Automated Urine Bacteria Identification System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying bacteria in urine samples are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require multiple steps, reagents, and extensive labor, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising disposable cartridges with centrifuge tubes and optical cuvettes, processed by a sample processor and analyzed using an optical analyzer, which eliminates the need for reagents and manual handling, allowing for rapid and simultaneous analysis of multiple specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional microbiology lab procedures are used for identifying bacteria in urine samples, then comprehensive analysis can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming (50 hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (inoculation, incubation, suspension, dilution, vortexing, turbidity measurements) with an automated fluid handling system that uses robotic arms, precision pumps, and automated mixers to perform all sample processing steps, reducing processing time from 50 hours to approximately 2 hours while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring automated protocols for bacterial identification, pre-positioning reagents and supplies in accessible locations, and pre-programming the sequence of operations so that when a sample is introduced, the entire identification process executes automatically without manual intervention at each step
2Reliability
If multiple manual steps and reagents are used for bacterial identification, then thorough analysis is achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires extensive labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate manual operations (inoculation, incubation, biochemical testing, susceptibility testing) into a single integrated automated system where one fluid handling platform performs all functions through programmed sequences, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and manual transitions between steps
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fluid handling system is designed as a universal platform capable of performing diverse bacterial identification tasks including Gram stain preparation, culture inoculation, biochemical reagent dispensing, and susceptibility testing, allowing a single system to replace multiple specialized manual procedures
3Measurement precision
If traditional processing methods are used, then complete bacterial analysis can be performed, but reagent waste and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the sample processing steps into a closed automated system where the urine sample remains contained within sealed vessels throughout the identification process, eliminating exposure to the laboratory environment and preventing contamination from external sources while maintaining analysis 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
The system reduces processing time to 20 minutes for a single specimen and up to 2 hours for 50 specimens, increases efficiency, saves time and money, and minimizes labor and contamination risks, while providing consistent and rapid diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
an optical analyzer for analyzing the processed urine samples
Implementation Method 2
an optical analyzer for analyzing the processed urine samples
Implementation Method 3
a disposable cartridge or holder for holding disposable components including a centrifuge tube
Data Source
AI summary
A system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in urine samples which includes: 1) several disposable cartridges for holding four disposable components including a centrifuge tube, a pipette tip having a 1 ml volume, a second pipette tip having a 0.5 ml volume, and an optical cup or cuvette; 2) a sample processor for receiving the disposable cartridges and processing the urine samples including transferring the processed urine sample to the optical cups; and 3) an optical analyzer for receiving the disposable cartridges and configured to analyze the type and quantity of micro-organisms in the urine sample. The disposable cartridges with their components including the optical cups or cuvettes are used in the sample processor, and the optical cups or cuvettes containing the processed urine samples are used in the optical analyzer for identifying and quantifying the type of micro-organism existing in the processed urine samples.