Modular Cartridge for Flexible Biological Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-care systems lack flexibility and reliability in conducting multiple tests on a single sample, often requiring specific designs for each test and limited in their ability to adapt to different analytical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular analysis system with a cartridge that supports multiple tests by varying sample pathways, reagents, and temperature control, enabled by programmable control information and evaluation protocols, allowing for flexible test selection and execution using the same cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a point-of-care system is designed for a specific test, then the test can be performed reliably, but the system lacks flexibility to perform other tests
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed with multiple fluidic pathways, reagent reservoirs, and sensor arrays that can be configured to perform different tests. The system uses programmable control to route samples through different pathways and activate different reagents, enabling a single cartridge to perform multiple test types (e.g., cardiac marker tests, infectious disease tests, coagulation tests) while maintaining reliable results for each specific test protocol
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically configurable fluidic valves and programmable pumping sequences that can be adjusted based on the selected test type. The control system modifies flow rates, timing sequences, and reagent dispensing amounts in real-time to optimize each specific test while using the same physical cartridge infrastructure
2Manufacturing precision
If different tests require different cartridge designs, then each test can be optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into modular functional segments including separate reagent reservoirs, distinct fluidic pathway branches, and independent sensor zones. Each segment can be independently configured for different test requirements, allowing optimization of specific test protocols without redesigning the entire cartridge structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge design incorporates nested functional elements where universal components (e.g., sample inlet, waste reservoir, basic fluidic channels) form the base structure, and test-specific components (e.g., particular reagents, specialized sensors, optional pathways) are layered or activated within this framework, reducing overall complexity while maintaining test optimization
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal cartridge supports multiple tests, then flexibility improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions or zones within the cartridge are optimized for specific test types with locally tailored reagent formulations, sensor configurations, and fluidic characteristics. For example, cardiac marker detection zones have different reagent compositions and sensor sensitivities compared to infectious disease detection zones, ensuring high measurement precision for each specific analyte type while maintaining overall system versatility
Data Source
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AI summary
An analysis system and a method for testing a biological sample are proposed, wherein certain pieces of at least two different pieces of control information are selected and/or used to carry out the test using a cartridge and/or certain pieces of at least two different pieces of evaluation information are selected and/or used to evaluate the measurement results determined by the test.