Flow Cytometer Scatter Waveform Air Bubble Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-throughput flow cytometry systems face challenges in accurately identifying individual sample wells due to insufficient temporal distributions, leading to identification errors in air bubble detection between samples separated by air bubbles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a voltage output signal using a scatter detector as a flow stream of samples separated by air bubbles passes through a flow cytometer, sampling and recording voltage values greater than a separation gap threshold, and using these data to identify air bubbles and accurately delineate individual sample wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If temporal distribution of particle detection is used to identify sample wells, then high-throughput sample analysis is achieved, but identification errors occur due to insufficient temporal resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air bubbles as intermediary elements between sample suspensions in the continuous flow stream. These air bubbles create distinct temporal gaps in particle detection that serve as reliable markers for delineating individual sample wells, thereby improving identification accuracy without reducing throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time monitoring of particle detection temporal distribution to identify air bubble gaps and automatically delineate sample well boundaries. This feedback mechanism allows the system to accurately identify sample wells based on the characteristic temporal patterns created by air bubbles, resolving the identification accuracy issue
2Reliability
If air bubbles are used to separate samples in continuous flow, then sample separation is achieved, but air bubble detection accuracy is insufficient leading to identification errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the concept of signal characteristic changes by detecting the optical properties of air bubbles versus sample suspensions. The scatter waveform signal exhibits characteristic changes when air bubbles pass through the detection zone, allowing accurate differentiation and detection of bubble gaps between samples
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the flow cytometer's detection system to sense the physical presence of air bubbles through scattered light detection. The characteristic scatter waveform patterns generated by air bubbles provide reliable detection signals that improve air bubble detection accuracy
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
This approach significantly reduces well identification errors by utilizing the scatter waveform output to detect air bubbles, providing accurate and real-time feedback on bubble gaps and sample consistency, thus improving the reliability of sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
detect scattered light by the scatter detector as the fluid flow stream passes through the flow cytometer
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cytometer apparatus is provided herein including (a) a flow cell, (b) a fluidic pathway having a second end coupled to a first end of the flow cell, (c) a probe coupled to a first end of the fluidic pathway, (d) a sensor configured to detect one or more properties of a fluid in the fluidic pathway and positioned between the probe and the first end of the flow cell, (e) a processor in communication with the sensor, and (f) a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored therein instructions that are executable to cause the processor to perform functions including: (i) receiving, via the processor, the one or more properties of the fluid in the fluidic pathway detected by the sensor, and (ii) determining, based on the detected one or more properties of the fluid in the fluidic pathway, a presence of a separation gas in the fluid in the fluidic pathway.