Biological Sample Aspiration Volume Control for Reflex Test Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laboratory instruments waste sample volume by drawing a fixed reserve amount for potential reruns or reflex tests, which may not be necessary, leading to inefficiencies and delays due to the need for additional sample introduction.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a computing device to analyze test order data and determine the exact volume of biological sample needed for primary and supplementary tests based on predefined rules, adjusting the aspiration volume accordingly to minimize waste and ensure efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed reserve volume is drawn for potential reruns or reflex tests, then the instrument is prepared for possible additional tests, but sample volume is wasted when reruns or reflex tests are not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the aspirated sample volume based on real-time evaluation of test order data and patient history. The computing device determines whether a rerun or reflex test is actually needed by analyzing specific criteria (test type, patient conditions, initial results), and only aspirates the reserve volume when necessary. This transforms the static fixed-volume approach into a dynamic conditional approach that adapts to each specific case.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of sample volume from a fixed predetermined value to a variable value that depends on multiple factors including test type, patient history, and anticipated need for supplementary tests. The system calculates the optimal volume to aspirate by evaluating whether supplementary tests are likely needed, thereby adjusting the volume parameter to match actual requirements rather than using a conservative fixed amount.
2Reliability
If a fixed reserve volume is drawn, then the instrument can handle potential additional tests, but the processing time increases due to delays when additional sample is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of test order data and patient history before aspirating the sample to determine whether supplementary tests are needed. By making this determination in advance, the system can aspirate the exact volume required without needing to pause for additional sample retrieval later, thus eliminating processing delays while still ensuring adequate volume is obtained when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing device uses feedback from analyzing test order data, patient history, and test requirements to determine the appropriate sample volume to aspirate. This feedback loop allows the system to make informed decisions about volume requirements before the aspiration step, preventing both waste and the need for additional sample retrieval that would cause delays.
3Ease of operation
If the reserve volume is a fixed predetermined amount, then the system is simple to operate, but the volume may be insufficient for actual rerun or reflex test needs
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device automatically performs the evaluation of test requirements and determination of appropriate sample volume without requiring user input or intervention. The system self-services by analyzing test order data, patient history, and test specifications to calculate the optimal volume, eliminating the need for users to manually determine volumes while ensuring adequate quantity is aspirated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of all relevant factors (test type, patient history, anticipated supplementary tests) before the aspiration step to determine the exact volume needed. This preliminary determination ensures that the correct volume is calculated and aspirated in advance, avoiding the need for users to estimate volumes or perform additional sample retrieval operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided. The method comprises: accessing test order data, wherein the test order data comprise information specifying a set of clinical tests to be carried out on a biological sample, wherein the set of clinical tests comprises at least a clinical test and the biological sample is contained in a sample container; obtaining test volume data by using the test order data, wherein the test volume data comprise information specifying a test volume; and instructing a pipetting device of a laboratory instrument to draw a drawing volume of the biological sample from the sample container, the drawing volume being based on the test volume data; wherein the test volume is the volume of the biological sample needed to carry out: the clinical test, and one or more supplementary tests associated with the clinical test, whenever one or more test volume conditions associated with the clinical test are met, wherein the one or more test volume conditions comprise a condition that one or more rules require that the one or more supplementary tests shall be carried out whenever one or more supplementary test conditions on the clinical test are met.