Method and system for high-throughput screening

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive loss of renal function which eventually leads to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). CKD affects roughly 30 million Americans, costs billions of dollars in healthcare spending annually, and leaves thousands of patients reliant on burdensome dialysis treatments while waiting for a transplant. Fortunately, CKD may be controllable if diagnosed early in the disease progression. RAMETRIX™ is a novel public health screening technology for early diagnosis and detection of CKD. This technology uses Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to analyze the molecular composition of urine and other biological fluids. RAMETRIX™ is a fast, non-invasive, accurate, and inexpensive diagnostic tool that can revolutionize the way healthcare providers detect and treat CKD. The RAMETRIX™ AutoScanner is a system enabling more efficient sample processing in large-scale settings such as hospitals and medical laboratories.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of disease detection and characterization. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of high-throughput screening of one or more types of liquid samples, such as screening of urine samples for chronic kidney disease or other diseases such as diabetes mellitus that alter urine composition. These are only examples and not an inclusive list of potential disease targets.

Description of Related Art

The iRICELL Series Urinalysis Workcell is a two-component automated urinalysis system, composed of the iChemVELOCITY Urine Chemistry System and the iQ200 Series Urine Microscopic System. Connected together, the iRICELL is able to analyze a wide range of chemicals and biological parameters. More specifically, the iChemVELOCITY part of the system is mainly responsible for the analysis of chemicals, such as ketones, glucose, and proteins, but it is also able to detect other parameters including pH, specific gravity, and blood concentration. The iQ200, on the other hand, is responsible for the microbiological analysis, including the detection of red and white blood cells, and microorganisms such as bacteria. Most importantly, this system is based on the use of dry chemistry, or urine testing through a testing strip, and it is marked by its high throughput and high accuracy when testing a wide range of parameters. It is, however, relatively expensive.

The Thermo Fisher Scientific DXR™3 SmartRaman Spectrometer is a multipurpose analytical device using Raman spectroscopy. Thermo Fisher emphasizes the device's ability to perform bulk-sample analysis (analysis of macro-samples), and it is completely automated and very versatile. According to Thermo Fisher, it can analyze fluids through different containers, such as glass vials, bottles, jars, plastic bags, and well plates. Coupled with the Thermo Scientific™OMNIC™ Spectra Software and other software systems, it detects microparticles efficiently in a wide variety of areas, including pharmacology, forensics, and nanotechnology. This system, though, is not specialized in urinalysis, so it is not as reliable as the iRICELL system or the AutoScanner, both of which specialize in urinalysis.

The present invention comprises numerous unprecedented features. First, the system comprises an innovative combination of automated urinalysis and Raman scanning techniques. Second, the AutoScanner specializes in urinalysis, but it is not restricted to urinalysis. In embodiments, a patient sample is preferably dialysate, blood, plasma, or urine, but can be any sample from or associated with a patient. The system can also be used in the examination of other fluids, such as water and alcohol, for numerous applications including quality monitoring. In addition, this device can significantly lower the cost for high throughput urinalysis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for high-throughput Raman spectra collection to allow for efficient sample processing. Features of the system guide a user to ensure proper sample labeling and prevent data mismatches. The system uses Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics to analyze the molecular composition of urine and other fluids. RAMETRIX™ is a fast, non-invasive, accurate, and inexpensive diagnostic tool to detect disease.

Included in embodiments of the invention is Aspect 1, which encompasses a system comprising a Raman spectrometer; one or more sample carousel; a computer with a processor and memory; and one or more set of computer-executable instructions capable of: controlling the Raman spectrometer to obtain Raman spectral data on samples; controlling one or more of the sample carousels; and performing one or more chemometric analyses on the Raman spectral data.

Aspect 2 is the system of Aspect 1, wherein one or more of the chemometric analyses comprises identifying whether a urine sample is classified as being (a) from a subject who has a specified condition or (b) from a subject who does not have the specified condition, and is performed by determining that the Raman spectral data of the urine sample fits closer mathematically to one or the other statistically significant groups (a) or (b).

