Parallel Sample Analyzer Nozzle Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers using magnetic particles face inefficiencies in processing multiple samples due to sequential processing and nozzle contamination issues, leading to reduced sample processing capacity and potential carry-over contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with multiple holders, magnets, nozzles, and a container transfer unit that allows parallel processing of samples through multiple BF ports, with controlled discharging and aspiration processes to reduce contamination and enhance throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential processing is used with one magnetism separator and one impurity aspirating mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but sample processing ability cannot be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent processing units (first holder with first magnet and first nozzle, second holder with second magnet and second nozzle), allowing parallel processing of multiple reaction containers simultaneously, thereby enhancing sample processing ability without requiring a single complex sequential system
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple processing units are merged into a single integrated device with a common container transfer unit and control unit, enabling parallel operation while maintaining coordinated control, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the BF nozzle on the upstream side is cleaned for a long time, then carry-over is prevented, but the BF separating process cannot be started and sample processing ability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented and distributed to multiple nozzles (first nozzle and second nozzle), where each nozzle is responsible for cleaning specific reaction containers. This allows cleaning to occur in parallel with processing other containers, preventing carry-over without delaying the overall BF separating process
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning action is performed as a preliminary step integrated into the workflow of each processing unit before the BF separating process begins, ensuring that carry-over is prevented in advance without requiring a separate prolonged cleaning phase that would delay processing
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 configuration enables simultaneous processing of multiple samples, reduces nozzle contamination, and prevents carry-over, thereby enhancing the sample processing capacity and efficiency of the analyzer.
Implementation Method 1
the immune complex in which an analyzing target (antigen or antibody) in the sample and the magnetic particles bound with a reactive substance that specifically binds with the analyzing target are reacted is captured at the inner wall of a reaction container by a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
the unreacted substance in the reaction container is removed leaving the immune complex captured at the inner wall of the reaction container by supplying cleaning liquid to the reaction container and aspirating the liquid in the reaction container
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to present a sample analyzer for analyzing a target substance in a sample by carrying out a target substance separating process for separating a complex containing the target substance and a magnetic particle from other substances other than the complex. The sample analyzer executes the target substance separating process with respect to a second container held by a second holder with a second nozzle while executing the target substance separating process with respect to a first container held by a first holder with a first nozzle, and completes the target substance separating process with respect to the first container with the first nozzle and completes the target substance separating process with respect to the second container with the second nozzle.