Point of care diagnostic platform
Disclosed is a point of care diagnostic system that includes an analytic cartridge adapted to receive a blood draw tube such that the cartridge can directly accept a blood sample from the blood draw tube. The cartridge is adapted to perform an assay on the blood sample and to produce an indication of an assay result entirely within the cartridge.
This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/746,127, filed Dec. 23, 2003, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/470,725, filed May 14, 2003. Priority of the aforementioned filing dates is hereby claimed, and the disclosures of the aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a point of care diagnostic system that has a plurality of modules and associated cartridges, and more particularly, to a point of care diagnostic system that includes a plurality of modules that share common QC protocols.
2. Description of the Related Art
Blood and other body fluid tests are important diagnostic methods in patient care and treatment. The reliability and the accuracy of the tests are critical in correctly diagnosing the patient and administrating proper treatment. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established numerous quality standards for the various blood or body fluid tests. Monitoring the test process is beneficial in producing reliable and accurate test results.
One way of monitoring the test process is periodically performing the monitoring test on standard test samples. The monitoring test results are compared with expected results to verify the accuracy of the test processes or correct the test instrument or process when appropriate. In this approach, the test processes are assumed to generate consistent result between the monitoring tests.
Another way of monitoring the test process is including standard test samples in the test process. This approach is suitable for a test process that performs tests on multiple samples. The test results on the standard test samples are compared with expected results to verify the accuracy of the test processes. In this approach, the test processes on real samples are assumed to generate result consistent with those on standard test samples.
These monitoring processes are time and cost inefficient. They are deficient in meeting the needs of point of care, e.g., hospital emergency room/department, test processes. In addition to being reliable and accurate, an emergency room test process should be simple to operate and generate diversity of analytical results fast.
Accordingly, there is a need for a point of care diagnostic platform that has a plurality of modules coupled to common host computer. There is another need for a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules that share common QC protocols. Yet there is another need for a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules coupled to a host computer and an external communication system. There is still another need for a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules, and a plurality of analytic cartridges, where each cartridge is associated with a module and is configured to directly accept a blood sample from a standard blood draw tube. Yet there is a further need for a point of care diagnostic platform that has a plurality of modules, a host computer coupled to the modules, a common external communication interface, with each module sharing the common external communication interface.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform that includes a plurality of modules that share common QC protocols.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of module coupled to a common host computer.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules, a host computer coupled to the plurality of modules and an external communication system.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules, and a plurality of analytic cartridges, where each cartridge is associated with a module of the plurality of modules and is configured to directly accept a blood sample from a standard blood draw tube.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules; a host computer coupled to the plurality of modules and a common external communication interface, with each module sharing the common external communication interface.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules coupled to a common external communication interface such as a least one of WAN or a LAN.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules coupled to a common external communication interface that is coupled to a wireless network.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules coupled to a hospital information network or a laboratory information network.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules and a plurality of analytic cartridges that are each bar-coded with information for test protocols, and lot expiration dates.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform with a plurality of modules and a plurality of analytic cartridges that retain and seal fluids.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a point of care diagnostic platform that has a plurality of modules and a plurality of analytic cartridges, where all fluids in a cartridge, including a patient sample, remain within the cartridge.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a point of care diagnostic platform includes a plurality of modules. A plurality of analytic cartridges are provided. Each cartridge is associated with a module and is configured to directly accept a blood sample from a standard blood draw tube.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a point of care diagnostic platform includes a plurality of modules. A host computer is coupled to the plurality of modules and a common external communication interface. Each module shares the common external communication interface.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a point of care diagnostic platform includes a plurality of modules each sharing the same QC protocols. A plurality of analytic cartridges are included. A host computer is coupled to the plurality of modules. The host computer is coupled to an interface. Each module has a corresponding interface component.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a point of care diagnostic platform includes a plurality of modules. A plurality of analytic cartridges are provided that each are bar-coded with information for test protocols, and lot expiration dates.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a point of care diagnostic platform includes a plurality of modules. A plurality of analytic cartridges are provided that retain and seal fluids.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a point of care diagnostic platform includes a plurality of modules. A plurality of analytic cartridges are provided. All fluids in the cartridges, including patient samples, remain within the cartridges.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a point of care diagnostic platform is provided that includes a plurality of modules. A plurality of analytic cartridges are provided. Each cartridge has wet and dry chemistries and at least one substrate that carriers a chemistry.
In one aspect, there is disclosed a point of care diagnostic system that includes an analytic cartridge adapted to receive a blood draw tube such that the cartridge can directly accept a blood sample from the blood draw tube. The cartridge is adapted to perform an assay on the blood sample and to produce an indication of an assay result entirely within the cartridge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As illustrated in
Platform 10 can deliver a multitude of discreet testing capabilities in a standardized manner. Modules 12 can have common operation platforms. Examples of common operation systems are user interface, quality control, calibration, training, connection to various laboratory information systems, hospital information systems, emergency room information systems, wireless communication and the like.
A host computer 14 is coupled to the plurality of modules 12 and also to a user interface 16. Each module 12 is coupled to the user interface 16. Host computer 14 has a variety of different capabilities, including but not limited to user interface, quality control, calibration, training, connection to various laboratory information systems, hospital information systems, emergency room information systems, wireless communication and the like. User interface 16 is coupled to each module 12 User interface 16 provides uniform (automated and standardized) connectivity to the plurality of modules 12 as well as communication to other hospital and laboratory information systems. It will be appreciated that standardized includes industry standards as documented by the Connectivity Industry Consortium. User interface 16 establishes a database of analyzed samples and provides the operator with quality control options for the plurality of modules 12. This is achieved by centralizing and tracking the collective output of the plurality of modules 12. In one embodiment, user interface 16 includes capability for at least one of a cardiac, fertility, kidney, coagulation, electrolyte and hematology panel, molecular diagnostics and chemistry panels, and the like.
