Reagent Label Imaging for Accurate Fluid Handler Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proper loading of reagents onto a fluid handling system is challenging due to errors in identifying the correct reagents and their positions, leading to incorrect protocols and increased costs, particularly in library construction processes where reagents can be expensive and require precise sequencing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an imaging device that generates images of reagent vials loaded onto the fluid handling system, comparing this information with a database of manufacturer labeling, and verifying that the correct reagents are in the correct positions and volumes, with alerts for errors, allowing adaptation of the protocol if necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reagent loading is performed by operators, then flexibility in loading different reagents is maintained, but operator errors increase leading to incorrect reagent positioning and protocol execution
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures images of reagent labels using an imaging device, automatically reads and verifies reagent information against the protocol requirements, and provides feedback to confirm correct loading or alert operators to errors. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual verification errors while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically capturing images of reagent labels, reading the information, and comparing it against the required protocol. The system independently confirms correct reagent loading without requiring operator intervention for verification, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive reagent verification is implemented using imaging and database comparison, then reagent loading accuracy improves, but system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated optical imaging and digital database comparison. Instead of operators physically checking reagent labels against protocols, the system uses imaging devices and software to automatically verify reagent identity, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the added complexity manageable through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of reagent label information through imaging and stores/compares it against database records. This copying approach enables accurate reagent identification without requiring physical manipulation or complex manual verification procedures, balancing precision with system simplicity.
3Productivity
If reagents are kept accessible for quick loading, then loading speed improves, but reagent exposure time increases leading to potential degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of reagent loading before protocol execution begins. By checking reagent identity and position in advance through image capture and database comparison, the system ensures correct loading without requiring repeated adjustments, thereby maintaining fast loading speed while minimizing the time reagents need to remain exposed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods of identifying reagents loaded into a fluid handling system can comprise programming a protocol for preparing a sample into a controller of the fluid handling system, loading multiple reagent vessels into a carousel of the fluid handling system, imaging individual labels of the multiple reagent vessels with an imaging device to produce label images, comparing information in the label images to identification information located in a database in communication with the controller, and determining if appropriate reagents have been loaded into the carousel to perform the protocol. A fluid handling system can include a deck, a tube holder, an imaging device, a pipettor, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a processor configured to perform the method.