Perforated Cage Sampling Media for Sensitive Colony Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing animal colonies for infectious agents are inconvenient, expensive, and lack sensitivity, particularly for agents that are not easily transferred from the animal colony to sentinel animals, and often rely on single-source sampling.
Innovation Solution
A cage-sample collection apparatus with perforated housing and removable collection media, such as synthetic polymers, that allows target animals to interact and collect samples like dust, feces, fur, and saliva, which can be analyzed for various infectious agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sentinel animal testing is used to monitor animal colonies, then disease detection capability is provided, but the process becomes inconvenient, expensive, and lacks sensitivity for certain agents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sampling function from complex sentinel animal testing and concentrates it into a simple, direct collection apparatus. The sampling device includes a collection chamber that directly contacts the animal cage environment, extracting samples without requiring live animal participation or complex handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling apparatus is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable unit. The collection chamber and associated components are intended for single-use or limited-use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and time-consuming sentinel animal testing systems while maintaining effective disease detection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If indirect collection methods are used for sampling, then animal interaction is minimized, but reliability decreases because some agents are not easily transferred from the animal colony to sentinel
Solution Approach 1:
The collection apparatus serves as an intermediary between the animal and the sampling process. The sampling device is placed within the animal cage environment, allowing direct contact with the animal's habitat and excretions while minimizing the need for direct animal handling. This intermediary approach captures samples reliably without requiring active animal participation.
3Device complexity
If single-source sampling methods are used, then the sampling process is simple, but sensitivity for detecting various infectious agents is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling apparatus is designed with multi-functionality to collect multiple types of samples simultaneously. The collection chamber can capture feces, urine, and other excretions, as well as environmental contaminants from the cage floor and walls. This universal sampling capability increases detection sensitivity by providing a comprehensive sample profile without complicating the sampling process.
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 enables efficient, cost-effective, and timely monitoring of animal health by allowing direct interaction with the collection media, enhancing sensitivity and reducing the need for expensive and unreliable sentinel animal testing.
Implementation Method 1
the collection media includes a synthetic polymer such as, but not limited to, nylon, polyester (such as Dacron®), or rayon, that is configured to absorb or adsorb the sample from the target animal
Implementation Method 2
the collection media includes a synthetic polymer such as, but not limited to, nylon, polyester (such as Dacron®), or rayon, that is configured to absorb or adsorb the sample from the target animal
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for the collection and sampling of agents (including organisms and pathogens) to determine the health of an animal colony. A collection media is configured to collect a sample from a target animal, such as a mouse or rat. The collected sample may include dust, feces, fur, urine, saliva, or other aspect of the target animal's environment.