Aspect 4 is the system of any of Aspects 1-3, wherein one or more of the chemometric analyses comprises identifying a condition of a subject by: comparing the Raman spectral data on a urine sample of the subject to a selected model; wherein the selected model is constructed from various Raman spectra of urine from individuals having and not having a specified condition; wherein the comparing of the Raman spectra of the urine sample to the selected model comprises identifying whether the urine sample is classified according to the selected model as being urine either from a subject who has or does not have the specified condition.

Aspect 5 is the system of any of Aspects 1-4, wherein the selected model is constructed from: one or more multivariate analysis techniques applied to various Raman spectra of urine from individuals having and not having the specified condition; wherein one or more of the multivariate analysis techniques involves identifying statistically significant spectral differences between the urine from the individuals having the specified condition and those not having the specified condition.

Aspect 6 is the system of any of Aspects 1-5, further comprising a component box for housing one or more components chosen from the Raman spectrometer, a laser, computer, processor, memory, motor control(s), or motor power supply.

Aspect 7 is the system of any of Aspects 1-6, wherein the component box is disposed under and as a support for one or more of the sample carousels.

Aspect 8 is the system of any of Aspects 1-7, wherein the memory has one or more reference set of Raman spectra stored thereon.

Aspect 9 is the system of any of Aspects 1-8, wherein one or more of the sample carousels is configured to hold up to 50 samples.

Aspect 10 is the system of any of Aspects 1-9, wherein the sample carousel is configured to accept vials, test tubes, specimen cups, and/or well plates.

Aspect 11 is the system of any of Aspects 1-10, wherein the computer-executable instructions are capable of controlling operation of and sequencing of the sample carousel, the Raman spectrometer and a laser in a manner such that (a) the sample carousel is capable of being rotated to present the sample in a first position, (b) then the laser is capable of interrogating the sample at the first position, and (c) then the Raman spectrometer is capable of generating Raman spectral data of the sample.

Aspect 12 is the system of any of Aspects 1-11, wherein the system is configured to test up to 400 samples per day.

Aspect 13 is the system of any of Aspects 1-12, wherein the computer-executable instructions are capable of controlling the Raman spectrometer to: administer a set number of scans per sample; apply a selected integration time; and/or administer the scans with a selected time delay between the scans.

Aspect 14 is the system of any of Aspects 1-13, wherein the system is configured to analyze liquid, solid, urine or water samples.

Aspect 15 is the system of any of Aspects 1-14, wherein the system is configured to obtain qualitative measurements.

Aspect 16 is the system of any of Aspects 1-15, wherein the system is configured to obtain quantitative measurements.

Aspect 17 is the system of any of Aspects 1-16, wherein the system is configured to analyze one or more sample using more than one excitation wavelength.

Aspect 18 is the system of any of Aspects 1-17, wherein the chemometric analyses on the Raman spectral data involves analyzing wavenumber clusters selected based on types of molecules expected relating to various pathologic features of a specified condition.

Aspect 20 is a method of identifying a condition of a subject, comprising: obtaining Raman spectra from a urine sample from a subject using the system of claim1; comparing the Raman spectra of the urine sample to a selected model; wherein the selected model is constructed from various Raman spectra of urine from individuals having and not having a specified condition; and wherein the comparing of the Raman spectra of the urine sample to the selected model comprises identifying whether the urine sample is classified according to the selected model as being urine either from a subject who has or does not have the specified condition; optionally wherein the selected model is constructed from: one or more multivariate analysis techniques applied to various Raman spectra of urine from individuals having and not having a specified condition; wherein one or more of the multivariate analysis techniques involves identifying statistically significant spectral differences between the urine from the individuals having the specified condition and those not having the specified condition.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an illness caused by the progressive loss of renal function, and it affects roughly 30 million Americans. The culmination of CKD results in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which is fatal without a kidney transplant (Senger, R. S., Kavuru, V., Sullivan, M., Gouldin, A., Lundgren, S., Merrifield, K. (2019), Spectral characteristics of urine specimens from healthy human volunteers analyzed using Raman chemometric urinalysis (Rametrix). PLoS ONE 14(9): e0222115). Because of the scarcity of transplants, most patients are left relying on dialysis, a costly treatment that puts a tremendous burden on the patient and extends their life by only about 4 years.

