Disposable Coagulation Test Cartridge with Pre-filled Reagent Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for testing coagulation and anticoagulation substances are limited by their narrow focus, require manual handling of multiple reagents, and are prone to human error, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in coagulation testing, especially in high-pressure medical environments.

Innovation Solution

A disposable, single-use cartridge with multiple pre-filled containers of coagulation affecting substances is used in conjunction with a multiple coagulation test system, allowing for simultaneous testing and eliminating the need for manual reagent handling and reducing the risk of human error by providing a pre-configured, pre-filled solution for each patient's blood sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual handling of multiple reagents is used, then flexibility in reagent selection is maintained, but operator error and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidoperator complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is pre-filled with multiple coagulation affecting substances in predetermined amounts and configurations before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for operators to manually handle, measure, and mix reagents during the testing process, thereby reducing operator error while maintaining the ability to test multiple coagulation parameters simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple separate tests are performed individually, then each test can be optimized, but testing time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidpreparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coagulation affecting substances that would traditionally be tested in separate procedures are merged into a single integrated cartridge. This allows simultaneous testing of multiple coagulation parameters in one operation, increasing productivity while reducing the time required for sequential test preparation and execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple coagulation tests simultaneously using different coagulation affecting substances. This multi-functional design allows a single cartridge to replace multiple separate test systems, improving throughput without sacrificing test optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If large bottles of reagents are used for multiple patients, then reagent cost per test is reduced, but shelf life and storage requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereagent concentrationVSAvoidreagent shelf life

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reagent system is segmented into individual single-patient cartridges, each containing the necessary coagulation affecting substances in precise amounts. This segmentation eliminates the need for large multi-patient bottles, extending effective reagent shelf life by ensuring each cartridge is used immediately upon preparation, while maintaining cost efficiency through precise dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs disposable single-use cartridges that are inexpensive to manufacture and use. Each cartridge is designed for single-patient use only, eliminating storage concerns associated with long-term reagent bottles while maintaining cost efficiency through automated precise dosing that prevents waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If pre-filled cartridges are used, then operator error is reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing accuracyVSAvoidcartridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is manufactured with pre-measured and pre-mixed coagulation affecting substances in predetermined concentrations and volumes. This preliminary preparation ensures dosing accuracy is built into the product during manufacturing, eliminating variability introduced by manual handling while the modular cartridge design keeps operational complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9857383B2Multiple coagulation test cartridge and method of using same

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 COAGULATION SCIENCES LLC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention relate to multiple coagulation test cartridges and methods of using such cartridges. In one embodiment the cartridge is a disposable single-use cartridge for use in evaluating blood clotting. The cartridge includes multiple containers, such as tubes, each of which includes one or more coagulation affecting substances. The containers can be pre-filled with substances in amounts suitable for use with a single patient's blood sample. The cartridge may include one or more containers, each of which has multiple sections, or volumes, each section storing a different coagulation affecting substance. In another embodiment the cartridge is used in a method for determining at least one appropriate coagulation affecting substance for modifying a patient's coagulation status using a multiple coagulation test system.