Each module 12 has a corresponding interface component for module control and sample results acquisition. In one embodiment, host computer 14 is also coupled to an external communication system 18. A variety of different external communication systems are suitable including but not limited to a, WAN, LAN, wireless network, hospital information network, laboratory information network, and the like. Platform 10 can be connected directly or indirectly to a emergency room/department patient management network
In one embodiment, each module 12 shares common QC protocols. The QC protocols include but are not limited to the following, module electronic verification, real-time process monitoring, patient record-keeping, periodic liquid control results monitoring, and the like. The QC protocols are initiated in the same manner regardless of the module 12 that is tested. Electronic monitoring of the process at each module 12 is continuous and transparent to the operator and do not require operator attention. Results are stored in module specific databases. Each module can utilize specific electronic and/or optical parameter monitoring. Changes in the electronic and optical parameters are tracked during the operation of the module 12 involved, and the outputs compared to expected thresholds/changes. These changes are indicative of correct internal operation during sample processing.
In another embodiment, illustrated in
Point of care diagnostic platform 10 includes a plurality of cartridges 20, illustrated in
Each cartridge 20 can include a dock 22 for receiving a sample tube, an air dock 24 that can be engaged by a module 12, a rotary valve 26, which can also be engaged by a module 12, a calibration chamber 28, waste chamber 30, sample/calibration flow path 32 which is coupled to a detector, sample out flow 34, sample pressure channel 36 and a flow cell 38 which is a detection chamber.
Cartridges 20 can have wet and dry chemistries and at least one substrate that carriers a chemistry. Examples of various wet and dry chemistries are listed in Table 1.
Cartridges 20 are associated with a corresponding module 12. In one embodiment, cartridges 20 can directly accept a blood sample from a standard blood draw, sample tube 40 which can include a pressure needle 42 and a sampling needle 44, as shown in
As illustrated in
Referring again to
Each module 12 can include a processor 56 (
In one embodiment, cartridges 20 are designed to work with whole blood. This eliminates the requirement of a secondary process to remove the cellular components which may interfere with the testing. This additional separation is both time consuming and error prone. In the cartridge, the separation of cells is done automatically by providing a barrier which is penetrated by the analyte to be measured by excludes the cells from analytical contact, except in the case of hemotalogy, where the cells themselves are the subject of measurement.
Cartridges 20 can include electronic identifiers, including but not limited to bar-coded identifiers, with information for test protocols, and lot expiration dates. Cartridges 20 can also include serialized identification.
In one embodiment, placement of a cartridge 20 in a module 12 begins an initiation of the module 12. When a cartridge 20 is inserted into a module 12 it can be sensed automatically. The bar code of cartridge 20, with its unique sample, are read. This initiates the sequential operation of the fluid movement and detection.
In another embodiment of the present invention, platform 10 includes a plurality of modules 12 each sharing common QC protocols. A list of possible QC protocols is found in table 2.
*Operation at Instrument
In the preceding example, all reagents and waste are contained in cartridge 20. Fluids are moved in cartridge 20 via an external pump (in the module) coupled to cartridge 20 via an air dock. Likewise the reagents and sample are directed sequentially by valve(s) with-in the cartridge but activated through physical engagement to an external activator in the module. Cartridge 20 contains the fluid flow, fluid distribution fluid segmentation and sample dilution. A module 12 controls the fluid flow via a low pressure air connection and the fluid selection via one or more valve connections.
In another embodiment, platform 10 provides real time QC monitoring, and real time test result threshold detection, as disclosed in U.S. Provisional No. 60/470,725, incorporated herein by reference.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A point of care diagnostic system, comprising:
- an analytic cartridge adapted to receive a blood draw tube such that the cartridge can directly accept a blood sample from the blood draw tube, the cartridge adapted to perform an assay on the blood sample and to produce an indication of an assay result entirely within the cartridge.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a dock for receiving a draw tube.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes at least one flow channel fluidly coupled to a draw tube when the draw tube is mounted in the cartridge.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the cartridge includes a calibration chamber fluidly coupled to the flow channel.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the cartridge includes a waste chamber fluidly coupled to the flow channel.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes wet and dry chemistries.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes at least one of immunoassay, hematology, electrolyte, general chemistry and molecular diagnostic capabilities.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is bar-coded.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the cartridge is bar-coded with information for test protocols, and lot expiration dates.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein fluids are retained and sealed in the cartridge.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridges include serialized identification.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein a sample ID barcode is attached to the cartridge for automatic patient identification.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein a sample contained in a draw tube is removable after analysis.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes wet and dry chemistries and at least one substrate that carries a chemistry.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to isolate biohazards in the cartridge from an operator of the cartridge.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to provide introduction of a blood sample to the cartridge while isolating biohazards in the cartridge from an operator.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to provide introduction of a blood sample to the cartridge without exposing an operator to patient material in the cartridge.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to provide removal of a blood sample from a vial and introduction of the blood sample to the cartridge without exposing the patient or an operator to the blood sample.
19. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to provide that an operator is not exposed to contents in the cartridge.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured to work with whole blood.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 6, 2006
Publication Date: Mar 15, 2007
Inventors: Thomas Witty (Tucson, AZ), Robert Case (Henderson, NV)
Application Number: 11/517,007
International Classification: G01N 21/00 (20060101);