07/2008, version 1.0 1.1
Pooling Algorithms 1
Overview
The cobas s 201 system can be configured to create large pools. Large
pools contain equal aliquots from n donor samples.
n is either 24, 48, or 96.
Large pools are only used for MPX testing.
Primary Pooling
Primary Pooling for large pools is a two step process:
1 Plate Run - Pool n (MPX): Interim pools, each containing aliquots from
12 donor samples, are created in Intermediate Plate wells. In the default
configuration, the cobas s 201 system also prepares a Library Plate to save
an aliquot from each donor tube in case secondary testing is required.
2 Batch Run - Pool n (MPX): Controls are pipetted, then equal aliquots
from the Intermediate Plate wells are combined into S-tubes to create
pools containing 24 (two wells), 48 (four wells), or 96 (eight wells)
samples.
Secondary Pooling
Follow-up (secondary) testing is required if test results on a large Primary
Pool are invalid or reactive. The following Secondary Pooling options are
available:
• Repeat Batch Run - Pool n (MPX): Step 2 of the Primary Pooling
run is repeated to retest donor samples from pools with test results
that are invalid.
• Two-dimensional (2D) Pooling (MPX): A matrix of donor pools is
created where each donor sample is pipetted into a unique set of
two separate pools such that if these two pools are reactive, the
results can be attributed to a particular donor sample.
• Confirmation Pooling (MPX): Single-specimen pools are created
to confirm suspected reactive donor samples, and the remaining
samples are pooled in four-, six-, eleven-, or twelve-specimen pools
to confirm non-reactive test results.
• Resolution Pooling (MPX): Single-specimen pools are prepared to
individually test samples from invalid or reactive pools.