High-Throughput Lateral Flow Analyzer Cartridge Stage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic analyzers for lateral flow assay devices are limited by high costs, large size, and the need for trained operators, and they often require large sample volumes and lengthy reaction times, which hinder high-throughput and efficient testing, especially in point-of-care settings.
Innovation Solution
A high-throughput analyzer system featuring a cartridge stage with independent elevation and translation adjustment mechanisms, integrated fluid metering, and detection devices, capable of processing multiple lateral flow assay devices concurrently, with the option for temperature and humidity control, and automated sample processing, allowing for reduced sample volumes and faster reaction times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional diagnostic analyzers are used for lateral flow assay testing, then diagnostic analysis can be performed, but the analyzer size is large, costs are high, and processing time is lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer is divided into modular functional units: a cartridge stage for holding multiple lateral flow devices, a fluid metering device for sample dispensing, and a detection device for result analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables high-throughput processing of multiple devices simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The analyzer is designed with universal functionality to process multiple types of lateral flow assay devices concurrently on a single cartridge stage. The fluid metering device can serve multiple devices, and the detection device can analyze results from all devices, achieving high throughput without proportionally increasing overall system size and complexity.
2Loss of time
If conventional diagnostic analyzers are used, then diagnostic testing can be performed, but sample volume requirements are large and reaction times are lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lateral flow assay devices are prepared and positioned on the cartridge stage in advance, with all necessary reagents and detection elements pre-assembled. The fluid metering device is pre-configured to dispense precise sample volumes to each device simultaneously. This preliminary preparation enables rapid sequential processing and reduces both reaction time and total sample volume requirements compared to conventional sequential analysis.
3Productivity
If high throughput processing is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The analyzer incorporates automated fluid metering that precisely dispenses sample and reagent volumes to multiple devices without manual intervention. The detection device automatically analyzes results from all devices on the cartridge stage and provides integrated output. This self-service automation maintains high throughput while eliminating the need for complex manual operations, thereby preserving ease of use.
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
The system significantly reduces analyzer size, processing time, and costs, enabling efficient multiplex testing with reduced sample volumes, faster results (within 5-10 minutes), and increased throughput, making it suitable for both clinical and point-of-care applications while ensuring quality and reproducibility.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral flow assay substrate comprising a planar support having at least one sample addition area disposed upon said support, at least one detection area, and a wicking area fluidically interconnected along at least one lateral fluid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a lateral flow high throughput assay device analyzer for preparing and analyzing a plurality of lateral flow assay samples. The analyzer comprises a cartridge stage for supporting an assay cartridge, an elevation adjustment mechanism, and a translation adjustment mechanism for aligning the cartridge stage and assay cartridge relative to a vertical support structure, fluid metering device, and detection device for high throughput lateral flow assay analysis.