Integrated apparatus for performing nucleic acid extraction and diagnostic testing on multiple biological samples
Inventors
Williams, Jeff • Wilson, Kerry • Handique, Kalyan
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12397295-B2
Publication Date
2025-08-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides.
Core Innovation
A diagnostic system is described that receives a cartridge configured for performing amplification and includes a cartridge barcode. The system includes a receiving bay configured to receive the cartridge and a barcode scanner configured to read the cartridge barcode when the cartridge is received, with barcode-based identification extended to sample tubes and reagent holders in a rack.
A rack is configured to receive a plurality of sample tubes and a plurality of reagent holders, and each sample tube comprises a sample tube barcode and each reagent holder comprises a reagent tube barcode. The rack includes a sample tube holder with an upper portion and a second rack portion for receiving an upper portion and a lower portion of the sample tube, with a middle portion between them, and the sample tube barcode is disposed on the middle portion.
A mirror is positioned relative to the sample tube holder, and the barcode scanner has a non-linear field of view from the barcode scanner to the mirror to the middle portion of the sample tube to read the sample tube barcode. The barcode scanner is also configured to read the reagent holder barcode and to communicate details of barcodes detected to a processor, supporting amplification within the cartridge while barcode-based identification is performed during cartridge and rack handling.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim coverage centers on a diagnostic system with barcode-driven identification integrated into a cartridge receiving bay and a rack for sample tubes and reagent holders, using a mirror-relative barcode scanner with a non-linear field of view and barcode placement on the middle portion of each sample tube. The independent claims include five inventive features.
Cartridge receiving bay and cartridge barcode scanning
A receiving bay configured to receive a cartridge for performing amplification, wherein the cartridge comprises a cartridge barcode, and a barcode scanner configured to read the cartridge barcode when the cartridge is received.
Rack with barcoded sample tubes and reagent holders
A rack configured to receive a plurality of sample tubes and a plurality of reagent holders, wherein each sample tube comprises a sample tube barcode and each reagent holder comprises a reagent tube barcode.
Sample tube barcode placement on a middle portion
A sample tube holder comprising a first rack portion and a second rack portion for receiving an upper portion and a lower portion of a sample tube, with a middle portion of the sample tube between the upper and lower portions, wherein the sample tube barcode is disposed on the middle portion.
Non-linear barcode scanner field of view using a mirror
A mirror positioned relative to the sample tube holder, and a barcode scanner having a non-linear field of view from the barcode scanner to the mirror to the middle portion of the sample tube to read the sample tube barcode.
Barcode-based reagent holder identification and barcode data communication
A barcode scanner configured to read the reagent holder barcode of a reagent holder of the plurality of reagent holders, and configured to communicate details of barcodes detected to the processor.
The claim coverage centers on a diagnostic system architecture that combines a cartridge receiving bay for amplification with barcode scanning of a cartridge, sample tubes, and reagent holders, where the sample tube barcode is located on the middle portion and read through a mirror-based non-linear field of view, with detected barcode details communicated to a processor.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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