Modular Fluid Handling System for Point-of-Care Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical testing methods are hindered by human errors, lengthy processing times, limited accessibility, and degradation of samples during transport, leading to delayed and inaccurate test results, which impede timely medical interventions and increase healthcare costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular fluid handling system with programmable commands and a range of assay units, including centrifuges and detectors, capable of performing various assays and sample preparations at the point of service, utilizing a pipette system for precise fluid handling and communication with a point-of-service server for efficient data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples are transported to centralized laboratories for testing, then testing can be performed with specialized equipment, but sample degradation occurs during transport and human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized laboratory testing system is segmented into distributed point-of-care testing devices. Each device contains integrated sample processing and testing capabilities, eliminating the need to transport samples to centralized facilities. This segmentation allows testing to occur at the location where samples are collected, dramatically reducing turnaround time while maintaining reliability through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated fluid handling system acts as an intermediary between sample collection and analysis. The system includes robotic liquid dispensers, sample transport mechanisms, and integrated processing modules that automatically handle samples from collection through testing. This intermediary automation eliminates human handling errors and prevents sample degradation by minimizing manual intervention and transport time.
2Ease of operation
If manual sample collection and processing is used, then flexibility in sampling locations is achieved, but human errors increase and processing time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The point-of-care testing system is designed as a self-service automated platform. The device automatically performs sample collection, preparation, processing, and analysis without requiring manual intervention at each step. The robotic fluid handling system autonomously manages sample throughput, reagent dispensing, and waste disposal, eliminating human errors while maintaining ease of operation through simple sample input requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sample handling is replaced with automated robotic fluid handling systems. These systems use programmed liquid dispensers, automated pipetting mechanisms, and robotic sample transport to replace human manual operations. This substitution maintains the flexibility of sampling at various locations while dramatically improving data quality through consistent, error-free automated processing.
3Productivity
If batch processing in centralized laboratories is used, then resource utilization is optimized, but turnaround time becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The batch processing model is segmented into individual point-of-care testing units that can process samples independently and simultaneously. Instead of collecting samples in batches at a centralized facility, multiple distributed devices process samples in parallel at their respective locations. This segmentation maintains high productivity through concurrent processing while reducing turnaround time by eliminating centralization bottlenecks and transport delays.
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 system enables rapid, accurate, and reliable testing at the point of care, reducing human error, improving sample integrity, and enhancing the timeliness and quality of medical interventions, thereby lowering healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a blood sample is drawn and processed through a series of steps including centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.