Porous Microparticle Labeling for Multiplexed Biological Sample Detection

The invention divides the testing process into two distinct phases: a pooled screening phase where multiple samples are tested together, and an individual reflex phase where only positive samples from the pool are tested separately. This segmentation allows cost reduction through pooling while maintaining sensitivity by ensuring individual testing of positive samples, thus resolving the contradiction between cost reduction and sensitivity preservation.

The method performs preliminary pooled testing before individual sample testing. By first identifying positive pools through combined testing, the system pre-screens samples efficiently and then applies individual testing only where necessary. This preliminary action reduces overall testing costs while maintaining accuracy by targeting reflex testing only to samples that actually require it.

The invention designs a universal cartridge system where a single cartridge type can process multiple samples through pooled testing. The cartridge includes features like multiple sample receptacles, a common reaction chamber, and integrated mixing mechanisms that enable parallel processing of multiple samples without requiring separate specialized cartridges for each sample, thus increasing throughput while controlling complexity.

The method merges multiple individual sample processing workflows into a single pooled processing workflow. By combining samples from multiple receptacles into a single reaction chamber for simultaneous testing, the system achieves parallel processing capability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same basic cartridge structure handles multiple samples.

The testing process is segmented into pooled screening and individual reflex testing phases. During the pooled phase, multiple samples are processed together in a single reaction chamber, maintaining detection accuracy through the pooling methodology while significantly increasing throughput. The segmentation allows parallel processing without sacrificing the precision that would come from individual testing, as the pooled result triggers targeted individual testing only when necessary.

The system maintains continuous useful action by keeping the reaction chamber occupied with pooled samples throughout the screening phase, rather than processing samples sequentially. The chemical reactions proceed continuously in the shared reaction chamber, maximizing instrument utilization and throughput while maintaining detection precision through the validated pooled testing approach.