Sample Analyzer Reagent Consumption Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample analyzers inaccurately calculate the number of measurable samples due to mismatch between displayed and actual reagent consumption during calibration curve creation and quality control processes, leading to inefficiencies in reagent usage and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample analyzer with a reagent holding section, measurement section, and output section, controlled by a processor that measures both subject and standard specimens, accurately calculates the number of analyzable subject samples based on reagent requirements for both types of specimens, providing precise output on remaining analyzable samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reagent consumption for calibration curve creation and quality control is not considered in the measurable number of times calculation, then the calculation is simple, but the displayed measurable number of times does not match the actual number of measurable samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-stores reagent consumption information for calibration curve creation, quality control, and sample measurement in a database. Before calculating the measurable number of times, the controller retrieves these pre-stored values and sums them up, then subtracts from the total reagent amount. This preliminary organization of data avoids complex real-time calculations and ensures accurate accounting of all reagent uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously updates the measurable number of times by subtracting reagent consumption from each operation (calibration, quality control, sample measurement) and displays the updated value. This feedback mechanism ensures the displayed number always reflects the actual remaining capacity, maintaining accuracy while using a straightforward iterative calculation approach.
2Reliability
If reagent consumption for all measurement types is considered, then the accuracy of analyzable sample count is improved, but the reagent management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments reagent consumption into distinct categories: calibration curve creation consumption, quality control consumption, and sample measurement consumption. Each category has its own pre-stored consumption value in the database. The controller calculates the measurable number of times by sequentially subtracting each segment from the total reagent amount, making the management systematic and reliable without being overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically tracks and calculates reagent consumption without requiring manual intervention. The controller retrieves reagent consumption information from the database, performs calculations, and updates the measurable number of times display automatically after each operation type, enabling self-managing reagent accounting that is both reliable and simple to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a sample analyzer capable of accurately obtaining the number of analyzable samples. When analyzing a sample collected from a subject, a CPU of the sample analyzer calculates the number of analyzable samples based on a remaining number of tests of a reagent set in a reagent holding section and the number of tests of the reagent to be consumed in measurement of a control, and causes a output section to display the number of analyzable samples. When creating a calibration curve, the CPU calculates the number of analyzable samples based on a remaining number of tests of the reagent set in the reagent holding section, the number of tests of the reagent to be consumed in measurement of the control, and the number of tests of the reagent to be consumed in measurement of a calibrator, and causes the output section to display the number of analyzable samples.