Fortunately, fatal CKD may be avoidable if it is diagnosed in the beginning stages of the disease progression (Senger, R. S., Sullivan, M., Gouldin, A., Lundgren, S., Merrifield, K., Steen, C., Spectral characteristics of urine from patients with end-stage kidney disease analyzed using Raman Chemometric Urinalysis (Rametrix) PLoS ONE 15(1): e0227281, 2020). RAMETRIX™ is a novel public health screening technology based on Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analyses. It has been shown to detect the early signs of CKD in urine, and it has been used to diagnose and prevent ESRD (Senger, 2020).

The inventors have leveraged this valuable technology to create an efficient screening tool for use in practical settings such as hospitals and dialysis centers that reduces technician time as compared with analyzing urine specimens manually and increases processing capacity with a high-throughput solution.

In embodiments, the present invention comprises a large-scale automated processor system for performing RAMETRIX™ urine analyses. Normal urine contains over 2000 discrete chemical entities. The number of chemical entities, the types of molecules, and the concentrations of the different components may vary widely in the urine of individuals with diseases. Systems which specialize in urinalysis, are typically better equipped to spot these differences. In embodiments, the system requires minimal user interaction and is easily implemented in a lab or clinical setting. The system can include software code in Python to achieve automation of the AutoScanner to complete sample identification, device loading, and device operation that corresponds with the automated features of the device. In embodiments, the system comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) to provide communication between the operator and the AutoScanner in an intuitive way. Overall, the AutoScanner solves the problem of labor-intensive, small-scale processing by providing a way to scan up to 200 samples or more per day with minimal user interaction in a practical setting such as a hospital or dialysis center.

FIG.1shows an embodiment of the invention which includes an aluminum scaffold holding an aluminum carousel capable of holding up to at least 50 urine samples. The system features controlled rotation of a nema 34 stepper motor (initiated by a RaspberryPi) with separate stimulus of the Raman laser to collect data. The motor is connected to a driver that is compatible with the nema 34 stepper motor which is also connected to a 24V DC power supply.

In embodiments, the AutoScanner system includes software that controls the individual component pieces. In an embodiment, the entire system can be controlled through a laptop-RaspberryPi system. This coding essentially alternates the rotation of the carousel motor, the firing of the Raman laser, and the processing of the acquired data for each sample. In embodiments, processing of the acquired data can be performed contemporaneously with any of the other functions of the system, such that while the carousel is moving to the next sample or while the Raman laser is firing on a sample, the data processing can be performed on that sample and/or on one or more or multiple previous samples. In embodiments, the processing of the acquired data involves performing one or more chemometric analyses on the acquired Raman spectral data, such as by way of the RAMETRIX™ software. In a chemometric analysis, Raman spectra are treated as “spectral fingerprints,” and multivariate statistical tools discover unique features and similarities among spectra.

In embodiments, the system comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) for the AutoScanner. The GUI is a web-based system that is housed on a laptop and connected to the system through the RaspberryPi. The GUI prompts the user in the set up and running of the device and gives the user the ability to adjust the settings of each run as necessary. Once the run is initiated, the GUI communicates with the RaspberryPi to control the function of the AutoScanner.

In embodiments, the system includes an automated process for sample identification and carousel loading. In order to ensure appropriate use of the AutoScanner, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was established for easy user training and system implementation. A large part of this procedure is sample identification. Since each biological sample needs to be transferred from the patient, to their specimen cup, to a sample vial, and then into the AutoScanner, it is possible for errors such as sample swapping, mislabeling, or misidentification that would prevent accurate scanning and data pairing between a patient and their results. Thus, in an embodiment the system is compatible with a sample identification method based on barcode labeling of specimen cups that is common in hospitals and clinics. As shown inFIG.2, the user will identify and load each sample into the carousel individually to minimize error. This process requires GUI prompts, a barcode scanner, and a label printer, and—when coupled with the SOP instructions—provides a simple method for sample identification while maintaining patient privacy.

In embodiments, the carousel is configured to accept sample containers from the top and/or side. In embodiments, the sample containers are vials, test tubes, or well plates. In embodiments, the sample containers are glass and/or plastic.

In other embodiments, the system is compatible with patient specimen cups, eliminating the need to transfer samples to vials. A barcode is placed directly on the specimen cup to further minimize sample swapping, mislabeling, and/or misidentification.

