Capillary Blood Collection Device for Tuberculosis Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing tuberculosis, particularly latent tuberculosis, are complex, costly, and burdensome, especially for children and the elderly, due to the need for venous blood collection and centrifugation to separate blood cells.
Innovation Solution
A tuberculosis diagnosis apparatus and method that uses a blood collection device with a capillary tube to collect a small amount of peripheral blood, allowing for diagnosis using whole blood without separating blood cells, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the need for expensive equipment and trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If venous blood collection and centrifugation are used to separate blood cells, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of blood cell separation by using a simple filtration membrane within the test device itself, eliminating the need for external centrifugation equipment and complex blood separation procedures while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
A filtration membrane acts as an intermediary component within the test device that automatically separates blood cells from plasma during the testing process, replacing the need for external centrifugation equipment and simplifying the overall system
2Measurement precision
If venous blood collection is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to psychological and physical burden
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the necessary blood volume (microsample) from the patient using capillary action, eliminating the need for large-volume venous blood collection and reducing psychological and physical burden while maintaining sufficient plasma for accurate tuberculosis diagnosis
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service blood collection through capillary action that automatically draws in the required blood volume without requiring trained personnel or complex collection procedures, making the process simpler and less burdensome for patients
3Measurement precision
If ELISA reagents and measuring equipment are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to reagent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential diagnostic function by using a simplified immunological assay that requires minimal reagents, eliminating the need for expensive ELISA reagents and complex measuring equipment while maintaining the ability to detect interferon-gamma and diagnose tuberculosis accurately
Solution Approach 2:
The test device is designed as a disposable single-use unit that integrates all necessary components, eliminating the need for expensive reusable ELISA reagents and equipment while ensuring consistent measurement precision through standardized manufacturing
4Measurement precision
If trained personnel are required to perform the testing process, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-service testing through automated capillary action and integrated reaction chambers that eliminate the need for trained personnel to perform complex procedures, while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through standardized design and controlled reaction conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical operations (centrifugation, blood separation, reagent addition) with automated capillary action and integrated microfluidic channels, eliminating the need for trained personnel while maintaining measurement precision
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 quick and easy diagnosis of tuberculosis using whole blood, reducing the psychological and physical burden on patients and lowering the economic costs associated with complex testing procedures, while also being more suitable for use in underdeveloped countries.
Implementation Method 1
a blood collection tip attached to the first surface and formed with a capillary tube connected to the communication hole
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for easily and conveniently diagnosing tuberculosis including a blood collecting device is provided. The blood collecting device comprises a support part including a first surface, a second surface formed opposite to the first surface, and a communication hole through which a solution is movable. The communication hole is formed between the first surface and the second surface. A blood collecting tip is attached to the first surface and has a capillary tube connected to the communication hole. According to the present disclosure, a small amount of peripheral blood is collected using a capillary phenomenon and the collected whole blood is used as it is without separating a blood corpuscle therefrom by centrifugation and the like to diagnose tuberculosis.