Biodegradable Home Fecal Blood Test Kit with Luminol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fecal occult blood tests are cumbersome, embarrassing, costly, inconvenient, and lack privacy and environmentally safe disposal options, leading to low screening rates for colorectal cancer.
Innovation Solution
A compact, biodegradable home test kit using a scoop device, luminol, and a hollow container for mixing the fecal sample with water, which luminesces in dark conditions due to the presence of hemoglobin, allowing for private and convenient detection of fecal blood.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional FOBT procedures are used, then blood detection capability is achieved, but the testing process becomes messy and inconvenient requiring clinical staff handling
Solution Approach 1:
The test kit enables patients to perform the entire FOBT procedure themselves at home without clinical staff involvement. The container, scoop, and reagents are designed for easy patient handling, eliminating the need for messy clinical staff manipulation of fecal samples while maintaining blood detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is divided into discrete components: a reusable container housing the scoop and reagents, separate fecal sample collection area, and distinct reaction chamber. This segmentation allows patients to handle only specific clean components while the contained sample remains isolated, reducing mess and procedural complexity
2Ease of operation
If traditional FOBT is performed, then blood in stool can be detected, but patients experience embarrassment and lack privacy
Solution Approach 1:
The fecal sample collection and testing function is extracted from the clinical setting and placed into a portable home-use container system. This extraction allows patients to perform the embarrassing procedure privately at home while the container structure provides contained, dignified sample handling
Solution Approach 2:
The container and associated components are designed as disposable or easily cleanable single-use items, allowing patients to discard the testing apparatus after use without concern for thorough cleaning or reuse. This eliminates the psychological barrier of handling reusable equipment that may retain odors or residues
3Ease of operation
If conventional FOBT procedures are used, then blood detection is achieved, but disposal of test samples and components lacks environmentally safe options
Solution Approach 1:
The container and components are designed for straightforward disposal in regular trash or toilet flush systems. The biocompatible, non-hazardous materials used in construction allow safe environmental disposal without special hazardous waste handling, making disposal as convenient as the testing itself while eliminating environmental harm
4Productivity
If traditional FOBT is conducted, then blood detection capability is maintained, but cost increases and screening rates remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The test kit uses inexpensive, mass-producible components including a simple plastic container, disposable scoop, and minimal reagent quantities. This low-cost design makes the test affordable for widespread patient use, directly increasing screening rates while maintaining effective blood detection capability
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
The kit enhances colorectal screening rates by providing a private, easy-to-use, and environmentally friendly method for detecting fecal blood, encouraging individuals to consult healthcare professionals and promoting safe disposal.
Implementation Method 1
luminol for mixing with the sample... the mixture luminesces or glows as a result of iron present in hemoglobin... blood in the sample is visually detectable by the human eye when the mixture is viewed in darkened surroundings
Implementation Method 2
the compound undergoes a reaction in aqueous solution that is catalyzed by at least one of blood, blood fractions, blood components and hemoglobin... the reaction is catalyzed by the hem iron of hemoglobin
Data Source
AI summary
A home test kit for detecting fecal blood includes a scoop device for collecting a fecal sample, a luminescent for mixing with the sample, a hollow container for containing the sample, water and the luminescent, or luminol during use of the kit. A base may be provided for supporting the container during testing, and the container may include an integrally formed lid. Detection of the blood in the sample is possible because the luminescent undergoes a light-producing reaction that involves, as a reactant or catalyst, blood or blood components or products. The blood is thus visible, or glows in darkened surroundings. The kit is compact, easy to use, and formed from biodegradable material for easy disposal.