Peritoneal Dialysate Reagent Analysis for Rapid Peritonitis Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for diagnosing peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis are inadequate, relying on subjective visual checks and requiring complex sample handling, which can lead to delayed treatment and increased infection risk, especially in home settings.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising housings, test components with reagents, and fluidic conduits for analyzing spent peritoneal dialysate, allowing for rapid detection of substances like leukocytes, glucose, urea, and ammonia, with controlled dialysate flow and reaction mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If visual inspection of dialysate is used for peritonitis diagnosis, then the method is simple and quick, but the diagnosis is subjective and may be inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of diagnosis methodVSAvoidaccuracy of peritonitis diagnosis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with a chemical test strip system that uses reagent pads to detect leukocyte esterase activity. This substitution transforms the subjective visual assessment into an objective chemical reaction-based detection, where color changes on the test strip indicate the presence of peritonitis, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy while maintaining ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces test strips with specific reagents as intermediaries between the dialysate sample and the diagnosis. These test strips contain reagents that react with leukocyte esterase in the dialysate, producing measurable color changes. This intermediary system enables accurate detection of peritonitis by translating biochemical markers into visible signals that can be objectively interpreted

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual sample handling and laboratory analysis are used, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but the process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive dialysate analysisVSAvoidcomplexity of sample handling procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple diagnostic functions into a single integrated test strip system. The test strip contains multiple reagent pads that can simultaneously detect different parameters (leukocyte esterase, glucose, pH) in one application, eliminating the need for separate manual handling steps for each test. This consolidation reduces procedural complexity while maintaining comprehensive analysis capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test strip system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The reagents are pre-loaded on the strip, and the user simply applies the dialysate sample to the strip without needing to prepare separate reagents or perform complex manual handling. The test strip automatically performs the chemical reactions and produces visible results, reducing the complexity of the overall diagnostic process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If delayed treatment is avoided through rapid diagnosis, then treatment effectiveness improves, but the diagnostic method must be faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimeliness of treatmentVSAvoidtime for diagnosis process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pre-prepared test strips with reagents already loaded and optimized for rapid reaction. The test strips are designed to produce visible color changes within minutes of sample application, eliminating the need for lengthy incubation or preparation steps. This preliminary preparation enables rapid diagnosis and immediate initiation of treatment, improving timeliness without sacrificing diagnostic reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 accurate diagnosis of peritonitis at home, reducing the risk of delayed treatment and infection by providing objective analysis of dialysate parameters.

Implementation Method 1

each test component and comprising one or more reagents for detecting one or more substances... the test components are arranged for the reagents to react with the dialysate communicated to the housings and thereby detect the substances in the dialysate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12601733B2Devices for peritoneal dialysate analysis

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 AWAK TECH PTE LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to a device for analysing spent peritoneal dialysate from a peritoneal dialysis apparatus. The device comprises: a set of housings attachable to the peritoneal dialysis apparatus; a set of test components disposed in the housings, each test component and comprising one or more reagents for detecting one or more substances; and a set of fluidic conduits connected to the housings for communicating the dialysate from the peritoneal dialysis apparatus to the housings, wherein the test components are arranged for the reagents to react with the dialysate communicated to the housings and thereby detect the substances in the dialysate.