The function of the AutoScanner and its related processes are shown inFIG.3. Once the patient samples are received, the user transfers the fluid into sample vials and follows the identification method as prompted by the GUI (1). Once the samples are loaded in the identification and initialization stage (1-2), the run is started on the GUI, and the RaspberryPi takes control (3). The hard-code scans each sample with the parameters specified by the user (in the GUI) and uploads the data back onto the laptop/computer before triggering the motor rotation to the next sample. This process repeats for each sample in the carousel. In embodiments, the system is capable of rotating in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction or both to advance to the next sample or to re-visit a previous sample/position on the carousel. Finally, once the run is completed, the data on the laptop/computer can be accessed and analyzed with the RAMETRIX™ software to determine significance.

In embodiments, each sample is loaded into a carousel (FIGS.4-6). The carousel comprises sample vial holders50located about its perimeter. In embodiments, the carousel can be configured to have multiple rows of sample vial holders disposed around the circumference of the carousel. In embodiments, the carousel comprises up to 200 sample vial holders, such as 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, or 175 sample vial holders. In embodiments, the carousel rests on a platform60. Beneath the platform60is a motor housing62which holds the motor (not shown).

In embodiments, the system further includes a component box (FIGS.7-10). The component box provides an organized space for many of the components of the AutoScanner. The slot72on the front allows the sample labels to be easily accessed and removed from the label maker100as they are dispensed. On the back of the component box (FIG.7), two holes74are present and configured to house two fans80to help regulate the temperature inside the component box and ensure the safety of the electrical components.FIG.8shows the front of the box, which features a door82that opens and can be secured with a lock and key84, allowing the user to have easy access to the most important components of the AutoScanner.FIG.10shows the components housed in the component box such as the label maker100, the RaspberryPi102, the laser104, the Raman spectrometer106, the carousel motor power supply108, the motor control110, and the breadboard112. Additionally, the slot120near the bottom of the box allows the cords to exit the compartment in a simple fashion. Finally, the top of the box is clear for easy visualization of all of the components, and it can be removed in the event that the components need to be altered or adjusted.

The flowchart shown inFIG.11provides the basic sequence of the Python instructions. When a user initiates the program, the system will parse arguments from the graphical user interface (GUI), including parameters input by the user such as the number and locations of the samples, the integration time, the time between scans, and the number of scans per sample. Next the program will identify and connect to the Wasatch device (Raman spectrometer106) and configure the device settings. The program will then configure the general-purpose input/output pins of the RaspberryPi102. The program will use the Raman spectrometer106and laser104to scan the sample, then put the scan file into a remote folder which can be accessed by the user. If additional scans are to be performed, the program will repeat the scanning and archiving of data until there are no more scans to be performed. Next the program will determine if there are more samples to be tested. If there are additional samples, the scanning steps will be repeated for each sample. If no more samples are remaining, the program will end.

Examples of the GUI are shown inFIGS.12-13. On the homepage of the GUI (FIG.12), the user inputs the number of samples, which triggers the GUI to expect the same number of barcode entries (for the sample identification process) as each sample is scanned. After the user submits these entries, they are directed to the next page (FIG.13) where they are prompted to input the desired number of scans per sample (repetitions), the integration time, the delay between scans, and the depository location for the finished data files. For security purposes, the user must type the file path for the files to be deposited instead of selecting it from the computer. After clicking “Submit” again, if the submission is successful, the user will be presented with a success message; if not, they will be presented with an error. An alternative GUI developed in Python is shown inFIG.14, which allows for the same information to be entered/presented but arranged in a different way.

An embodiment of the system comprising all components described is shown inFIG.15. The system comprises a laptop150(or other computer), component box152, carousel154, and carousel housing156.

