Refrigerated Specimen Management System with Dynamic Temperature Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratories face challenges in maintaining optimal storage temperatures for patient specimens, leading to inaccurate test results and inefficient sample handling due to variations in ambient storage conditions and lack of temperature control specific to each specimen type.
Innovation Solution
An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) with multiple controllable temperature zones that dynamically allocates storage space and maintains ideal temperatures for different specimen types, minimizing evaporation and automating disposal processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If specimens are stored at ambient room temperature during pre-analytical and post-analytical phases, then storage simplicity is improved, but test accuracy and precision deteriorate due to improper temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple temperature zones (refrigerated zone at 2-8°C and ambient zone at room temperature) to accommodate different specimen types and testing requirements. Each zone is independently controlled, allowing specimens to be stored at the appropriate temperature for their specific test needs without complicating the overall storage infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the storage system provide different temperature conditions - the refrigerated storage area maintains cold temperatures for specimens requiring it, while the ambient area provides room temperature storage for other specimens. This local differentiation ensures each specimen type receives its optimal storage condition without requiring uniform temperature control throughout the entire system.
2Temperature
If specimens are stored in a refrigerated environment, then temperature control is improved, but instrument compatibility deteriorates when the sample temperature is lower than the instrument desires
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts specimen temperature based on the specific instrument and test requirements. Specimens can be stored in the refrigerated zone and then transferred to a temperature equilibration area where they are warmed to the appropriate temperature for the target instrument, or kept in the ambient zone if room temperature is suitable. This dynamic temperature management ensures both refrigeration control and instrument compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature equilibration area prepares specimens in advance by adjusting their temperature to match the requirements of the upcoming instrument analysis. This preliminary temperature adjustment prevents temperature mismatches when specimens are introduced to the instrument, ensuring compatibility and accurate results.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature zones are implemented, then specimen storage accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerated storage, ambient storage, and temperature equilibration functions are merged into a single integrated system with unified control. The controller manages all temperature zones and specimen movements from one interface, reducing operational complexity despite the multiple temperature zones. This consolidation maintains high storage accuracy while simplifying user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system performs multiple functions within a single apparatus: refrigerated storage for cold-sensitive specimens, ambient storage for room-temperature specimens, and temperature equilibration for temperature adjustment. This multi-functionality achieves precise storage accuracy for various specimen types without requiring separate independent systems for each function.
4Productivity
If automated temperature control and disposal is implemented, then sample handling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors specimen storage conditions and performs disposal actions without human intervention. The controller tracks specimen age, temperature history, and test completion status, then automatically transfers expired or improperly stored specimens to the disposal area. This self-service capability improves handling efficiency by eliminating manual monitoring and disposal tasks while the automation is integrated into the existing system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature conditions and specimen status, using this feedback to automatically adjust storage conditions and trigger disposal actions when appropriate. This feedback loop ensures efficient automated handling by responding to real-time conditions, and the feedback mechanisms use standard sensors and controllers already present in modern laboratory equipment.
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
Ensures accurate and precise testing by maintaining specimens at optimal temperatures, reducing evaporation, and optimizing sample handling through dynamic temperature control and automated disposal.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control unit; a first environment (58) having a plurality of controllable temperature zones (10), each zone (10) structured and arranged to hold a discrete number of the tubes and/or containers (20) at a desired, controlled temperature
Implementation Method 2
a sealed upper compartment (29) adapted to minimize or eliminate fluid, e.g., air, flow into the sealed upper compartment (29)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An automated, refrigerated specimen management system (ARSIMS) to hold sealed and/or opened sample/specimen tubes and/or containers that can be in the pre-analytical, in-process, or post-analytical phase of processing. The ARSIMS ensures that each sample/specimen tube, whether it is sealed, capped, closed or open, can be stored at an ideal storage temperature according to the particular phase of processing and as appropriate for the combination of sample/specimen type and analyte(s) to be tested.