Disposable Test Device with Reagent Inhibitor for Biochemical Marker Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices for biochemical markers often require sophisticated equipment, specific accessories, and large processing capacity, making them costly and impractical for immediate, quantitative analysis at the patient's location, especially when small changes in color are difficult to detect visually or with software.
Innovation Solution
A disposable test device with a visually detectable color change, using a reagent inhibitor to block biochemical markers at normal concentrations, allowing for easy, qualitative assessment with a smartphone, which transmits images to a server for instant analysis, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and complex software processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated POC equipment is used for quantitative biochemical analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test devices with pre-loaded reagents and inhibitors that are discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for expensive, sophisticated equipment while maintaining adequate measurement precision for clinical decision-making. The disposable nature simplifies the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing the concentration parameter of biochemical markers through the use of inhibitors. By blocking markers at normal concentrations and allowing visual detection only when thresholds are exceeded, the system achieves quantitative analysis capability with simple visual assessment rather than complex instrumentation.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If reagent inhibitors are used to block biochemical markers at normal concentrations, then color differentiation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color change as the primary detection mechanism. Inhibitors block biochemical markers at normal concentrations, preventing color development. When marker concentrations exceed thresholds, color changes become visible. This transforms subtle quantitative differences into distinct visual color states that are easy to differentiate.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable test devices incorporate pre-manufactured inhibitor concentrations during production. While manufacturing precision is required for the disposable units, this is more economically feasible than maintaining precision in expensive reusable equipment. The disposables are manufactured once with precise inhibitor loading, then used and discarded.
3Productivity
If smartphone-based image transmission is used for instant analysis, then productivity is improved, but loss of information may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms continuous color intensity variations into discrete color states through the use of inhibitors. This parameter transformation makes the information more robust for digital transmission, as distinct color states (present/absent, intensity levels) are less susceptible to degradation during image compression and transmission compared to subtle continuous variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces color as an intermediary between the biochemical marker concentration and the digital image transmission. The color change serves as a robust mediator that translates chemical information into a visual format that is resilient to transmission losses, maintaining adequate information fidelity for clinical interpretation.
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, reliable, and cost-effective determination of biochemical markers, such as lactate dehydrogenase, lactate, and CRP, with improved color differentiation and reduced reaction intensity, facilitating instant clinical decisions without extensive training or equipment, suitable for home or remote medical settings.
Implementation Method 1
using a reagent inhibitor to block biochemical markers at normal concentrations
Implementation Method 2
A disposable test device with a visually detectable color change
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a testing system for assessing the level of a biochemical marker, comprising a disposable device (2) with a sample inlet (4) and a at least one visible detection compartment (5A, 5B), arranged with composition including a chemical means (Y) for direct detection of said biochemical marker, wherein said composition also includes an inhibitor (Z) arranged to first detection compartment (5A) being arranged to block the biochemical marker up to a certain concentration.