Microtiter Plate Optical Dosing Failure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipetting aids for biochemical assays, particularly in PCR, are ineffective in detecting dosing failures during the sample pipetting phase, as they are not compatible with quantitative PCR and often interfere with real-time optical measurements, and mechanical solutions are expensive and not always reliable in detecting volume discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
A sample processing apparatus and method that uses a holder for microtiter plates with an optical measurement unit capable of spectral resolution, absorbance, scattering, or fluorescence measurement to detect dosing failures, and a computing unit to analyze these measurements for errors, allowing for real-time communication or data storage of pipetting errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dye-based pipetting aids are used to visually track reagents, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference with real-time optical measurements in qPCR
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the reagent itself by using a separate, dedicated detection wavelength that is distinct from the qPCR measurement wavelengths. This allows the detection system to operate independently without interfering with the qPCR optical measurements, resolving the contradiction between visual tracking and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the sample well contents at a specific detection wavelength and providing real-time information about dosing failures. This feedback mechanism allows operators to correct pipetting errors immediately while maintaining accurate qPCR measurements through wavelength separation
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical automated pipetting systems are used to improve dosing accuracy, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical automated pipetting systems with a simpler optical detection system that monitors dosing accuracy in real-time. Instead of relying on expensive and complex mechanical robots to ensure precision, the system uses optical sensing to detect dosing failures and provide feedback, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the detection apparatus to automatically identify and flag dosing failures without requiring complex mechanical intervention. The optical detection system autonomously monitors each sample well and communicates dosing errors to the operator, eliminating the need for expensive automated mechanical correction systems
3Reliability
If conventional pipetting aids are used to detect dosing errors, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to manual inspection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous detection by maintaining constant optical monitoring of all sample wells throughout the pipetting process. This continuous action eliminates the need for intermittent manual inspection, providing uninterrupted reliability in dosing failure detection while significantly reducing the time lost to manual checking
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces time-consuming manual visual inspection with automated optical detection that operates continuously and independently. The detection apparatus automatically scans all sample wells and identifies dosing failures in real-time, eliminating the labor-intensive manual inspection process while maintaining high reliability
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 solution enables accurate and efficient detection of dosing failures in PCR assays, reducing errors and costs by providing a visual and automated means to verify proper mixing and volume accuracy without interfering with qPCR processes, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of biochemical assays.
Implementation Method 1
optical measurement unit capable of spectral resolution, absorbance, scattering, or fluorescence measurement
Implementation Method 2
optical measurement unit capable of spectral resolution, absorbance, scattering, or fluorescence measurement
Implementation Method 3
optical measurement unit capable of spectral resolution, absorbance, scattering, or fluorescence measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sample processing apparatus comprising a holder for a microtiter plate comprising a plurality of microwells, optical measurement unit for measuring optical responses of samples dosed to the microwells, and a computing unit configured to analyze the optical responses in order to detect dosing failures in said plurality of microwells, and if a dosing failure has been detected in one or more of the microwells, to communicate the existence of the dosing failure to a user of the apparatus through signaling means or to store data indicative of the dosing failure to data storage means for further use. In particular, the invention relates to detecting dosing failures in before, during and after a PCR process.