Automated Sample Routing and STAT Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lab automation systems lack intelligence and autonomy to independently move samples between analyzers or intelligently group sample containers for efficient processing, particularly struggling with handling STAT samples that require urgent analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple analyzers, a sample transfer device, conveyance, buffer queues, and controllers that use machine-readable identification to divert and process samples efficiently, prioritizing STAT samples and optimizing assay processing by transferring samples between analyzers based on assay type and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional automated lab systems are used to process samples, then basic automation is achieved, but the systems lack intelligence and autonomy to independently move samples between analyzers or intelligently group sample containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables samples to independently move between analyzers through self-identification mechanisms. Each sample container has machine-readable identification that the controller reads to automatically determine routing, grouping, and processing priorities without human intervention. This self-service capability provides intelligence and autonomy while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized identification protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors sample locations, analyzer statuses, and assay requirements, then dynamically adjusts sample routing and grouping decisions. The scanner provides feedback about sample identities, and the controller uses this information to make real-time intelligent decisions about sample movement and prioritization, enabling autonomous operation without excessive system complexity.
2Productivity
If samples are processed sequentially through a single analyzer, then processing simplicity is maintained, but throughput capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple analyzers into an integrated networked system that processes samples simultaneously. The controller coordinates sample distribution across multiple analyzers, allowing parallel processing of different sample batches. This merging increases throughput capacity while the standardized interface and centralized control keep the overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system design allows analyzers to perform multiple assay types and handle different sample containers. The controller intelligently routes samples to appropriate analyzers based on assay requirements, making each analyzer multi-functional. This universality increases throughput capacity by utilizing all analyzers for various tasks while avoiding the need for dedicated single-function devices.
3Speed
If STAT samples are handled separately from regular samples, then urgent sample processing is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system identifies STAT samples in advance through their machine-readable labels and pre-prioritizes them before processing. The controller reads the identification, determines STAT status, and automatically schedules these samples for immediate processing or front-of-line handling. This preliminary identification and prioritization enables fast STAT processing without requiring separate physical handling mechanisms, keeping system complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample routing and processing schedule is dynamically adjusted based on STAT sample identification. When a STAT sample is detected, the controller automatically repositions it in the processing queue and redirects it to an available analyzer, creating a dynamic response that prioritizes urgent samples without fixed separate handling paths. This dynamic approach achieves fast STAT processing while using the same infrastructure as regular samples.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for processing samples includes a sample database storing identification information correlated with one or more open assays associated with each sample. A conveyance transports sample containers, an input module holds sample containers, and a transfer robot transfers containers from the input module to the conveyance. An input scanner detects the machine-readable identification information on each sample container. At least one analyzer is configured to perform one or more functional assays on sample extracted from a sample container. A system controller is programmed to cause the transfer robot to transfer containers from the input module to the conveyance before scanning the machine-readable identification information and before identifying the one or more open assays associated with the sample container. The controller activates the input scanner to scan the machine-readable identification information as the sample container passes the input scanner and to access the sample database and identify one or more open assays for each sample container based on the identification information detected by the input scanner.