Automated Reflex Testing Using Residual Sample Material
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated molecular testing systems face inefficiencies in performing reflex tests, as they often require obtaining new specimens and are prone to errors and high costs, especially when testing for antibiotic resistance determinants like mupirocin resistance in MRSA or MSSA positive samples.
Innovation Solution
The system automates the process of performing sequential assays by using residual material from initial tests, transferring a second portion of the sample to a new vessel with reagents for a reflex test, minimizing the need for additional specimens and reducing manual handling and costs, while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If new specimens are obtained for reflex testing, then testing accuracy is maintained, but time consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing on the initial specimen to identify positive cases, then automatically transfers residual material from that initial testing to reflex test vessels. This preliminary action eliminates the need to obtain new specimens for reflex testing, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining testing accuracy through automated quality control measures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the residual material from initial testing, the system recovers and reuses it for reflex testing. This recovery process eliminates the need to collect new specimens, reducing both time and costs while ensuring that the same high-quality sample is used for both initial and reflex tests.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is performed for reflex testing, then flexibility is maintained, but error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated identification and transfer of residual material. The automated instrument identifies positive samples from initial testing and automatically transfers the appropriate residual material to reflex test vessels, eliminating manual handling errors while maintaining the flexibility to perform various reflex tests based on initial results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from initial test results to automatically determine which samples require reflex testing and transfers residual material accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that only appropriate samples are selected for reflex testing, maintaining flexibility in test selection while eliminating manual errors in sample identification and transfer.
3Loss of substance
If residual material is reused for reflex testing, then costs are reduced, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the testing process into distinct phases: initial testing in separate vessels, followed by automated transfer of residual material to dedicated reflex test vessels. This segmentation physically separates different testing stages and uses automated transfer mechanisms that minimize cross-contamination risk, enabling cost-effective reuse of residual material while maintaining sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated transfer system acts as an intermediary between the initial test vessels and reflex test vessels. This intermediary mechanism uses controlled, automated transfer processes that prevent direct human contact and minimize contamination risk, allowing residual material to be reused for reflex testing in a cost-effective and safe manner.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for performing automated assays, and particularly to performing sequential assays on a sample on an automated instrument.