Dual Chamber Swab for Split Sample Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid sample testing devices require multiple steps and handling of bodily fluids, risking contamination, loss, or misidentification, and lack the capability to securely retain a split sample for confirmation testing and identity verification within a single device.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sample receiving member having dual collection chambers, where one chamber is not in fluid communication with the other, allowing for simultaneous analyte testing and secure retention of a split sample, using membrane test strips and a fingerprint acquisition pad for identity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single fluid sample is used for initial testing, then testing can be completed quickly, but the sample cannot be retained for confirmation testing or identity verification
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the fluid sample into two separate collection chambers: a first chamber for initial analyte testing and a second chamber for retention as a split sample. This segmentation allows simultaneous completion of initial testing while preserving a portion of the sample for future confirmation testing and identity verification, resolving the contradiction between testing speed and sample retention reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid sample is shifted to different containers or removed to distant locations, then multiple tests can be performed, but the risk of contamination, loss, or misidentification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated unit: initial analyte testing, split sample retention, and identity verification (via fingerprint or photograph). By merging these functions that were previously performed across multiple containers and locations, the device eliminates the risks of sample contamination, loss, or misidentification while maintaining the capability for multiple tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanism - a sealed second collection chamber that retains the split sample without requiring physical transfer to distant locations or multiple containers. This intermediary structure allows the sample to remain in a controlled, secure environment while still enabling future confirmation testing.
3Ease of operation
If the test administrator handles the test subject's bodily fluids, then the test can be administered, but the administrator is exposed to disease risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service sample collection where the test subject provides their own fluid sample (e.g., urine) without direct handling by the test administrator. The administrator only interacts with the external housing of the device, not the bodily fluids themselves, thereby maintaining test administration capability while eliminating disease exposure risk.
4Ease of manufacture
If a membrane test strip device is used, then initial testing is simple, but the sample is not retained after the initial result is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sample handling function by using a membrane test strip for initial analyte testing in the first collection chamber while simultaneously retaining an identical fluid sample in a separate second collection chamber. This segmentation allows the simplicity of membrane test strip devices to be maintained while adding the capability for sample retention to support future confirmation testing.
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 efficient, reliable, and safe testing with secure retention of a split sample for confirmation, reducing the risk of contamination and misidentification, while providing positive identification of the test subject and administrator.
Implementation Method 1
at least one membrane test strip, in fluid communication with the second collection chamber, to indicate the presence or absence of at least one analyte in the fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for testing a fluid sample including a sample receiving member having an opening for receiving a fluid sample, wherein the sample receiving member comprises at least a first and second sample collection chambers, a sample retention member, in fluid communication with the first sample collection chamber, to retain a portion of the fluid sample, and at least one test strip, in fluid communication with the second collection chamber, to indicate the presence or absence of at least one analyte in the fluid sample, wherein the first collection chamber is not in fluid communication with the second collection chamber.