Breath-Collection Strep Test Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for streptococcal pharyngitis, such as throat cultures and rapid strep tests, face challenges including sensitivity issues, requirement for specialized facilities, and patient discomfort due to throat swabbing, which can trigger a gag reflex.

Innovation Solution

A novel apparatus comprising a tube with a dipstick and insert for collecting throat secretions through exhaled breath, utilizing a filter to trap microbes, and a test strip for rapid antigen detection, allowing for a non-invasive and efficient testing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a throat swab is used to collect samples for rapid strep testing, then the test can be performed quickly with high specificity, but patient discomfort increases due to gag reflex triggering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting timeVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional sampling approach by collecting throat secretions through exhaled breath rather than direct throat swabbing. The patient exhales through a tube where the swab is positioned, allowing indirect collection of oropharyngeal secretions without the discomfort of direct throat contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a tube and exhaled breath as a mediator between the patient and the swab. The breath carries throat secretions to the swab indirectly, eliminating the need for direct throat swabbing while still obtaining diagnostic samples

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a throat culture is performed to confirm negative rapid strep test results in children, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the process becomes more complex and requires special facilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidfacility requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the advantages of both rapid strep testing and throat culture into a single integrated system. The same sampling device can be used for both rapid antigen detection and subsequent culture confirmation, eliminating the need for separate facilities and procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to serve both rapid diagnostic testing and culture confirmation purposes. The tube and swab system can accommodate both rapid strep test reagents and culture media, making it a universal diagnostic tool

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If traditional rapid strep testing is used, then quick results are obtained, but sensitivity remains limited at 70%

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting speedVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs preliminary action by collecting and concentrating throat secretions more effectively before testing. The tube design and exhaled breath collection method enhance the concentration of bacterial antigens on the swab, improving the sensitivity of subsequent rapid testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 apparatus provides a sensitive and specific method for detecting streptococcal pharyngitis, reducing patient discomfort and facilitating quicker results compared to traditional methods, while maintaining high accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

the cup further includes a filter that restricts microbes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

this secretion sample is then exposed to a reagent containing antibodies that will bind specifically to a GAS antigen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntigen-antibody binding:

Data Source

PatentUS11083440B2Strep throat test apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.08.10 JMDFNP INC

AI summary

An apparatus for testing for streptococcal pharyngitis includes a tube having an open first end and a second end, and an opening on a side thereof, a dipstick inserted into the tube through the side opening, and an insert with a hole that can receive the dipstick and sized to nest the dipstick into the side opening of the tube. A swab at the end of the dipstick inside the tube receives microbes in a breath exhaled by a patient holding the first end of the tube to the patient's mouth. After being exhaled upon by the patient, the dipstick is removed for testing for the presence of microbes that cause streptococcal pharyngitis.