Robotic Blood Sample Handling for Automated Hematology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic blood analyzers lack flexibility, particularly in managing emergency analyses and quality control operations, requiring manual intervention and leading to inefficiencies and potential inaccuracies in hematological analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for preparing total blood samples using robotic grippers and displacement means to automate the handling, preparation, and analysis of blood samples, including identification, agitation, and quality control, allowing for autonomous management of sample preparation and analysis, with features like aeration, clot detection, and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of blood tubes is used, then flexibility in managing emergency analyses and quality control operations is maintained, but productivity is reduced and risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system automatically identifies tubes via barcode reading, retrieves them from storage racks, performs agitation, and delivers them to the analyzer without human intervention. The system self-manages the complete workflow from storage to analysis, improving both productivity and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of tubes by operators is replaced with an automated robotic system that uses robotic arms or conveyors to transport tubes, automated agitators to mix blood samples, and barcode scanners to identify samples. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Device complexity
If manual tube handling is used, then device complexity is low, but reliability is reduced due to operator contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The operator is extracted from the tube handling process entirely. The robotic system performs all tube manipulation tasks, separating human operators from potential sources of contamination. This extraction maintains low device complexity while significantly improving reliability by eliminating human error and contamination risks.
3Productivity
If automatic analyzers are used without preparation device, then productivity is improved, but adaptability is reduced for emergency and quality control operations
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic preparation device serves multiple functions: it handles routine high-throughput analysis by automatically retrieving and preparing tubes, manages emergency analyses by prioritizing specific tubes, performs quality control operations by accessing control samples, and provides agitation functionality. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining high productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual agitation and preparation is performed, then manufacturing precision of sample preparation is sufficient, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs tube agitation continuously and automatically according to standardized protocols, eliminating interruptions and delays associated with manual preparation. The automated agitators operate without pause, ensuring consistent mixing quality while reducing overall preparation time through parallel processing of multiple tubes.
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
Enhances the flexibility and reliability of hematological analyses by automating the preparation and analysis of blood samples, reducing manual intervention, and ensuring accurate and efficient handling of emergency and quality control situations.
Implementation Method 1
b) individually taking and moving each of said tubes with the help of robotic gripper and displacement means under the control of said controller, from said storage zone to at least one zone for preparing the tube and the sample of blood
Implementation Method 2
c) preparing said tube and said sample in said preparation zone in application of a preparation sequence that is determined as a function of information read from on said sample identification means and/or on the basis of information input into said automatic controller by an operator, said sequence including at least agitating the tube so as to mix together the components of the blood contained therein
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of preparing analyses of total blood samples and to a device that is useful for implementing the method, said samples being conserved in tubes including at least one identification means for identifying the sample, the device comprising:at least one compartment constituting a said storage zone for storing said tubes before and after analysis; andat least one said read means for reading said identification means of said tubes; andat least one preparation zone for preparing said blood samples prior to analysis and including means for verifying and/or treating said tubes containing said samples, and in particular at least one agitator means for agitating said tubes; andat least one access zone giving access to at least one automatic analyzer of total blood, said access zone enabling a said tube to be placed in said analyzer; androbotic gripper and displacement means controlled by an automatic controller and suitable for taking hold of and replacing said tubes individually in said storage zone and for conveying them in at least three directions XYZ between said storage zone, said preparation zone and said access zone giving access to said analyzer, said analyzer preferably being connected to and/or controlled by said automatic controller.