Sample Processing Workflow Selection for Automated Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry techniques face challenges in clinical application due to sample preparation, throughput, automation, laboratory information system interfacing, inter-instruments standardization, and harmonization, and are costly and sensitive, limiting their use in analyzing all types of biological samples.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sample processing system with multiple analyzers, including at least one mass spectrometer, and a control system that selects appropriate analyzers based on condition sets and parameters to process biological samples, enabling automated sample preparation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry is used for analyzing biological samples, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the analysis workflow into distinct modular components: sample preparation module, analysis module (with multiple analyzer options including mass spectrometer), and data processing module. This segmentation allows the complex mass spectrometry function to be isolated and managed as a discrete module, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal sample preparation module that can prepare samples for multiple different analyzers (mass spectrometer, immunoassay analyzer, chromatography system). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized preparation systems for each analyzer type, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the high sensitivity of mass spectrometry when required.
2Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry is used for analyzing biological samples, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated sample preparation and analyzer selection functionality that operates without manual intervention. The control system automatically determines which analyzer to use based on sample characteristics and test requirements, and automatically performs sample preparation steps. This self-service capability maintains the high specificity of mass spectrometry while eliminating the operational complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intelligent control system as an intermediary between the user and the complex mass spectrometry instrumentation. This intermediary handles the complexity of analyzer selection, sample preparation parameter optimization, and data interpretation, allowing users to operate the system easily while maintaining mass spectrometry's high specificity through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sample preparation steps are used for mass spectrometry, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple sample preparation steps into an integrated automated workflow that can simultaneously prepare samples for multiple analyzers. The unified sample preparation module combines extraction, purification, and conditioning steps that would traditionally be performed separately, maintaining the accuracy required for mass spectrometry while increasing throughput by parallel processing multiple samples and analyzer types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sample preparation and characterization before analyzer selection is finalized. By pre-processing samples to a standardized intermediate state and pre-characterizing sample properties, the system enables faster analyzer assignment and reduces the total time required for complete analysis, thereby maintaining mass spectrometry accuracy while improving overall productivity through streamlined workflow sequencing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mass spectrometry is used for analyzing all types of biological samples, then versatility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic analyzer selection that adapts to each sample's characteristics and test requirements. Rather than universally applying mass spectrometry to all samples, the control system dynamically determines the most appropriate analyzer based on sample type, analyte concentration, required sensitivity, and cost considerations. This dynamic approach maintains versatility by being able to use mass spectrometry when needed while reducing costs by using simpler, more cost-effective analyzers for routine samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies mass spectrometry analysis selectively to specific samples and analytes where its high sensitivity and specificity are actually required, rather than universally to all samples. The control system identifies local conditions (sample matrix, analyte type, concentration range, clinical urgency) that warrant the use of mass spectrometry, applying this high-cost technology only where it provides necessary value, thereby maintaining versatility while controlling overall operational costs.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a sample processing system for analyzing a biological sample from a patient. The sample processing system comprises: a plurality of analyzers comprising at least one mass spectrometer, wherein each analyzer in the plurality of analyzers is configured to acquire at least one measurement value corresponding to at least one characteristic of the biological sample; at least one data storage component which stores (i) a list of parameters for the plurality of analyzers, and (ii) at least two condition sets, which contain data associated with completing one or more test orders. The condition sets contain data which differ by at least one variable; and a control system operatively coupled to the plurality of analyzers, and the at least one data storage component. The control system is configured to (i) determine which condition set of the at least two condition sets to use based on the determined condition set, (ii) determine which analyzer or analyzers of the plurality of analyzers to use to process each test order based on the determined condition set and one or more parameters from the list of parameters, and (iii) cause the determined analyzer or analyzers to acquire one or more measurement values for the biological sample.