Biological Sample Analysis System Usability Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological sample analysis systems are prone to errors and inefficiencies due to manual handling, which can lead to incorrect sample usage and analysis results, particularly concerning sample age and storage conditions, resulting in increased costs and potential misdiagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An automated analysis system that includes a receiver for unique sample identifiers, a decision unit to assess sample usability based on meta information such as age and storage conditions, and a controller to initiate analysis only if the sample meets the required conditions for valid results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of biological samples is used for aliquoting, labeling, and transfer, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but error rate increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the biological sample processor automatically performs aliquoting, labeling, and transfer operations without human intervention. The processor reads identifiers, determines storage parameters, and executes the entire workflow autonomously, eliminating manual handling errors while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated biological sample processor that uses mechanical arms, pumps, and robotic systems to perform aliquoting, transfer, and labeling tasks. This substitution of human mechanical actions with automated mechanical systems improves both reliability and productivity simultaneously.
2Reliability
If manual determination of sample storage duration is performed, then adaptability to different sample types is maintained, but reliability of analysis results decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the biological sample processor continuously monitors storage duration by reading identifiers and comparing against stored maximum duration values. The system provides feedback signals to control whether samples should be analyzed or discarded, ensuring reliability without requiring complex manual tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing maximum storage duration parameters in the system database before samples are processed. When samples are received, the system automatically retrieves and applies these pre-defined limits, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and ensuring consistent reliability across all sample types.
3Productivity
If fixed storage time limits are applied to all samples, then simplicity of management is maintained, but loss of usable samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by assigning different maximum storage duration parameters to different sample types, identifiers, or storage conditions. Each sample or sample category receives customized storage limits based on its specific characteristics, maximizing utilization without requiring overly complex manual management of variable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically adjusting storage duration limits based on sample type, storage temperature, and other relevant parameters. The biological sample processor automatically modifies the maximum storage time parameter according to the specific sample characteristics, optimizing sample utilization while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated parameter selection.
4Reliability
If frequent manual checking of sample age is performed, then reliability of sample usage is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of sample age and storage duration through the automated biological sample processor. Instead of frequent discrete manual checks, the system continuously tracks sample identifiers and storage parameters, automatically determining usability without interrupting workflow or consuming operator time, thus improving reliability while eliminating time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Analysis system and computer implemented method for analyzing biological samples are disclosed. The system has at least one analyzer for performing an analysis and a decision unit being operable to determine in response to the receipt of the analysis request whether results obtained from performing the analysis on the sample indicated in the analysis request are valid. This determination is executed by retrieving the meta information assigned to the sample and by applying the at least one condition on the meta information and wherein the at least one applied condition has at least a condition on whether the sample allows a valid analysis on the sample, and wherein the decision unit returns the decision that the analysis exercised on the indicated sample will return a valid result in case the conditions of the condition set are met by the sample.