Multiwell Plate Mask for Pipetting Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dispensing reagents into multiwell plates, such as those used in qPCR assays, are prone to operator errors due to manual pipetting, leading to sample dilution errors and the need for all samples to be available simultaneously, which delays data evaluation and increases variation in results.
Innovation Solution
A set of masks with openings that align with specific subsets of wells on a multiwell plate, allowing for sequential access and blocking unintended wells, providing tactile and audible feedback upon dispensing, and simplifying the process by converting a 384-well plate into multiple 96-well plates for easier manual pipetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pipetting is used to dispense reagents into multiwell plates, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to operator errors and sample dilution errors
Solution Approach 1:
The mask divides the multiwell plate into distinct sections by providing selective access to specific wells through its opening pattern. This segmentation allows operators to work with one section at a time, reducing errors and improving reliability while maintaining ease of manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the multiwell plate. It provides a physical interface that guides reagent dispensing to specific wells, eliminating the need for complex automated systems while improving reliability by preventing misdirected dispensing.
2Productivity
If a 384-well plate is used to increase productivity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases making manual pipetting more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mask segments the 384-well plate into manageable sections with specific opening patterns, allowing operators to access and pipette to one register or quadrant at a time. This reduces the effective complexity of working with a large plate while maintaining high productivity through parallel processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask introduces a spatial filtering dimension by selectively allowing access to specific wells based on their position on the plate. This dimensional approach to organization simplifies the pipetting process on large plates by adding a layer of spatial structure that guides manual operations.
3Productivity
If all samples must be available simultaneously to fill plate capacity, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to delayed data evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The mask enables sequential processing by allowing one sample to be dispensed to one register at a time. This segmentation of the dispensing process eliminates the need to wait for all samples to be ready before starting analysis, reducing time loss while maintaining productivity through parallel sample preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask facilitates preliminary dispensing of reagents and samples to specific wells before all required samples are available. This allows early initiation of analysis procedures, reducing the time required to reach full plate capacity and enabling earlier data evaluation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a masking system of masks for use with multiwell plates such as microtiter plates to facilitate sample dispensing and assay accuracy, especially when dispensing more than one solution into the wells. One or more masks, adapted in size to fit snugly over a multiwell plate and the mask formed with openings each aligned with a subset of one or more wells of the plate beneath, aids the user in sample and/or reagent administration. Advantageously, the masks contain registration aids so that proper orientation with respect to the plate below is achieved; the registration aid may be a cut corner, registration peg or mark, or visual marking or stamping.