Biological Sample Screening Workflow Management System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological sample screening laboratories face complexity due to multiple assay types and manual tracking of steps, leading to outdated records and difficulties in preventing duplicate testing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing biological sample screening workflows, including a graphical user interface that displays real-time status of devices and samples, automates tracking, and optimizes workflows to prevent duplicate testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking of sample steps is used, then flexibility in handling diverse assay types is maintained, but record accuracy deteriorates and duplicate testing cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking with an automated computer-based system that electronically monitors sample status across all assay types. The system automatically updates sample location and status information, eliminating manual record-keeping errors while preventing duplicate testing through centralized digital tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The tracking system is designed to handle multiple assay types and diverse sample workflows through a single unified platform. The system accommodates different assay requirements while maintaining consistent tracking standards, providing universal monitoring across the entire laboratory workflow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tracking systems are used for different assay types, then each assay can be optimized independently, but overall system complexity increases and information integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assay-specific tracking capabilities into a single integrated system. The unified platform consolidates tracking for all assay types into one coherent interface, reducing the number of separate systems while maintaining the ability to handle diverse workflow requirements through modular design.
3Reliability
If real-time automated tracking is implemented, then duplicate testing is prevented and accuracy improves, but system complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated tracking system operates autonomously, automatically updating sample status and location without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors and alerts operators to potential issues, reducing the need for complex manual oversight while maintaining high accuracy in preventing duplicate testing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for guiding the management of blood and/or plasma screening laboratory workflow are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for analyzing biological samples includes centrifuges, pooling devices, biological sample analyzing devices, and a processor to monitor operation of the centrifuges, the pooling devices, and the biological sample analyzing devices. The processor can track the progress of analysis of the biological samples and generate progress indications via the graphical user interface. In response to determining that an external control is present, the system can prevent release of the biological component to the biological sample analyzing device to perform analysis until the external control is also loaded into the analyzer. In response to a determination that a component of a biological sample is grouped into more than one pool or not intended to be pooled, the system can generate a warning via the graphical user interface. The system can provide a chronology of states, display the status of instruments and biological samples, indicate what components need operator attention, and search and display the status of samples and tests. The system can prevent unintended use, including duplicate testing.