Sample Well Detection via Luminescence Decay Time
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting samples in sample wells are limited, particularly when using light-impermeable microtitration plates or when the effect of the sample and sample carrier on luminescence intensity is case-specific and non-deterministic, leading to potential erroneous results.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that compute an indicator value based on the decay time of luminescence emission signals, comparing it to a reference value to determine if a sample is present in the sample well, utilizing a controller and photo-detector in an optical measurement instrument to differentiate between the presence and absence of a sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If light absorbance method is used to detect sample presence, then detection can be performed, but transparent microtitration plate is required which limits versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from light absorbance to luminescence intensity measurement. By measuring luminescence instead of absorbance, the system can detect samples in light-impermeable plates, thus resolving the contradiction between detection reliability and plate material flexibility.
2Reliability
If luminescence intensity method is used to detect sample presence, then detection can be performed, but the effect is case-specific and non-deterministic leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference sample well containing the same reagents but no test sample as an intermediary reference. By comparing the luminescence intensity of the test sample well against this reference well, the system eliminates case-specific variations and achieves deterministic, reliable detection.
3Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then simple equipment is required, but accurate detection in light-impermeable plates cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a luminescence detection system that serves multiple functions: it can detect samples in both transparent and light-impermeable plates, accommodate different plate types, and provide reliable detection across various sample conditions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between detection accuracy and 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
Accurately determines the presence of a sample in a sample well, reducing the risk of erroneous results by reliably measuring the decay time of luminescence emission signals, even in cases where the sample well is light-impermeable or has a non-deterministic luminescence response.
Implementation Method 1
detecting whether a sample well contains a sample based on decay time of a luminescence emission signal measurable from the sample well
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for detecting whether a sample well (352) contains a sample is presented. The sample well contains one or more fluorescent substances needed for an optical analysis of the sample. The device comprises a controller (312) configured to compute, on the basis of a luminescence, e.g. fluorescence, emission signal measured from the sample well (352), an indicator value indicative of a decay time of the measured fluorescence emission signal. The controller (312) is configured to compare the indicator value to a reference value and to set, in accordance with the comparison, a detection result to express that the sample well (352) contains the sample or that the sample well (352) does not contain the sample.