Variable-Workflow Sample Processing for Automated Clinical Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry techniques face challenges in clinical application due to sample preparation complexities, high cost, sensitivity, and lack of automation, which hinder their widespread use in diagnostics.
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 sample characteristics and condition sets to streamline sample preparation and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry is used for clinical diagnostics, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device complexity and sample preparation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple analyzers including mass spectrometer, immunoanalyzer, and chromatography system into a single integrated sample processing system. The analyzers share common sample preparation modules, fluidics systems, and control electronics, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through automated multi-analyzer operation
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system employs universal sample preparation modules that can serve multiple analyzers simultaneously. The sample processing apparatus includes universal fluidics interfaces and automated sample handling systems that work across different analyzer types, reducing the need for analyzer-specific preparation equipment
2Measurement precision
If mass spectrometry is used for clinical diagnostics, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to sample preparation complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated sample preparation actions including centrifugation, filtration, and extraction before analysis. The integrated sample processing apparatus automatically prepares samples using built-in centrifugal separation modules and filtration systems, eliminating manual preparation steps and improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer and other analyzers are equipped with self-service sample preparation capabilities including automated ionization source cleaning, background subtraction, and quality control measurements. The system automatically monitors and adjusts operational parameters to maintain optimal performance without requiring extensive operator intervention
3Productivity
If multiple analyzers are integrated into one system, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system is segmented into modular functional units including separate sample introduction, sample preparation, analysis, and data processing modules. Each module can be independently controlled and maintained, reducing the operational complexity of the overall multi-analyzer system while enabling high throughput productivity through parallel processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control system and laboratory information management system as intermediaries between the multiple analyzers and the user. These intermediary systems automatically coordinate sample routing, data integration, and result reporting across all analyzers, simplifying the user interface and operational complexity while maximizing productivity through automated multi-analyzer management
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.