Analytical Laboratory Workflow Prioritization for Sample Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In analytical laboratories, biological samples degrade over time, leading to invalid test results, and existing solutions are reactive, requiring substitute samples and causing delays, especially when storage conditions are not critical but still result in sample degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method that proactively determines and prioritizes the processing of biological samples by calculating a lead time for each sample, adjusting the sequence and timing of test orders to prevent degradation, using a control unit to identify required instruments and optimize processing based on availability and urgency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If biological samples are stored at room temperature for extended periods, then storage convenience is improved, but sample degradation occurs leading to invalid test results
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively calculates the lead time for each biological sample and determines whether the sample will exceed its degradation limit before processing occurs. By performing this calculation in advance and taking preliminary action to prioritize or reschedule test orders, the system prevents sample degradation rather than reacting to it after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing sequence and timing of test orders based on real-time lead time calculations. Samples at risk of exceeding degradation limits are automatically prioritized or rescheduled, creating a flexible, adaptive workflow that responds to individual sample conditions rather than following rigid fixed schedules.
2Reliability
If reactive systems are used to identify degraded samples, then degradation detection is achieved, but substitute samples must be collected causing delays in turnaround time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs lead time calculations and degradation risk assessments before samples are processed, not after. This preliminary action identifies at-risk samples in advance, allowing the system to prevent degradation before it occurs rather than detecting it afterward and requiring costly substitute sample collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and calculates lead times for samples, providing real-time feedback on which samples are at risk of exceeding degradation limits. This feedback loop enables dynamic workflow adjustments that prevent degradation while maintaining efficient processing, eliminating the need for substitute samples and associated delays.
3Device complexity
If test orders are processed in fixed sequence, then workflow simplicity is maintained, but samples at risk of degradation cannot be prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic workflow adjustment by automatically prioritizing or rescheduling test orders based on real-time lead time calculations. Samples at risk of exceeding degradation limits are identified and their processing sequences adjusted dynamically, creating a flexible system that adapts to individual sample needs while maintaining overall workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameters (sequence and timing) of test orders based on calculated lead times and degradation risks. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system optimizes sample processing to prevent degradation while maintaining workflow simplicity through automated decision-making rather than complex manual scheduling.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of operating an analytical laboratory, comprising: recording time at which samples have been first identified; retrieving an order list comprising test orders for the samples; retrieving a degradation limit to each test order; determining sample workflows for each sample; instructing the laboratory instruments to carry out the test orders according to the sample workflows. Determining the sample workflows comprises: i) determining target instruments capable of carrying out the test orders; ii) determining a sequence/ timing of the test orders; iii) calculating an estimated completion time for each test order; iv) determining a lead time for each biological sample and test order; v) prioritizing test orders if the lead time exceeds the degradation limit. Steps ii) to v) are repeated until the lead time doesn't exceed the degradation limit for any of the test orders; or until steps ii) to v) have been repeated for a number N of iterations.