Sample Extractor with Imager for Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting biological samples from sample tubes are prone to contamination, leading to cross-contamination and false results, especially in high-throughput testing scenarios like COVID-19 diagnostics, due to swabs adhering to caps or pipette tips during manual or automated processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a holder, extractor, and imager that supports sample containers, allowing for the detection of sample presence outside the container through image analysis, issuing alerts to prevent contamination, and featuring grippers and collectors to manage samples and caps, reducing manual intervention and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or automated extraction processes are used to prepare samples, then productivity is improved, but contamination risk increases due to swabs adhering to caps or pipette tips
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an imager that captures images of the extractor and container during the extraction process. Image analysis automatically detects whether sample is present outside the container (on the extractor, cap, or surrounding areas). This real-time feedback allows the system to identify contamination events immediately and alert operators, preventing false results while maintaining automated high-throughput processing.
2Ease of operation
If automated extraction devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but contamination risk increases due to swabs becoming attached to the cap during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The imager is positioned to capture images of the extractor and container during the extraction process, specifically when the extractor is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position. This preliminary detection occurs before the cap is removed and before sample transfer, allowing the system to identify potential contamination events early in the process and prevent them from affecting sample integrity.
3Productivity
If pipette tips are used for sample transfer, then productivity is improved, but contamination risk increases due to sample adhering to the outside of the pipette tip
Solution Approach 1:
The image analysis system automatically detects whether sample is present on the extractor or surrounding areas after the extraction process. This feedback mechanism identifies contamination events where sample may have adhered to the outside of pipette tips or the extractor, allowing for immediate detection and prevention of cross-contamination while maintaining efficient automated sample transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an apparatus and method for extracting a biological sample from a sample container. The apparatus comprising: a holder arranged in use to support a sample container; an extractor moveable in use between a first position disengaged from the container when the container is supported by the holder and a second position engaged with the container when the container is supported by the holder, the extractor being arranged in use to obtain matter from the container when in the second position; and an imager arranged in use to capture an image of the extractor at the first position when the extractor is moved from the second position to the first position and to identify, based on analysis of the captured image, when sample is present outside the container.