Self-Service Cervical Cell Collection Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell collection techniques for vaginal diagnostic tests are cumbersome, costly, and uncomfortable for women, and many lack access to clinical settings for analysis, making it difficult to obtain necessary cells for diagnostic testing.
Innovation Solution
A cell collection device comprising a case member, plunger member, and accumulator member with a handle, allowing patients to collect cells from the cervix using a kit that includes a collection receptacle and transport container for self-administered sampling and preservation, enabling home testing and easy laboratory submission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cell collection is performed by a health care provider at a clinic using scraping techniques, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient convenience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables women to perform cell collection themselves at home using a self-contained device and kit, eliminating the need for clinical visits and provider assistance while maintaining diagnostic capability through proper cell collection and preservation mechanisms
2Reliability
If cell collection is performed by a health care provider at a clinic, then proper cell collection is ensured, but cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows women to collect and preserve cells themselves at home, eliminating geographic and economic barriers to clinic access while maintaining collection reliability through integrated preservation technology and clear instructions
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-loads preservation solution into the collection chamber before use, ensuring proper cell preservation is automatically achieved without requiring user knowledge of laboratory techniques or access to laboratory facilities
3Quantity of substance
If scraping techniques are used for cell collection, then sufficient cells are obtained, but patient discomfort and embarrassment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scraping action with a different mechanism that uses a collection chamber and preservation solution to gather cells through contact and adhesion, eliminating the traumatic scraping motion while maintaining cell collection effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for medical home testing are described. In one embodiment, the device includes a case member, a plunger member, an accumulator member and a handle member. The case member has a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion. The first distal end portion has a distal opening and the first proximal end portion has an aperture. The plunger member is sized and configured for sliding through the aperture. The plunger member has a second distal end portion configured to slide within the case member. The accumulator member is disposed in the case member adjacent the plunger member. The accumulator member is compressed by the case member and configured for sliding through the distal opening as the plunger slides through the aperture. The handle member is attached to the accumulator member and extends through the plunger member. Other methods and systems are also described.