Multi-Analyte Diagnostic Device Using Color Intensity Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for female reproductive health, such as ovulation and pregnancy detection, are limited in comprehensiveness and accuracy, often relying on single hormone analysis rather than ratios or differences between multiple analytes, which can lead to missed diagnoses like polycystic ovary syndrome.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device and method that analyze the ratio or difference in color intensity between multiple test portions on a reaction unit, using a sample to diagnose pregnancy-related states, including normal and abnormal pregnancy, ovulation, and menopause, by simultaneously measuring hormones like hCG, progesterone metabolites, and estrogen, allowing for more accurate prediction and diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single hormone analysis is used for diagnosis, then the diagnostic method is simple, but the comprehensiveness and accuracy of diagnosis is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hormone analysis functions into a single diagnostic device that can simultaneously detect hCG, progesterone metabolites, and estrogen metabolites. This merging of multiple single-hormone test functions into one integrated device allows comprehensive reproductive health assessment while maintaining operational simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various hormone analyses (pregnancy detection via hCG, ovulation monitoring via progesterone and estrogen metabolites, menopause assessment) using a single device platform. This universal design enables one device to replace multiple specialized single-hormone test devices.
2Measurement precision
If multiple analytes are analyzed simultaneously, then the diagnosis comprehensiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic device divides the analysis function into separate test portions, each dedicated to detecting a specific hormone (hCG test portion, progesterone metabolite test portion, estrogen metabolite test portion). This segmentation allows multiple analytes to be analyzed simultaneously through distinct detection zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that users can easily operate.
3Measurement precision
If ratio or difference analysis of color intensity is used, then the diagnostic accuracy is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically performs the complex ratio or difference calculations of color intensities between test portions without requiring user intervention. The measurement system self-services by capturing color data from multiple test portions, computing the ratios or differences, and generating diagnostic results autonomously, thus improving accuracy while keeping the user interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the measured color intensities from multiple test portions are continuously compared and processed. The system uses the ratio or difference of these intensities as feedback to determine diagnostic outcomes, enabling accurate multi-analyte interpretation through automated computational feedback loops.
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 more accurate diagnosis of reproductive health states by analyzing multiple analytes simultaneously, predicting conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, and providing real-time monitoring through a user-friendly device connected to electronic devices, enhancing healthcare and self-diagnosis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a reaction unit receiving a sample therein
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a diagnostic device for diagnosing a state of a subject based on a ratio or a difference between a color intensity of a first test portion and a color intensity of a second test portion in a reaction unit receiving a sample therein, wherein reaction unit includes a sample pad; a conjugate pad; a reaction membrane; and a wicking pad, and wherein the reaction membrane has two or more test portions.