Aseptic Extraction Device for GeneXpert Cartridge Sample Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods do not allow for safe and aseptic extraction of purified samples from GeneXpert nucleic acid amplification cartridges, leading to waste and increased risk of disease transmission due to the need for repeated patient samples and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
An extraction device assembly with a cartridge interface and collection interface, featuring a piercing tool that safely accesses and collects the sample from the cartridge, reducing spillage and contamination risks, and allowing for secure disposal of the cartridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cartridge and amplified sample are discarded together after the GeneXpert test, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the sample cannot be used for further downstream applications
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into separate components: the reaction tube containing the amplified sample and the rest of the cartridge structure. This segmentation allows the reaction tube to be extracted and reused for downstream applications while the rest of the cartridge can be discarded, resolving the contradiction between simple disposal and sample reuse capability
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction tube containing the amplified sample is extracted from the cartridge using a piercing tool that penetrates the cartridge wall and engages with the reaction tube. This extraction enables the sample to be removed for downstream applications while maintaining the simplicity of the original testing process
2Reliability
If the patient must return to give further samples for additional tests, then each test can be performed separately, but time is wasted and there is increased risk of disease transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The amplified sample is prepared and stored in the reaction tube during the initial testing process. By extracting and preserving this pre-prepared sample, downstream applications can be performed without requiring the patient to return, thus preventing time loss and disease transmission risk while maintaining test accuracy through proper sample handling
3Ease of manufacture
If there is no method to safely and aseptically extract purified samples from the reaction tube, then the cartridge can be easily disposed of, but the sample cannot be recovered for downstream applications
Solution Approach 1:
A piercing tool serves as an intermediary device that safely penetrates the cartridge wall and engages with the reaction tube to extract the amplified sample. This intermediary mechanism enables aseptic sample recovery without compromising the simplicity of cartridge disposal, as the tool provides a controlled interface between the sealed cartridge and the external environment
Data Source
AI summary
An extraction device assembly for extracting a sample from a sample-containing chamber of a nucleic acid amplification cartridge is provided. The assembly has a cartridge interface forming a receptacle configured to at least partially fit the sample-containing chamber therein. The cartridge interface has an aperture configured to at least partially expose the sample-containing chamber, and a collection interface having an aperture configured to at least partially align with the cartridge interface aperture and with the sample-containing chamber positioned at least partially between them. The collection interface aperture is in fluid communication with a collector. The extraction device assembly is operable to fit the sample-containing chamber in the receptacle of the cartridge interface and guide a piercing tool into the cartridge interface aperture to pierce the sample-containing chamber and liberate a sample contained therein for transferral to the collector.