized during this time
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the oxygenation function with the existing fluidic transport system by using oxygen-permeable tubing as part of the fluidic pathways. The same pump and fluidic network that transport calibration fluids to sensors are also used to circulate fluids through oxygenation loops. This merging allows oxygenation to occur without requiring separate dedicated systems or blocking existing fluidic pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches the role of fluidic pathways between sensor calibration mode and oxygenation mode using valve control. The same tubing and pump can be dynamically reconfigured to serve different functions at different times, allowing maximum utilization of system components without permanent dedicated structures for oxygenation.
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
Enables efficient calibration of oxygen-dependent sensors by tonometry without prolonging the process, allowing simultaneous fluid handling and reducing downtime of the fluidic system and pump.
Implementation Method 1
waiting a predetermined time required for oxygenation of the deoxygenated calibration fluid via oxygen uptake from ambient air through the tubing walls
Implementation Method 2
oxygenation tubing comprising oxygen-permeable walls
Data Source
AI summary
Please add the following Abstract on a separate sheet after the claims section of the subject application.An in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) analyzer 200 comprising at least one sensor 212 located in a flow-through sensor path 211 of detecting unit and requiring at least one oxygenated calibration fluid 221′, 222′ for calibration is herein disclosed. The IVD analyzer 200 further comprises a fluid-supply unit 220 comprising at least one deoxygenated calibration fluid 221, 222, a fluid-selection valve 230 and at least one oxygenation tubing 215, 216 having two ends connected to the fluid-selection valve 230 as a loop, wherein the oxygenation tubing 215, 216 comprises oxygen-permeable walls, and wherein the IVD analyzer 200 further comprises a pump 240 and a controller 250 configured to control the pump 240 and the fluid-selection valve 230 for transporting deoxygenated calibration fluid 221, 222 into the oxygenation tubing 215, 216, to wait a predetermined time required for oxygenation of the deoxygenated calibration fluid 221, 222 via oxygen uptake from ambient air through the tubing walls, and to transport the thereby obtained oxygenated calibration fluid 221′, 222′ into the sensor path 211 for calibration of the at least one sensor 212. A respective automatic method of calibrating at least one sensor 212 is herein also disclosed.