Integrated Sample Processing with Optical and MS Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry techniques have not found widespread clinical application due to challenges such as sample preparation, online extraction, throughput, automation, laboratory information system interfacing, and inter-instruments standardization and harmonization.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sample processing system that includes a chemical analyzer or immunoanalyzer integrated with a mass spectrometer, featuring a common sample preparation station with the option to use multiple detection systems, including optical detection systems, and eliminating the need for centrifugation and liquid chromatography systems to simplify the workflow and improve analysis efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MS techniques are used for clinical diagnostics, then specificity and accuracy are improved, but sample preparation complexity and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the immunoanalyzer and mass spectrometer into a single integrated system with a shared sample preparation station. The aliquoting station, reaction vessels, and detection systems are merged into one platform, allowing samples to be prepared once and analyzed by either immunoassay or MS detection, thereby reducing overall sample preparation complexity while maintaining high specificity
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functional capability where the same sample preparation station and reaction vessels can support both immunoassay and mass spectrometry detection modes. The system can automatically switch between detection methods based on the analytical requirements, making the device universally applicable for different clinical diagnostic needs without requiring separate preparation workflows
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection systems are integrated, then versatility and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates both immunoassay and mass spectrometry detection capabilities within a single platform. The control system can automatically select and switch between detection modes based on the analytical requirements, providing versatile detection capability while managing system complexity through automated control and unified sample preparation
3Device complexity
If centrifugation and LC systems are eliminated, then device complexity is reduced, but sample preparation robustness may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the centrifugation and liquid chromatography systems from the traditional MS sample preparation workflow. By removing these complex components, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining sample preparation robustness through the integrated aliquoting and reaction vessel systems that are optimized for direct MS injection
4Productivity
If automated sample processing is implemented, then throughput is improved, but device complexity and automation challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the sample processing and detection functions into an automated integrated platform. The control system coordinates the aliquoting station, reaction vessels, and detection systems to process multiple samples sequentially without manual intervention, improving throughput while managing automation complexity through unified control architecture
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 simplifies the sample preparation process, reduces complexity, enhances the robustness and accuracy of analysis, and decreases turnaround time while maintaining or improving the accuracy of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Mass Spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used for determining the elemental composition of samples, quantifying the mass of particles and molecules
Implementation Method 2
performing, by a mass spectrometer, a secondary analysis of the analyte or another analyte in the second processed sample aliquot
Implementation Method 3
The optical detection system may operate using immunoassay detection processes such as chemiluminescence or fluorescence
Implementation Method 4
The optical detection system may operate using immunoassay detection processes such as chemiluminescence or fluorescence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An integrated sample processing system including an analyzer and a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The integrated sample processing system can perform multiple different types of detection, thereby providing improved flexibility and better accuracy in processing samples. The detection systems in the sample processing system may include an optical detection system and a mass spectrometer.