In embodiments, the system is configured to connect to a user's existing Raman spectrometer. In some embodiments, the system is configured to include a handheld Raman spectrometer. Examples of handheld Raman spectrometers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,505,128; 7,524,671; 7,651,851 and 8,699,020, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140052386 A1, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The Raman spectrometer may106be a benchtop spectrometer. Examples of benchtop Raman spectrometers include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,786,893; 5,534,997; and 6,100,975. The fiber optic probe may have a dichroic mirror, which separates Raman scattered light from laser light by reflecting laser light and allowing Raman-scattered wavelengths to pass. Laser light and Raman scattered light may be transmitted through separate fibers (collection fiber(s) and excitation fiber(s)). Filters may be placed before the fibers for blocking undesirable wavelengths, such as a long pass filter placed before the collection fiber (blocks reflected laser light) and a band-pass filter placed before the excitation fiber (blocks Raman scattered light). The fiber optic probe may include one or more lenses for focusing the light onto the sample or onto the fibers. An example of such a fiber optic probe is the RAMANPROBE™, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,112,127. Another example is a Raman fiber optic probe embedded in a microfluidic device, described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,638,431. Another example is a dual and multi-wavelength Raman sampling probe described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20120099102.

The laser104may emit monochromatic light at any wavelength, including far infrared, mid infrared, infrared, near infrared, visible light, ultra-violet, and extreme-ultraviolet, or at multiple wavelengths. In embodiments, the Raman spectra are collected using a 785 nm laser, such as an Agiltron (Woburn, MA) PeakSeeker™ PRO-785 Raman spectrometer utilizing a 100 mW, 785 nm laser with spot size 0.1-0.2 mm, with an integration time of up to 30 seconds, such as 10 seconds, 15 seconds, or 20 seconds. Embodiments can include using a 785 nm (30 mW) laser excitation for 30 s. The choice of wavelength may depend on the target molecule one wishes to measure. For example, for visible wavelengths such as blue or green can be good for inorganic molecules, while ultraviolet wavelengths may be optimal for measuring biomolecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA as these tend to absorb UV radiation. In addition, embodiments may include multiple lasers to represent multiple wavelengths.

For example, distinguishing features of variability in Raman spectra of urine and the wavenumbers that give rise to the separations indicating a difference between having and not having chronic kidney disease is one or more or all of the urea band in the range of about 1,000 to 1,005 cm−1, such as at 1,002 cm−1, 1,003 cm−1, uric acid at 981 cm−1, creatinine at 680 cm−1, collagen at 870 cm−1, glucose at 1,071 cm−1; 1,117 cm−1; and/or others, for example, when the Raman spectra are collected using a 785 nm laser.

Distinguishing features of variability in Raman spectra of urine and the wavenumbers that give rise to the separations indicating a difference between having and not having bladder cancer (BCA) occur at, for example, one or more or all of phosphatidylinositol (576 cm−1), nucleic acids (721, 827, and 1340 cm−1), protein (particularly collagen) (817, 981, 1065, 1127, and 1340 cm−1), and aromatic amino acids (827 and 1004 cm−1), cholesterol and fatty acids (702 and 1297 cm−1), monosaccharides (846 cm−1), glycogen (1048 cm−1), and/or carotenoids (1417 and 1518 cm−1), for example, when the Raman spectra are collected using a 785 nm laser.

Distinguishing features of variability in Raman spectra of urine and the wavenumbers that give rise to the separations indicating a difference between having and not having hematuria occur at, for example, one or more or all of 1,050-1,250 cm−1(lipids, carbohydrates, phosphate stretching, and C-N stretching of amides and proteins (among others); 1,590-1,750 cm−1(protein assignments, namely to aromatic amino acids); and/or 669, 750, 752, 999, 1,122, 1,210, 1,444, 1,543, 1,579, 1,617 cm−1(heme and red blood cells), for example, when the Raman spectra are collected using a 785 nm laser.

Distinguishing features of variability in Raman spectra of urine and the wavenumbers that give rise to the separations indicating a difference between having and not having Lyme disease occur at, for example, one or more or all of the 1,000 to 1,005 cm−1bands, such as at the 1,002 cm−1and/or 1,003 cm−1bands (representative of urea); around 900 cm−1and from 1,200-1,400 cm−1(all commonly associated with tryptophan and protein, including collagen); 620 cm−1(related to aromatics); 880 cm−1(tryptophan); 1,360 cm−1(tryptophan); 642 cm−1, 665 cm−1(related to tyrosine); 880 cm−1(tryptophan); 1,211 cm−1(tyrosine and phenylalanine); and/or 1,364 cm−1(tryptophan), for example, when the Raman spectra are collected using a 785 nm laser.

