Clinical Lab Management Apparatus Dilution Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clinical laboratory management systems face inefficiencies when handling mixed samples, as analyzers without a dilution mode cannot perform online input of assay results for dilute samples, leading to complications in sample handling and reduced operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A clinical laboratory management system that includes a management apparatus with storage and control means to identify and correct assay results from analyzers without a dilution mode, using dilution rate calculations to differentiate between normal and dilute samples, enabling online input and improving handling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If analyzers without a dilution mode are connected to the system, then device versatility is improved, but online input capability for dilute samples is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyzer compatibilityVSAvoidonline input capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The management apparatus acts as an intermediary between the analyzer and the system database. It receives uncorrected assay results from analyzers without dilution modes, automatically performs dilution corrections using stored dilution rates, and inputs the corrected results online. This mediator approach enables online input capability while maintaining compatibility with diverse analyzers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing dilution rates and correction factors in the management apparatus before assay results are generated. When dilute samples are processed, the management apparatus already has the necessary correction data ready, enabling immediate automatic correction and online input without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If normal samples and dilute samples are processed together, then productivity is improved, but sample handling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexamination throughputVSAvoidsample handling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The management apparatus provides self-service functionality by automatically identifying dilute samples through the dilution rate data, performing the necessary correction calculations, and generating corrected assay results without requiring manual sample separation or technician intervention. This enables mixed sample processing while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages parameter changes by tracking the dilution rate parameter for each sample. When a dilute sample is detected (indicated by a non-1x dilution rate), the management apparatus automatically adjusts the assay result parameter through mathematical correction, allowing normal and dilute samples to be processed together without confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual correction of assay results is performed, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassay result accuracyVSAvoidcorrection processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical/manual correction process with an automated computational system. The management apparatus uses computer algorithms to automatically perform dilution correction calculations on assay results, eliminating the need for manual mathematical operations by technicians while maintaining precision and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The management apparatus implements feedback by continuously monitoring assay results and automatically applying corrections when dilute samples are identified. The system receives uncorrected results, compares them against stored dilution rates, and feeds back corrected results to the database and users, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precision without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7754149B2Clinical laboratory management systems, management apparatuses, and recording media

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 SYSMEX CORP

AI summary

A clinical laboratory management system is described that includes an analyzer for analyzing a sample, and a management apparatus connected to the analyzer. The management apparatus includes (a) a storage configured for storing a result of an assay output from the analyzer, analyzer identification information for identifying whether or not the analyzer used for the assay has a dilution mode, and diluted sample identification information for identifying whether or not the sample used in the assay is a diluted sample; and (b) a controller configured for correcting the result when the analyzer used in the assay does not have a dilution mode, and the sample used in the assay is a diluted sample. Management apparatuses and recording media are also described.