Portable Allergy Test Kit with Biosensor for Real-Time IgA Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current allergy testing methods are limited in determining the presence and cause of allergic reactions, as they are often administered by medical professionals, restricted to a predetermined panel of allergens, and do not account for everyday exposures, providing inadequate feedback on potential allergens.
Innovation Solution
A portable allergy test kit equipped with a biosensor to detect immunoglobin A in sweat and an allergen sensor to identify substances, integrated with a processor and user interface for real-time detection and notification, allowing users to track allergens and reactions continuously and accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If skin prick testing is administered by medical professionals with a predetermined panel of allergens, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The test device integrates multiple functions into a single platform: it can detect both common allergens (histamine, codeine, aspirin) and user-specific allergens through customizable panels. The device accepts various sample types (saliva, sweat, blood, tissue fluid) and provides both immediate results and continuous monitoring capabilities, making it universally applicable across different testing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The allergen panel is made dynamic and adaptable rather than static. Users can customize their allergen panels based on their specific needs and symptoms, and the device can be updated with new allergen profiles. The system adapts to different testing scenarios by allowing selection of appropriate allergens and adjusting detection parameters based on the specific clinical question being addressed.
2Device complexity
If skin prick testing is limited to a predetermined panel of common allergens, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The allergen detection capability is segmented into modular components. The device includes a library of allergen profiles that can be selectively activated, allowing users to choose only the allergens relevant to their specific situation. This segmentation maintains simplicity for common cases while enabling expanded functionality when needed, without requiring the full panel to be present in every device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where a core set of common allergen detection capabilities is embedded within an expandable framework. The base device provides immediate testing for common allergens, while additional allergen profiles and customization options are nested within the system, allowing users to access expanded functionality only when required, thus maintaining simplicity for routine use.
3Productivity
If skin prick testing provides only immediate results, then productivity is improved, but loss of information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from providing only immediate point-in-time results to enabling continuous monitoring of allergen exposure and physiological responses. The biosensor continuously detects biomarkers in real-time, creating an ongoing data stream that captures both immediate reactions and delayed responses, thereby eliminating information loss while maintaining productivity through automated continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where continuous biosensor data is processed and fed back to provide real-time information about allergen exposure and physiological responses. This feedback mechanism allows users to immediately see the results of allergen exposure while also building a comprehensive historical record, thus preserving information while maintaining rapid response capability.
4Ease of operation
If skin prick testing does not provide feedback on potential exposures, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically provides comprehensive feedback about allergen exposure through the integrated biosensor and processing system. The device not only detects the presence of allergens but also monitors physiological responses, correlates exposure events with symptoms, and provides actionable information to users, all while maintaining ease of operation through automated analysis and interpretation of the collected data.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically analyzing biosensor data, identifying allergen exposures, and providing interpretive feedback without requiring complex user intervention. The system autonomously processes the information, correlates exposure data with physiological responses, and generates meaningful conclusions, thereby maintaining simplicity for users while delivering comprehensive information about allergen exposure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to determine the presence and severity of allergic reactions and identify specific allergens in real-time, providing personalized and continuous monitoring of allergen exposure, enhancing user confidence in food choices and allergy management.
Implementation Method 1
a biosensor supported by the housing, the biosensor operable to detect a presence of immunoglobin A (IgA) in a sample of sweat
Implementation Method 2
an allergen sensor supported by the housing, the allergen sensor operable to detect a presence of an allergen in a substance sample
Data Source
AI summary
An allergy test kit including a housing, a biosensor supported by the housing, the biosensor operable to detect a presence of immunoglobin A (IgA) in a sample of sweat of a user and to generate IgA presence data, an allergen sensor supported by the housing, the allergen sensor operable to detect a presence of an allergen in a substance sample provided by the user and to generate allergen presence data, a processor operable to receive the IgA presence data from the biosensor and the allergen presence data from the allergen sensor, and a memory operable to store the IgA presence data and the allergen presence data.