Infectious-Agent Sample Preparation with Sensor-Controlled Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing output samples with a defined concentration of infectious agents are time-consuming, labor-intensive, prone to error, and costly, particularly for biological samples like blood, and often require expensive equipment, making rapid and accurate sample preparation challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using sensors to monitor solution characteristics, such as ORP or pH, coupled with computing devices to automate the dilution and incubation process, utilizing look-up tables to set thresholds for achieving a defined concentration, and adjusting temperatures to prepare samples efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual microbial culturing techniques are used to prepare output samples, then the concentration of infectious agents can be defined, but the process becomes time-consuming (up to 24 hours) and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical culturing techniques with an automated system that uses sensors to detect solution characteristics (pH, ORP) and automatically adjusts parameters to achieve the desired concentration. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated sensing and control systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining concentration precision while dramatically reducing preparation time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by using sensors to autonomously monitor solution characteristics and automatically adjust incubation conditions without human intervention. The automated feedback loop allows the system to self-regulate the culturing process, achieving defined concentrations rapidly without requiring skilled personnel for manual interpretation and adjustment
2Measurement precision
If manual interpretation by skilled personnel is used, then accurate assessment of infectious agents is possible, but the process is prone to technical or clinician error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual interpretation with automated sensor-based detection systems that objectively measure solution characteristics. This substitution eliminates human error susceptibility while maintaining or improving measurement precision through consistent, repeatable automated readings of pH, ORP, and other parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor solution characteristics in real-time and automatically adjust incubation conditions based on detected changes. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable, error-free operation by continuously verifying measurements and making automated corrections without human intervention
3Measurement precision
If optical techniques are used to assess biological samples, then concentration measurement is possible, but expensive equipment is required and samples with opacity (such as blood) are difficult to assess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from optical properties (which require expensive equipment and fail with opaque samples) to electrochemical parameters such as pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP). These alternative parameters can be measured with simple, inexpensive sensors and work effectively with all sample types including opaque biological fluids like blood
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, simple sensors instead of expensive optical equipment. The sensors are straightforward electrochemical devices that provide reliable measurements without requiring costly infrastructure, making the system accessible and cost-effective for routine use
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
Enables rapid, accurate, and cost-effective preparation of output samples with a defined concentration, reducing human error and equipment costs, suitable for various biological samples including blood and fungi.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a change in a solution characteristic of the diluted sample, such as a change in an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) or a change in pH
Implementation Method 2
monitoring a change in a solution characteristic of the diluted sample, such as a change in an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) or a change in pH
Implementation Method 3
The method can further comprise incubating the diluted sample at an incubation temperature. The diluted sample can be incubated when the one or more sensors are exposed to the diluted sample. The incubation temperature can be between about 33° C. and about 37° C.
Implementation Method 4
The method can also comprise cooling the diluted sample to a cooling temperature when the solution characteristic of the diluted sample changes by a threshold amount to yield the output sample of the defined concentration. In some embodiments, the cooling temperature can be between about 4° C. and about 25° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods, devices, and systems for preparing an output sample of a defined concentration are disclosed. The output sample can be used for downstream tests such as downstream anti-infective or antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). The method can comprise diluting an aliquot of a source sample comprising an infectious agent to yield a diluted sample; exposing one or more sensors to the diluted sample, wherein at least a part of each of the one or more sensors is in fluid communication with the diluted sample; incubating the diluted sample at an incubation temperature; monitoring a change in a solution characteristic of the diluted sample using a parameter analyzer or a computing device coupled to the one or more sensors; and cooling the diluted sample to a cooling temperature when the concentration of infectious agents within the diluted sample reaches the defined concentration to yield the output sample.