Viscosity-Controlled Sample Preparation for Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry tests require significant labor for accurate sample preparation due to the need for manual determination of specimen and reagent mixing ratios based on particle concentration, especially when analyzing low-abundance antigens like stem cells, and involve multiple multicolor analyses for detecting various antigens, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A sample preparing apparatus and method that control the dispensing of specimens into mixing containers based on viscosity, stabilizing the reagent-to-particle ratio and automating the preparation of measurement samples, thereby reducing variation and improving analysis accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual determination of mixing ratios is performed based on particle concentration, then accurate analysis can be achieved, but labor intensity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the mixing ratio by having the specimen container itself provide viscosity information, which the control section uses to calculate the optimal mixing ratio. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual intervention while maintaining accurate analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses viscosity measurement feedback from the specimen to automatically adjust and determine the mixing ratio. This closed-loop feedback mechanism replaces manual determination with automated control based on actual specimen properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple multicolor flow cytometry analyses are performed to detect various antigens, then comprehensive detection capability is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary determination of mixing ratios based on viscosity measurements before the actual flow cytometry analysis. This preliminary action optimizes sample preparation, reducing the time required for subsequent multiple analyses.
3Reliability
If specimen amount is increased to assure detection of low-abundance stem cells, then detection reliability improves, but reagent consumption and analysis complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter used for determining specimen amount from manual particle concentration assessment to automated viscosity-based calculation. This parameter change simplifies the preparation process while maintaining reliable detection of low-abundance cells.
Data Source
AI summary
To accurately analyze measurement target particles in each specimen, while reducing variation in dispensing amounts of specimens which is caused by different viscosities of the respective specimens. A sample preparing apparatus 1 includes: a measurement section 2 configured to measure a specimen obtained from a specimen container 10, and obtain viscosity information relating to viscosity of the specimen; a sample preparation section 3 configured to prepare a measurement sample by aspirating the specimen from the specimen container 10, discharging the specimen into a mixing container 11, and mixing the specimen with a labeling substance in the mixing container 11; and a control section 4 configured to determine, on the basis of viscosity information, at least one of an aspiration condition for aspirating the specimen and a discharge condition for discharging the specimen, and control the sample preparation section 3.