Systems and methods for sample use maximization
AssigneeTheranos, Inc.
InventorsAnthony J. Nugent, Daniel L. Young, Elizabeth A. Holmes, Michael Siegel, Ryan Wistort
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Abstract
The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.
Claims12
1-92. (canceled)
A method of processing a sample, the method comprising:
- a) inserting a cartridge into a sample processing device,
- wherein the cartridge comprises:
- a first assay unit and a second assay unit, wherein the first assay unit and second assay unit are each independently movable from the cartridge, wherein at least the first assay unit has the shape of a pipette tip, wherein the cartridge further comprises reagents for performing a first assay in the first assay unit and for performing a second assay in the second assay unit, and
- wherein the sample processing device comprises:
- a housing;
- a detection station comprising at least one of a:
- spectrophotometer, PMT, photodiode, camera, CCD sensor, or CMOS sensor;
- a fluid handling system comprising a nozzle configured to interface with a pipette tip and configured to move the sample, assay units or other components in the housing;
- an imaging device within said housing and configured to obtain images of said nozzle and said pipette tip within the housing of the sample processing device;
- a cartridge receiving location, wherein the cartridge receiving location is in the first module;
- and
- a controller, wherein the controller is operatively coupled to the sample handling system,
- b) dividing the sample into at least a first portion and a second portion in the sample processing device;
- c) retaining the first portion of the sample in the first module and transporting by the sample handling system the second portion of the sample to the second module,
- d) obtaining an image of the nozzle and of the pipette tip within the housing of the sample processing device, effective to provide information regarding image whether there are undesirable condition(s) associated with the pipette tip;
- and
- e) processing the sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.