Breath Pathogen Collection in Liquid Eluent to Limit Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tests for pathogens, such as viral tests, face issues with contamination from swab samples requiring purification steps due to contaminants, and there is a need for a simple, reliable, and self-contained system for collecting pathogen samples directly from exhalation airflow without dry filter media.
Innovation Solution
A pathogen sample collection device that uses a liquid container with an airflow conduit allowing direct capture of pathogens in a wet media, eliminating the need for dry filter media and enabling direct testing or safe transfer of the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nasal swab or saliva samples are used for pathogen testing, then sample collection is simple and can be performed at home, but contaminants interfere with diagnostic tests requiring purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful contaminants from the sample collection process by using a specialized collection device that captures respiratory droplets and aerosols directly into a collection medium, separating them from the contaminants present in traditional swab or saliva collection methods
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device introduces an intermediary collection medium (such as a buffer solution or transport medium) that receives the respiratory samples directly, preventing contamination from direct contact with swabs or oral cavity surfaces, and facilitates clean transfer to testing facilities
2Productivity
If dry filter media is used to capture bioaerosols, then sample collection is possible, but additional rinsing steps are required to obtain the sample for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by directing exhaled breath through a conduit that delivers the bioaerosol stream directly into a liquid collection medium, utilizing fluid dynamics to capture samples without mechanical filtration or rinsing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the collection medium from dry (filter media) to wet (liquid medium), allowing samples to be collected directly in a form ready for testing, eliminating the need for subsequent rinsing or elution steps
3Device complexity
If non-sterile collection devices are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but contamination and background noise increase reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable collection device that is inexpensive to manufacture and use once, eliminating the need for complex sterilization procedures while ensuring each device is sterile for its single use, thus maintaining accuracy without increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device is pre-sterilized or pre-prepared with the collection medium before use, ensuring sterility is achieved in advance during manufacturing rather than requiring complex sterilization steps at the point of use, thereby maintaining both simplicity and accuracy
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
The device reduces contamination and improves the accuracy and reliability of pathogen testing by capturing samples directly in a wet media, which can be tested or sealed without contamination.
Implementation Method 1
collecting a sample from an exhalation breath... capture of pathogens or biological samples from aerosols found in an exhalation breath
Implementation Method 2
allowing the bioaerosol to directly impact onto the elution fluid, the sample can be captured therein
Data Source
AI summary
A pathogen sample collection device includes a liquid container defining a container volume and having an opening, and a volume of liquid eluent within the container volume and defining a liquid surface. An airflow conduit extends from an exhalation inlet end to a distal end. The airflow conduit extends through the opening. The distal end of the airflow conduit is disposed within the volume of liquid eluent or above the liquid surface, and the opening comprises an air outlet.