Biological Sample Prioritization System for Stability Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems for processing biological samples are inadequate in monitoring stability and preventing sample expiration, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of usable data due to the short stability period of samples and the impact of processing on their stability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving prioritization of samples based on stability, with higher priority given to samples closer to expiration, and the option to freeze samples for repeat analysis, along with decontamination and pooling of samples to improve efficiency and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional systems process biological samples in received order, then processing is simple, but samples may expire before analysis due to short stability periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of sample stability upon receipt and assigns priority levels before processing begins. This advance preparation allows the system to proactively manage samples at risk of expiration, ensuring they are processed first without requiring complex real-time monitoring during processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system dynamically adjusts the processing queue based on real-time sample stability assessments. Samples are re-prioritized during processing based on their remaining stability, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and ensure that samples at risk of expiration are processed before more stable samples.
2Productivity
If samples are processed quickly through traditional systems, then throughput is maintained, but repeat testing may be required due to inconclusive results from degraded samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback loops where test results are continuously monitored and used to adjust processing priorities. When inconclusive results are detected, the system automatically identifies affected samples, reassesses their stability, and re-queues them for repeat testing, ensuring that degraded samples are caught and retested without compromising overall throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly processes samples through initial analysis to maintain throughput, then uses feedback mechanisms to identify and address inconclusive results. This allows the majority of samples to move through the system efficiently while problematic samples are selectively reprocessed.
3Loss of time
If samples requiring repeat analysis are processed after new samples, then new samples are prioritized, but samples needing repeat analysis may expire before retesting
Solution Approach 1:
The processing queue is dynamically reorganized based on sample stability and testing status. Samples requiring repeat analysis automatically receive higher priority assignments than newly received samples, ensuring they are processed before more stable samples. This dynamic re-prioritization prevents expiration of samples needing retesting while maintaining efficient overall processing.
4Loss of information
If traditional monitoring systems track sample receipt, then identification is possible, but processing monitoring and expiration prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system continuously tracks sample processing status and stability, providing feedback that triggers automated priority adjustments. This feedback mechanism enables the system to monitor processing progress and intervene when samples approach expiration, ensuring timely re-prioritization without requiring complex manual intervention.
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
This approach ensures that unstable samples are prioritized for analysis, reducing the risk of expiration and improving processing efficiency by prioritizing samples that require repeat analysis and maintaining sample stability through freezing, while also ensuring thorough decontamination and efficient analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The sample prioritisation system may also comprise a freezable storage space in which sample containers may be stored
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring and controlling the processing of biological samples, the method comprising the steps of: receiving (101) a plurality of sample containers, each containing biological material; assigning (102) a priority to each of the sample containers; queueing (103) the sample containers for analysis based on the assigned priorities; extracting (104) a biological sample from each of the plurality of sample containers based on said sample container's position in the queue; analysing (105) each biological sample; providing (106) either a valid result or an inconclusive result for each of the biological samples based on said analysing; for each biological sample for which an inconclusive result has been provided, assigning (109) a new priority to the respective sample container and repeating the queueing, extracting, analysing, and providing steps.