Dried Spot Sample Carrier for Portable Analyte Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for testing analytes in liquid samples, such as blood, urine, or saliva, require complex and costly blood sampling procedures, are not conclusive in forensic contexts, and are not suitable for portable, outdoor use under varying conditions, necessitating additional laboratory confirmation analyses.
Innovation Solution
A device with a 'dried spot' sample carrier that allows for the storage and analysis of small liquid samples, eliminating the need for blood sampling and enabling on-site testing, using a cellulose-based sample carrier with marked areas for homogeneous distribution and easy sample application, integrated with test strips for immediate analysis and confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional blood sampling procedures are used for analyte testing, then sample collection is possible, but the procedure becomes complex and costly requiring additional laboratory confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the preliminary test and confirmatory test into a single integrated system. The test strip holder and DS sample carrier holder are combined in one device, allowing both the immunological test and the confirmatory mass spectrometric analysis to be performed on the same sample without requiring separate blood collection procedures or additional laboratory visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it performs both the preliminary immunological screening test and the confirmatory mass spectrometric analysis. The single device handles sample collection, preliminary testing, sample archiving in DS format, and confirmatory analysis, eliminating the need for separate devices and procedures for each testing stage.
2Reliability
If traditional blood sampling is performed, then analyte testing can be conducted, but additional laboratory confirmation is required which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines both the preliminary immunological test and the confirmatory mass spectrometric test in one integrated system. This allows the user to perform both tests sequentially on the same sample without requiring separate blood collection events or additional laboratory confirmation procedures, thereby maintaining high reliability while reducing overall procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the confirmatory test preparation in advance by archiving the sample in DS (dried spot) format immediately after collection. This preliminary archiving action ensures that the sample is preserved in a stable state ready for confirmatory analysis, eliminating the need for later laboratory sample processing and reducing the complexity of the overall testing workflow.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standard blood collection tubes are used, then samples can be stored, but unstable analytes may change during transport to the laboratory
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the physical state of the sample from liquid to dried spot (DS) format. This parameter change from liquid to solid dried form stabilizes the sample composition by preventing degradation of unstable analytes during transport and storage, while the rapid drying process minimizes the time loss between collection and stable preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary sample stabilization by immediately drying the blood sample into a DS (dried spot) format right at the point of collection. This preliminary action preserves the sample in a stable state before transport, preventing analyte degradation that would otherwise occur during the time delay between collection and laboratory analysis.
4Ease of operation
If portable testing devices are used outdoors, then mobility is improved, but light and weather conditions affect test accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary sample archiving in DS (dried spot) format with built-in protection mechanisms. The DS sample carrier includes a protective cover that shields the dried sample from environmental factors such as light, moisture, and contamination during outdoor transport and storage, thereby maintaining sample integrity and test reliability despite varying outdoor conditions.
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 reliable, portable, and environmentally friendly testing of analytes without the need for complex blood sampling, ensuring sample integrity for confirmation analysis, reducing costs and environmental impact while providing conclusive results under diverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
These are generally short-term analytical systems based on immunological or dry chemical principles
Implementation Method 2
a few drops of a sample liquid (e.g., blood drops) can be stored on the device itself. The defined dried liquid residues can then be used together with the test strips for confirmatory analysis
Implementation Method 3
This light source illuminates the lower wall of the test cassette, which is made of translucent plastic, as well as the test area of the test strip within the cassette, thus revealing the test result
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for testing and indicating the absence or presence of analytes in an analytical or liquid sample originating from a human or animal organism, comprising a carrier plate with at least one test strip receptacle in which a test strip provided with a sample receptacle section and a test section is arranged, wherein at least one sample carrier receptacle (14) is arranged spaced apart from the test strip receptacle (12), which receives a "dried spot" sample carrier (DS sample carrier) (5).