Low-Volume Optical Fluid Testing for Reduced Fluidic Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid testing systems require large volumes of fluid and long optical path lengths, leading to inefficiencies and reduced accuracy due to fluidic noise and increased reagent consumption.
Innovation Solution
The development of containers with reduced dimensions (less than 120 μL volume and optical path lengths of 3.3 mm to 5.5 mm) that facilitate efficient mixing and reduced fluidic noise through an aspirate-dispense process, allowing for smaller sample and reagent volumes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluid testing systems use larger volumes of biological samples and reagents, then the optical path length increases, but this results in increased fluidic noise and reduced sensitivity in measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical path length parameter from conventional longer paths to a shorter path of less than 6 mm. This parameter change directly reduces fluidic noise while maintaining adequate light absorption for measurement, thereby improving measurement sensitivity without requiring larger sample volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the light beam center at a height less than 1.6 mm from the bottom interior surface of the container, utilizing the vertical dimension optimization. This dimensional adjustment ensures the light path traverses through the fluid at an optimal position that minimizes noise while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Quantity of substance
If conventional systems use larger volumes of fluid, then measurements can be performed, but this leads to inefficiencies in sample usage and increased waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the fluid volume parameter from conventional larger volumes to less than 120 μL. This parameter change enables efficient use of precious biological samples while maintaining adequate signal-to-noise ratio for accurate measurements, thereby reducing sample waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an aspirate-dispense mixing process that aspirates a portion of the fluid and dispenses it back, creating efficient mixing with minimal fluid volume. This partial action approach achieves thorough mixing while using only the necessary minimum volume, preventing excess sample consumption
3Measurement precision
If the optical path length is shortened to reduce fluidic noise, then measurement sensitivity improves, but the signal strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical path length parameter to be less than 6 mm, finding the optimal balance point where the light signal maintains sufficient strength while fluidic noise is minimized. This parameter optimization ensures adequate signal-to-noise ratio for accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an aspirate-dispense mixing process that periodically moves fluid within the container. This periodic action ensures homogeneous mixing of samples and reagents, maximizing the optical signal strength throughout the measurement process while maintaining the shortened optical path
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
This approach reduces fluidic noise, improves mixing efficacy, and enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling more tests per reagent volume and increased tolerance to pre-analytical issues like hemolysis and bilirubin, while potentially reducing reagent disposal and testing time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical interrogation system that generates a light beam configured to traverse an optical path through the fluid in the container and measures one or properties of the light beam thereafter
Data Source
AI summary
Technology described herein includes a method that includes providing, by an optical light source, a light beam configured to traverse an optical path through a fluid comprising the biological sample in a container. A length of the optical path through the fluid is between 3.3 mm to 5.5 mm, and a center of the light beam is at a height less than 1.6 mm from a bottom interior surface of the container, and a volume of the fluid is less than 120 μL. An optical detector receives optical information after the light beam traverses the optical path. An output of the optical detector is associated with at least one parameter representing the one or more characteristics of the biological sample.