Further, for example, distinguishing features of variability in Raman spectra of urine and the wavenumbers that give rise to the separations indicating a difference between having and not having ME/CFS occur at, for example, one or more or all of the 1,000 to 1,005 cm−1bands, such as at the 1,002 cm−1and/or 1,003 cm−1bands (representative of urea); around 900 cm−1and from 1,200-1,400 cm−1(all commonly associated with tryptophan and protein, including collagen), for example, when the Raman spectra are collected using a 785 nm laser.

Key wavenumber clusters can be selected based on interpretation of known pathologic features of a specified condition that may affect the types of molecules expected, such as selecting a set of key wavenumbers associated with a patient that is positive for hypertension and diabetes (HT/DM+) or selecting a set of key wavenumbers associated with a patient that is negative (HT/DM−).

In embodiments, the Raman spectrometer spot size is set by a user. The spot size can be up to about 5 mm by 5 mm, such as 1 mm by 1 mm, 2 mm by 2 mm, 3 mm by 3 mm, or 4 mm by 4 mm. In embodiments, the spot size is less than 1 mm by 1 mm, such as about 0.5 μm by 0.5 μm, 1 μm by 1 μm, 10 μm by 10 μm, 100 μm by 100 μm, or 500 μm by 500 μm. In embodiments, a user can input a desired laser excitation wavelength based on the analyte of interest within a sample. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can also be used. In embodiments, the system is capable of analyzing samples with volumes as low as about 1 μL.

In embodiments, the system computer comprises a memory capable of storing patient data. In some embodiments, the memory also stores one or more reference data sets.

Any method or algorithm described herein can be embodied in software or set of computer-executable instructions capable of being run on a computing device or devices. The computing device or devices can include one or more processor (CPU) and a computer memory. The computer memory can be or include a non-transitory computer storage media such as RAM which stores the set of computer-executable (also known herein as computer readable) instructions (software) for instructing the processor(s) to carry out any of the algorithms, methods, or routines described in this disclosure. As used in the context of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (or media) can include any kind of computer memory, including magnetic storage media, optical storage media, nonvolatile memory storage media, and volatile memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include floppy disks, magnetic tape, conventional hard disks, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, BLU-RAY, Flash ROM, memory cards, optical drives, solid state drives, flash drives, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), non-volatile ROM, and RAM. The computer-readable instructions can be programmed in any suitable programming language, including JavaScript, C, C#, C++, Java, Python, Perl, Ruby, Swift, Visual Basic, and Objective C. Embodiments of the invention also include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having any of the computer-executable instructions described herein.

A skilled artisan will further appreciate, in light of this disclosure, how the invention can be implemented, in addition to software and hardware, using one or more firmware. As such, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in a system which includes any combination of software, hardware, or firmware. In the context of this specification, the term “firmware” can include any software programmed onto the computing device, such as a device's nonvolatile memory. Thus, systems of the invention can also include, alternatively or in addition to the computer-executable instructions, various firmware modules configured to perform the algorithms of the invention.

According to embodiments, the computing device or devices can include a mainframe computer, web server, database server, desktop computer, laptop, tablet, netbook, notebook, personal digital assistant (PDA), gaming console, e-reader, smartphone, or smartwatch, which may include features such as a processor, memory, hard drive, graphics processing unit (GPU), and input/output devices such as display, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad (depending on the device). Embodiments can also provide a graphical user interface made available on one or more client computers. The graphical user interface can allow a user on a client computer remote access to the method or algorithm.

Additional embodiments of the invention can include a networked computer system for carrying out one or more methods of the invention. The computer system can include one or more computing devices which can include a processor for executing computer-executable instructions, one or more databases, a user interface, and a set of instructions (e.g. software) for carrying out one or more methods of the invention. According to other embodiments, the computing device or devices can be connected to a network through any suitable network protocol such as IP, TCP/IP, UDP, or ICMP, such as in a client-server configuration and one or more database servers. The network can use any suitable network protocol and can be any suitable wired or wireless network including any local area network, wide area network, Internet network, telecommunications network, Wi-Fi enabled network, or Bluetooth enabled network.

