Tissue Sample Routing Across Multi-Location Pathology Workstations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for handling biological tissue samples in anatomical pathology laboratories are inefficient, leading to errors and discrepancies due to manual handling, lack of traceability, and inadequate workflow management, particularly during transport and processing steps, and are not adaptable to varying protocols or workloads.
Innovation Solution
A modular and flexible system for handling biological tissue samples using a handling system with a unique code for each sample, bidirectional transport apparatuses, and electronic controllers to manage routing and handling based on work protocols, ensuring traceability and efficient workflow across multiple work stations and locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling of tissue samples is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but error rates increase and traceability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated sample handling where the transport apparatus automatically moves samples between work stations based on digital workflow protocols, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable routing decisions
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sample handling is replaced with an automated transport apparatus that uses digital control systems to manage sample movement, substituting human operators with an automated mechanical-digital system that provides precise tracking and reduced errors
2Productivity
If a linear workflow is used for all samples, then process simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to inability to handle varying workloads and protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow system transitions from a static linear process to a dynamic adaptive workflow where the transport apparatus automatically adjusts sample routing based on real-time workload assessment and protocol requirements, enabling flexible response to varying laboratory conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes workflow parameters dynamically by modifying transport routes, processing sequences, and work station assignments based on sample-specific protocols and current workload conditions, allowing optimization of processing efficiency for each individual sample
3Reliability
If automated transport is implemented, then error rates are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport apparatus is designed as a multi-functional universal system that handles sample transport, workflow management, and coordination between multiple work stations through a single integrated platform, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A process and system for handling biological tissue samples through work stations in which at least one work station includes a plurality of independent work locations. The handling system includes a main transport apparatus operatively connected to input and output stations and to the work stations for moving bidirectionally the samples among these; a plurality of secondary transport apparatuses operatively connected to the main transport apparatus and each respectively operatively connected to independent work locations of one of the work stations and configured to move bidirectionally the samples among these; and a control arrangement of the transport apparatuses for managing routing and handling of the samples in the work stations according to a work protocol associated with the samples and for managing routing and handling of the samples in the work locations according to a workload of the work locations and the work protocol associated with the samples.