Colorimetric Test Result Confirmation for Accurate POC Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for infectious diseases, especially at point-of-care (POC) settings, face challenges due to complexity in use and interpretation, low sensitivity, and errors in test results, including false negatives and positives, which are exacerbated by clinician and user interpretation errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a sensor to detect a spectrum of color wavelengths from a pathogen test on a solid phase substrate, with processors determining a wavelength threshold and generating a result indicator to minimize errors and provide accurate, timely test results, incorporating a material group identifier for adjusting thresholds and confidence levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If rapid diagnostic tests are made available at point-of-care settings, then accessibility and speed of testing improve, but test accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to low sensitivity and interpretation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated image analysis system as an intermediary between the test strip and the final result interpretation. This system uses colorimetric sensors and algorithms to objectively analyze test results, eliminating human interpretation errors while maintaining the rapid point-of-care testing advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual interpretation with automated optical sensing and digital image processing. Colorimetric sensors detect and quantify color changes on the test strip, substituting human visual assessment with precise instrumental measurement to improve reliability
2Ease of operation
If rapid diagnostic tests are simplified for point-of-care use, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated analysis system acts as an intermediary that compensates for the simplified test design. Even though the test strip itself remains simple for point-of-care use, the automated image analysis intermediary enhances detection sensitivity by objectively measuring colorimetric changes with precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using automated colorimetric analysis instead of visual assessment. This allows detection of subtle color changes that indicate low concentrations of analytes, thereby improving measurement precision without complicating the test operation
3Measurement precision
If automated image analysis is implemented, then interpretation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automated analysis system that can handle multiple different rapid diagnostic test types through software algorithms. This multi-functional approach improves result accuracy across various tests while avoiding the need for separate complex devices for each test type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses digital copying of the test strip image followed by algorithmic analysis. This separates the simple physical test from the complex analysis, allowing the complex image processing to be performed computationally rather than requiring complex physical instrumentation
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 system enhances the accuracy and reliability of POC test results by minimizing equipment and interpretation errors, providing clear and confident pathogen detection with reduced uncertainty.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to detect a spectrum of color wavelengths from a pathogen test on a solid phase substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A technology is described for a system for identifying a colorimetric test result from a target nucleotide test performed on a solid phase substrate. The system can comprise a sensor configured to detect a spectrum of color wavelengths. The system can comprise one or more processors. The one or more processors can be configured to: receive color wavelength data; determine a wavelength threshold for providing a target nucleotide positive test result; identify whether the color wavelength data meets or exceeds the wavelength threshold for providing a target nucleotide positive test result; and generate a result indicator indicating either a target nucleotide positive or target nucleotide negative test result.