Integrated Analyte Testing Device with Fingerprint Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drug and analyte testing devices require multiple steps, risk disease exposure, and often lose or contaminate fluid samples, complicating the chain of custody and requiring separate tests for confirmation, while lacking the ability to positively identify the test subject or administrator.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sample receiving member, fluid collector, and test cartridge member that absorbs and retains a fluid sample for analysis, using lateral flow chromatographic immunoassays to detect analytes and include a fingerprint acquisition pad for identification, allowing for simultaneous testing and split sample retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate tests are used for initial testing and confirmation, then testing reliability is improved, but device complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the initial test, confirmation test, and sample retention functionality into a single integrated device. The test cartridge includes both a test region for initial analyte detection and a confirmation region that can perform confirmatory testing, eliminating the need for separate testing devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test cartridge is designed with multi-functionality to perform both initial screening and confirmation testing within a single component. The same cartridge that conducts the initial analyte test also contains the capability to perform confirmatory testing, making the device universal and reducing the number of separate tools needed.
2Measurement precision
If fluid sample is transferred to different containers for confirmation testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but risk of sample loss or contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the initial testing and confirmation testing into a single container system. The test cartridge holds the fluid sample and performs both testing functions in place, eliminating the need to transfer the sample to different containers and thus preventing sample loss or contamination while maintaining testing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The test cartridge acts as an intermediary that contains the fluid sample and provides both testing functions. By keeping the sample contained within the same cartridge throughout the testing process, the system prevents sample degradation or contamination that would occur during transfers between different containers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If test administrator handles bodily fluids for testing, then testing capability is improved, but disease exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service testing where the test cartridge automatically performs the testing function without requiring the administrator to manually handle the bodily fluid. The cartridge contains all necessary reagents and mechanisms to conduct the test autonomously, reducing the administrator's exposure risk while maintaining full testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test cartridge serves as an intermediary between the administrator and the bodily fluid. Instead of the administrator directly handling the fluid, the cartridge contains the fluid and performs the testing function, acting as a protective barrier that reduces disease exposure risk while enabling the testing capability.
4Reliability
If split sample is retained for confirmation testing, then testing reliability is improved, but risk of sample loss or mislabeling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the initial test and confirmation test into a single integrated cartridge, eliminating the need to create and track separate split samples. Both testing functions occur within the same container, ensuring that the sample remains consistently identified and tracked throughout the process, thus preventing sample loss or mislabeling while maintaining reliability.
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 rapid, reliable detection of analytes with reduced risk of sample loss or contamination, ensuring accurate chain of custody and positive identification of the test subject, while simplifying the testing process and reducing exposure to bodily fluids.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material to absorb the fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
using lateral flow chromatographic immunoassays to detect analytes
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for testing a fluid sample including a sample receiving member having an opening for receiving a fluid sample, wherein the sample receiving member comprises a sample collection chamber; a fluid collector to collect the fluid sample and transfer the fluid sample into the sample receiving member, the fluid collector comprising a lancet and an absorbent material to absorb the fluid sample; and a test cartridge member in fluid communication with the sample collection chamber.