Lab Decision Unit Coordinates Recursive Sample Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory environments face challenges in efficiently managing large volumes of samples across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, requiring integrated data management to optimize workflows and reduce complexity while ensuring high-quality results.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a decision unit that coordinates pre-analytical and analytical units, enabling recursive workflows to manage sample processing, test requests, and result reporting, thereby streamlining laboratory processes and integrating data management functions without requiring special workflow logic in host components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are used for sample preparation and analysis, then functional versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate laboratory units (sample preparation unit, analysis unit, decision unit) into an integrated automated system where components communicate through standardized interfaces. This merging reduces overall system complexity while preserving functional versatility through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The decision unit serves multiple functions: it coordinates sample preparation, manages analysis workflows, handles data collection, and generates reports. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining adaptability across different test types.
2Ease of operation
If manual coordination between laboratory units is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-coordination through the decision unit, which automatically manages sample workflows, allocates resources, and coordinates between preparation and analysis units without human intervention. This self-service capability dramatically increases productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the decision unit monitors sample status, analyzes results in real-time, and dynamically adjusts workflows. This automated feedback mechanism enables high-speed coordination that surpasses manual operations while maintaining operational simplicity through algorithmic control.
3Measurement precision
If recursive workflows are implemented for complete sample measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning complete sample workflows before analysis begins. The decision unit pre-coordinates all necessary preparation steps, resource allocations, and analysis sequences, enabling recursive measurement cycles to execute efficiently without sequential delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous operation through parallel processing capabilities, where multiple samples undergo recursive measurement cycles simultaneously. The decision unit manages overlapping workflows, ensuring that measurement precision is maintained while minimizing idle time through uninterrupted processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing information relating to requests for a number of tests to be made of at least one sample within a laboratory environment are disclosed. The system may include a sample reception unit, a pre-analytical unit to scan, sort and/or aliquot the sample on request according to respective test requirements included within a respective sample order, an analytical unit to run at least one test on a sorted and/or aliquoted sample, and at least one decision unit. The decision unit acts as a connecting component for interconnecting the sample reception unit, the pre-analytical unit and the analytical unit as both an intermediary and coordinator such that tests can be performed via a recursive workflow until the sample is completely measured. The decision unit is further configured to collate the test results appropriately with the sample and to give a respective report towards a host component.