Automated Sample Tube Cap for Microbe Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods are slow, often requiring overnight incubation and manual processing, leading to delayed results and potential overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can harm patients and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Innovation Solution
An automated sample tube processing system that includes a container with a cap and a tray system for centrifugation and fluid manipulation, allowing for the separation of microbes from blood cultures with minimal user intervention, enabling faster AST results while maintaining microbial viability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If AST is performed from positive blood culture bottles, then processing time is reduced, but separation of microbes from blood components is required which adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly is nested within the sample tube structure, with the sealing wall integrated into the cap's interface ring. The tubular wall of the sample tube fits within the channel formed by the skirt portion and sealing wall, creating a compact nested arrangement that enables separation functionality without adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is segmented into distinct functional portions: an interface ring with sealing wall for sealing, a skirt portion for structural support and alignment, and a channel for accepting the tubular wall. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Productivity
If automated sample processing is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cap assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the sample tube, provides a mechanical interface for automated handling, enables separation of microbes from blood components, and maintains microbial viability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If manual sample processing is used, then device complexity is low, but user error and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs sample processing operations independently, with the cap assembly designed to work automatically with the separation system. The sealing wall and channel structure enable self-contained separation operations that minimize human intervention, thereby reducing user error and contamination risk while maintaining manageable device complexity.
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
The system significantly reduces processing time, minimizes user error, and increases productivity, providing faster and more accurate AST results, thereby improving patient care and reducing antibiotic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
automated systems capable of separating viable microbes from positive blood cultures
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for sample tube processing and more specifically to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, including automated systems capable of separating viable microbes from positive blood cultures. In an aspect, a sample tube may include a container comprising an open first end, a closed second end, and a tubular wall extending substantially along a longitudinal axis of the container. A protrusion may extend radially from an external surface of the tubular wall. A cap may be reversibly coupled to the first end of the container. The cap may include an interface ring having a top side, an underside, and a central axis therethrough. A skirt portion may extend from the underside substantially parallel with the central axis. A sealing wall may extend from the underside. A channel may be between the skirt portion and the sealing wall configured to reversibly accept the tubular wall.