Nucleic Acid Analyzer False Peak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nucleic acid analysis methods require expertise to interpret signals, especially in STR analysis with multiplexed PCR and fluorescence detection, leading to issues like false peaks, irregular peak balances, and crosstalk, which complicates analysis and necessitates a system that is easy to use, fast, and capable of handling multiple samples without extensive training or laboratory space.
Innovation Solution
A nucleic acid analysis method and system that adjusts the lower limit of fluorescence intensity detection, allows for automatic peak detection and identification of false signals, and displays corresponding time information, enabling the differentiation of true and false peaks without expert intervention, and includes a downsized analyzer for rapid sample processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment and expert analysis are performed to achieve high accuracy in nucleic acid analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting peaks, calculating fluorescence intensity ratios, and identifying false peaks before final analysis. The processor automatically compares observed fluorescence intensity ratios with expected ratios and identifies false peaks based on threshold criteria, eliminating the need for manual expert intervention in these preliminary steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically detecting peaks, calculating fluorescence intensity ratios, comparing observed ratios with expected ratios, and identifying false peaks without requiring expert operators. The automated peak detection and false peak identification algorithms enable the system to perform analysis independently, improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual expert analysis is performed to identify false peaks, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical system of manual expert analysis with an automated computational system. The processor automatically detects peaks in electropherograms, calculates fluorescence intensity ratios, compares observed ratios with expected ratios, and identifies false peaks using predefined threshold criteria, eliminating the need for manual expert intervention and significantly reducing analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying false peaks through computational algorithms that compare observed fluorescence intensity ratios with expected ratios. The automated peak detection and false peak identification eliminate the need for expert operators, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing the time required for analysis.
3Ease of operation
If a downsized analyzer is used to reduce laboratory space requirements, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downsized analyzer is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations within a compact form factor. The system integrates sample processing, electrophoresis, fluorescence detection, peak detection, ratio calculation, and false peak identification into a single automated platform, reducing the need for separate laboratory equipment and simplifying operation while managing device complexity through integrated design.
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
The system facilitates easy, rapid, and accurate nucleic acid analysis, reducing the need for expert operators and laboratory space, enabling speedy analysis of multiple samples with improved accuracy by automatically distinguishing true and false peaks, thus enhancing sample throughput and reducing analysis time.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating, with light, an analysis sample including a plurality of DNA fragments... detecting fluorescence, excited from the analysis sample
Implementation Method 2
detecting fluorescence, excited from the analysis sample, corresponding to the DNA fragments with an imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a nucleic acid analyzer, which does not require manual processes by a highly trained operator such as a researcher and is easy to use, small-sized, capable of accepting multiple samples, and performs speedy analysis, and a nucleic acid analysis method using the analyzer. The analyzer and method perform detection in a plurality of exposure times, provide a program for determining a threshold for signal detection, and determine whether a faint signal peak is a false signal peak.