IVD (In-Vitro Diagnostics) Pump Applications June 2, 2022 Understanding In-Vitro Diagnostics Devices In-vitro diagnostics (IVD) refers to the process of analyzing medical samples such as blood, tissue, or urine collected from patients and tested outside the body. OEM clinical laboratory instruments incorporate automated fluid handling systems to precisely manage sample collection and analysis. At the core of these systems are Diener precision pumps, which operate at multiple points to ensure accurate fluid flow throughout the instrument’s life cycle. Given the need for high fluid throughput, pumps are essential for fast and accurate transfer and dispensing. Since these devices often function 24/7, reliability and durability are crucial to maximizing throughput and preventing downtime. Optimizing Pump Placement for Different Functions Probe Cleaning Ensuring probes and needles are disinfected between samples is vital to achieving accurate results. Probes can be cleaned externally by dipping them in disinfectant or internally using high-pressure fluids—Diener provides solutions for both methods. For the dipping approach, Diener precision metering pumps fill and extract disinfectant from vials. One pump dispenses the cleaning solution into the vial, while another extracts it afterward. The pump’s displacement is infinitely adjustable, allowing for precise control over the volume of fluid dispensed. When cleaning probes internally, high pressure is necessary due to the narrow diameter of the needles. Diener Silencer Series gear pumps, capable of generating up to 10 bar of pressure, handle this task efficiently. These pumps start and stop with each cleaning cycle, reducing cycle times and boosting instrument throughput. Their magnetic coupling design eliminates the need for seals, preventing leaks, and their compact size enables installation in tight spaces. Waste Fluid Removal Waste fluids, such as blood samples, reagents, buffers, and water, are typically directed to a central waste container located at the base of the IVD instrument. Diener gear pumps are favored for this task due to their maintenance-free design and adjustable flow rates of up to 4 liters per minute. Their flow-through design and wide internal flow paths allow for the passage of soft solids without clogging. Unlike centrifugal pumps, gear pumps are self-priming, allowing them to be positioned above the waste reservoir. Bulk Fluid Transfer Diener gear pumps are also well-suited for transferring large volumes of fluids, whether replenishing reagents and buffers or simply moving DI water or solvents. With oversized gear bearings, these pumps ensure long maintenance-free operation with steady, pulse-free performance. Their high differential pressure capacity easily compensates for pressure drops across filters, valves, and long tubing. The helical gears provide quiet operation, and the magnetic coupling ensures leak-free performance. The pump is also reversible, allowing it to transfer fluids between reservoirs with ease. Precision Metering of Reagents and Buffers Diener’s ceramic metering pumps are the ideal solution for accurately dosing reagents and buffer solutions, which is critical for precise assays. The internal ceramics are resistant to aggressive fluids and wear, ensuring consistent pump performance over time. Unlike peristaltic or diaphragm pumps, metering pumps can operate at higher pressures (up to six bar) and require zero maintenance. These pumps offer adjustable displacement ranging from 20 to 500 microliters per stroke, and their drive train is designed for quiet operation. Additionally, their low dead volume helps conserve expensive fluids, reducing operating costs. Diener’s dual precision metering pumps dispense fluid once per revolution, eliminating the long refill times associated with syringe pumps. These pumps feature customizable pump displacement and port configurations, allowing for a more compact design and faster installation. Designing OEM Pumps for IVD (In-Vitro Diagnostics) Instruments Choosing the right OEM medical pump design is the foundation of creating a reliable and efficient IVD device. Close collaboration with our engineering team is essential to ensure the pump performs as expected and remains dependable throughout the instrument’s lifespan. As part of our OEM product development process, we rigorously test products to meet customer specifications, providing prototypes and fine-tuning the design along the way. Diener Precision Pumps specializes in providing medical pumps for clinical chemistry, immunoassay, molecular diagnostics, hematology, and urinalysis instruments. We are experts in selecting materials that are both chemically resistant and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance. Our focus in IVD pump manufacturing is on maintaining strict quality standards, precise tolerances, quiet operation, superior hydraulic efficiency, and low energy consumption.
