Patent ID: 6063563
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: B01L,C12Q

Abstract:
A method for uniquely identifying viral positive biological fluid donations in the fewest number of high-sensitivity test cycles, the method comprising:providing a multiplicity of biological fluid donations;defining an n-dimensional matrix, where n is an integer, the matrix further comprising a multiplicity of elements, each element defined by an intersection of the n-dimensions of the matrix, each individual element identified by a respective matrix notation, the matrix notation comprising at least an index for each dimension of the array;taking a sample from each of the multiplicity of biological fluid donations;mapping each sample to a respective particular one of each element of the matrix, each individual sample identified by its corresponding element's respective matrix notation;taking aliquots from each sample, the number of aliquots taken from each sample defined by the number of dimensions characterizing the matrix;forming subpools from the aliquots of each sample, each subpool containing an aliquot from all samples identified by a matrix notation in which one dimensional index is fixed, each respective subpool identified by said fixed dimensional index;providing the subpools to a high-sensitivity testing facility, wherein all of the subpools are tested for viral indication in a single high-sensitivity test cycle;determining the respective fixed dimensional indices of subpools which return a positive viral indication; andcombining said fixed dimensional indices into a matrix notation, thereby unambiguously identifying a unique matrix element defined by the matrix notation, thus unambiguously identifying a uniquely viral positive sample.