Modular Analytic System for Point-of-Care Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The centralized approach to diagnostic testing has reduced access to diagnostic services for patients in medically underserved areas, as it requires patients to travel long distances or have samples transported, which is costly and inefficient. Additionally, current point-of-care solutions often sacrifice quality or are not economically viable for small or medium-sized testing facilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular analytic system that allows for sophisticated and complex testing equipment to be implemented at the point of care, featuring modular components that are plug-and-play, flexible, and easily serviceable or upgradeable. This system includes a base, fluid sample processing and analysis modules, a fluid actuation module, and an electronic processor, enabling efficient and distributed diagnostics infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diagnostic testing is centralized in large medical centers, then quality control and technical support are improved, but patient access and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components including a fluidic network module, sample processing module, and analysis module that can be independently manufactured, quality-tested, and then assembled at point-of-care locations. This segmentation allows centralized quality control during manufacturing while enabling decentralized deployment for patient access.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized fluidic network interface acts as an intermediary between the sample processing module and analysis module, enabling plug-and-play connectivity. This standardized interface simplifies system integration at point-of-care locations while maintaining consistent quality standards across all deployed systems.
2Ease of operation
If sophisticated testing equipment is deployed at point of care, then patient access is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Complex diagnostic functions are segmented into discrete, pre-assembled modules that perform specific tasks (sample processing, fluidic control, analysis). Each module is independently tested and validated, reducing the complexity burden on end-users while maintaining sophisticated testing capabilities through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic network module serves multiple functions including fluid transport, sample distribution, and reagent delivery through a single integrated platform. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed at point-of-care locations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are used for different diagnostic tests, then testing versatility is improved, but cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal fluidic network module with standardized interfaces that can accommodate multiple different sample processing and analysis modules. This allows a single base platform to perform multiple diagnostic tests by simply swapping modules, providing testing versatility while reducing maintenance burden compared to maintaining separate systems for each test type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple diagnostic functions that would traditionally require separate systems are merged into a single integrated platform sharing common infrastructure including the fluidic network, control system, and user interface. This consolidation maintains testing versatility while reducing the overall maintenance burden through unified system management.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular analytic system includes a base, at least one fluid sample processing module configured to be removably attached to the base, at least one fluid sample analysis module configured to be removably attached to the base, a fluid actuation module positioned on the base, a fluidic network comprising multiple fluidic channels, in which the fluid actuation module is arranged to control transport of a fluid sample between the at least one sample processing module and the at least one sample analysis module through the fluidic network, and an electronic processor, in which the electronic processor is configured to control operation of the fluid actuation module and receive measurement data from the at least one fluid sample analysis module.