The following Examples are illustrative and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In order to verify that the complete automation of the device had been achieved, a continuous test of the system was performed. Six samples were scanned without interruption in the AutoScanner system: urea in water (100 g/L), tap water, acetic acid in water (5%), ethanol (100%), vodka, and bourbon. Each sample was assigned a unique barcode and carousel slot location that auto-filled into the GUI when scanned by the barcode scanner.

The laser parameters were adjusted to 5 second integration time, 10 second delay between scans, and 5 scans per sample. All details are pictured in the GUI (FIG.16). In embodiments, the laser parameters are varied. The integration time can be set to be up to 20 seconds, such as 2, 10, or 15 seconds. The delay between scans can be set to be up to 40 seconds such as 5, 10, 15, 25, 30, or 35 seconds. The number of scans per sample can be set up to 20 scans per sample, such as 1, 3, 5, 10, or 15 scans.

After clicking “Start”, the GUI displayed a “Batch started” notification before generating a pop-up window with a progress bar that filled as the device scanned each sample that was input into the program (FIG.17). When the run was complete and all samples were scanned, the GUI flashed another window, alerting the user that the batch was done. Then, the user could choose to download all data files using the “File” menu in the top left corner of the GUI (FIG.18).

Though the automation of each individual device component and the complete control and communication of the GUI with the system appeared successful on the physical device, the generated data files were analyzed to verify the quality of the signal that was produced.FIG.19shows a RAMETRIX™ analysis of the six samples scanned. Each fluid has a unique spectra, but some similarities arise between the fluids with similar compositions. The sink water200provides the baseline with which to compare the urea in water210and diluted acetic acid220. These spectra all follow a related trend, with unique peaks for urea and acetic acid appearing at 1000 cm−1and 900 cm−1, respectively.

Likewise, the 100% ethanol sample230provides the baseline for the vodka240and bourbon250samples, with both liquids following the trend closely, though to a lesser amount because of their lesser alcohol quantity.

To provide a simpler visual comparison of the water-based spectra,FIG.20was developed. This graph also indicates a comparison between the AutoScanner analysis results and the lab-scale, manual analysis results for the 100% ethanol sample. The AutoScanner data very nearly matches the data produced by the manual method (although the signal is less intense) and helps verify the functionality of the device.

The AutoScanner can be used to screen patients for various diseases, including CKD. Raman spectra can be obtained for patient urine samples using the system according to embodiments of the invention. The data on the laptop/computer can be accessed and analyzed with the RAMETRIX™ software to determine significance. Exemplary methods for analyzing Raman spectra are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/146,301, entitled “METHODS OF DISEASE DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION USING COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS OF URINE RAMAN SPECTRA,” filed Jan. 11, 2021 and which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The model can be constructed from various Raman spectra obtained from urine samples belonging to individuals that have or do not have the disease/condition of interest. With respect to water quality, for example, the model can be constructed from various Raman spectra obtained from water samples of various degrees of water quality. The Raman spectra can be baseline corrected and normalized. Next, analysis of the spectra is performed using principal component analysis (PCA). The patient data is compared to the model using discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) resulting in a classification of the sample as corresponding to a sample that has or does not have the specified disease/condition/quality. Example DAPC data is shown inFIG.21. Data points belonging to healthy volunteers are clustered together away from the clusters of data points belonging to patients diagnosed with the various diseases. In this case, the model contains 45 principal components.

The present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments having various features. In light of the disclosure provided above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the practice of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed features may be used singularly, in any combination, or omitted based on the requirements and specifications of a given application or design. When an embodiment refers to “comprising” certain features, it is to be understood that the embodiments can alternatively “consist of” or “consist essentially of” any one or more of the features. Any of the methods, in whole or part, disclosed herein can be used with any of the systems, in whole or part, disclosed herein or with any other systems. Likewise, any of the disclosed systems, in whole or part, can be used with any of the methods, in whole or part, disclosed herein or with any other methods. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention.

It is noted in particular that where a range of values is provided in this specification, each value between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range as well. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary in nature and that variations that do not depart from the essence of the invention fall within the scope of the invention. Further, all of the references cited in this disclosure are each individually incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and as such are intended to provide an efficient way of supplementing the enabling disclosure of this invention as well as provide background detailing the level of ordinary skill in the art.