Nucleic Acid Analysis Method for Consistent Data Amounts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies face challenges in maintaining consistent data amounts of sequence information per sample, leading to variations in analysis quality when the number of samples subjected to sequencing runs changes, affecting the reliability of gene base sequence analysis results.

Innovation Solution

An analysis method that involves preparing measurement samples by mixing subject-derived nucleic acid with non-subject-derived nucleic acid to ensure a predetermined amount of nucleic acid, ensuring consistent data amounts per sample irrespective of the number of samples, and an information processing apparatus to manage and analyze this sequence information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of samples subjected to sequencing runs changes, then the total amount of sequence information obtained changes, but the data amount per sample varies leading to inconsistent analysis quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata amount per sampleVSAvoidanalysis quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the total amount of nucleic acid in the measurement sample based on the number of subject-derived samples. When fewer samples are available, additional non-subject-derived nucleic acid is added to maintain the total nucleic acid amount within a predetermined range, thereby ensuring consistent data amount per sample and reliable analysis quality regardless of sample number variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces non-subject-derived nucleic acid as an intermediary substance to compensate for variations in sample numbers. This intermediary nucleic acid serves as a filler that maintains the total nucleic acid amount in the measurement sample, ensuring that the data amount per subject sample remains consistent even when the number of subject samples fluctuates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If subject-derived nucleic acid samples are mixed to achieve optimal total amount, then sequencing efficiency improves, but it becomes difficult to maintain consistent data amount per sample when sample numbers vary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequencing efficiencyVSAvoiddata amount consistency per sample
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the composition of the measurement sample flexible rather than fixed. The measurement sample dynamically adjusts its composition by varying the proportion of non-subject-derived nucleic acid based on the actual number of subject-derived samples available, allowing the system to maintain both optimal total nucleic acid amount for sequencing efficiency and consistent data amount per sample

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of time

If the number of samples in a sequencing run is reduced, then processing time decreases, but the data amount per sample increases beyond acceptable variation ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing timeVSAvoiddata amount variation per sample
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-calculating and adding the appropriate amount of non-subject-derived nucleic acid before sequencing to counteract the potential excessive data amount per sample. This preliminary compensation ensures that even when fewer samples are processed, the data amount per sample remains within acceptable variation ranges, preventing quality degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3617327A1Analysis method, information processing apparatus, gene analysis system, and non-transitory storage medium
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3617327A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3617327A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3617327A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Provided is an analysis method including: obtaining sequence information of nucleic acid contained in a measurement sample prepared by mixing at least one sample that contains subject-derived nucleic acid and a sample that contains non-subject-derived nucleic acid such that the measurement sample contains a previously determined amount of nucleic acid; and outputting sequence information in which a data amount of sequence information per sample that contains subject-derived nucleic acid is a predetermined amount irrespective of the number of samples that contain subject-derived nucleic acid and that have been used in preparing the measurement sample.