Encoded Immunochromatographic Test Strip With 2D Barcode Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing immunochromatographic test strips allow users to easily interpret the test results, which can lead to issues in contexts where result manipulation or confidentiality is desired, such as food inspections or legal liability.
Innovation Solution
The test strip incorporates a two-dimensional barcode on the membrane with content-varying regions that do not align consecutively, requiring the result to be interpreted remotely or at an imaging center, and includes features like color coding and encapsulated chemicals to prevent immediate user interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test strip uses a conventional layout with test antibodies in front and control antibodies in back, then the test results are easy to understand by the user, but the results can be easily manipulated or hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional test strip layout by placing control antibodies in front and test antibodies in back. This inversion makes the test results difficult to understand for users while maintaining proper control functionality, thereby preventing result manipulation or hiding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a barcode system as an intermediary between the test result and the user. The barcode encodes the test result in a format that requires external decoding, acting as a mediator that prevents direct user interpretation while allowing authorized remote analysis.
2Productivity
If the test strip allows immediate user interpretation of results, then the testing process is fast and simple, but it enables result manipulation in food inspections and legal liability cases
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode system serves as an intermediary that maintains testing speed by allowing immediate completion of the test procedure, while preventing result manipulation by encoding the results in a non-interpretable format that requires external decoding through secure channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a coded copy of the test result in barcode format rather than displaying the raw result directly. This copying mechanism preserves the test data while transforming it into a secure, non-interpretable form that prevents manipulation.
3Reliability
If the test strip uses encoded results that cannot be understood by the user, then result confidentiality is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a barcode, which is a universal encoding format already widely recognized and processed by existing systems. This multi-functional approach provides strong encryption capabilities while leveraging existing infrastructure, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The encoding is implemented as a separate coded copy (barcode) rather than modifying the fundamental test strip structure. This copying approach adds minimal complexity to the device while achieving the confidentiality goal through a layered information structure.
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
Prevents immediate user understanding of test results, ensuring confidentiality and enabling secure interpretation through remote analysis.
Implementation Method 1
In the conjugated antibody pad part, there are labelled target specific antibodies. Those labelled antibodies bind specifically to the analyte.
Implementation Method 2
In the conjugated antibody pad the analyte bound and unbound antibodies begin to migrate from the conjugated antibody pad to the nitrocellulose membrane. When the analyte-bound antibodies arrive on the nitrocellulose membrane, they are retained by immobilized analyte-specific antibodies
Implementation Method 3
Analyte unbound antibodies are retained by the secondary antibodies present in the control region to stain the control band.
Implementation Method 4
Analyte-containing liquid dropped on sample pad is first transported to the conjugated antibody pad of the test strip by a liquid absorbing pad.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an immunochromatographic test strip (1) which can be encoded such that the test result cannot be understood by the user who performs the test. The test strip (1) subject of invention, includes at least one sample pad (2) in which the samples are loaded, at least one conjugate pad (3) having analyte-specific labeled antibodies present in the sample, at least one membrane (4) wherein the antibodies bound or unbound to the analyte moves forward and at least one absorption pad (5) providing movement of the sample and a two-dimensional barcode (6) on the membrane (4) that provides the authorities to interpret the results and avoids one who takes test image after test so that the test taker does not immediately understand the test result.