Non-Invasive Fetal Cell Collection via Absorbent Interlabial Pads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining fetal cells, such as amniocentesis, are invasive and carry risks like preterm labor and miscarriage, and are not feasible before 11 weeks of gestation, necessitating a non-invasive approach for early fetal diagnosis and stem cell collection.
Innovation Solution
The use of external collection devices like absorbent interlabial pads or sanitary napkins to collect fetal cells and components from vaginal fluid, which remain viable and can be isolated for genetic analysis, allowing for non-invasive fetal diagnosis and stem cell procurement at any gestational age.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If amniocentesis is used to obtain fetal cells, then fetal cells can be collected for diagnosis, but the procedure is invasive and carries risks of preterm labor, fetal trauma, and miscarriage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vaginal fluid as an intermediary medium to indirectly collect fetal cells. Instead of directly penetrating the amniotic sac or uterus (amniocentesis), the method collects cells through vaginal fluid that naturally contains fetal cells, thereby avoiding invasive procedures while still obtaining fetal cells for diagnosis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts fetal cells from vaginal fluid using non-invasive collection methods. The vaginal fluid is collected using absorbent materials (pads, tampons, or other feminine hygiene products), and fetal cells are then extracted from this fluid through laboratory processing, eliminating the need for invasive amniocentesis procedures
2Loss of time
If amniocentesis is performed before 11 weeks of gestation, then early fetal diagnosis is possible, but fetal injury may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vaginal fluid as an intermediary that contains fetal cells at any gestational age. This allows early fetal diagnosis (before 11 weeks) without the fetal injury risks associated with early amniocentesis, as the collection method is non-invasive and does not require direct access to the amniotic sac
3Quantity of substance
If amniocentesis is used to collect fetal stem cells, then fetal stem cells can be obtained for research and therapy, but the procedure is invasive and carries complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vaginal fluid as an intermediary medium to collect fetal stem cells. Vaginal fluid naturally contains fetal stem cells, and by collecting this fluid non-invasively (using pads, tampons, or other feminine hygiene products), the method obtains fetal stem cells without the complications of invasive amniocentesis procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts fetal stem cells from vaginal fluid through non-invasive collection and laboratory processing. The vaginal fluid is collected using absorbent materials, and fetal stem cells are then extracted and purified through standard laboratory techniques, providing a safe alternative to invasive amniocentesis for stem cell collection
4Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to obtain fetal cells, then sufficient fetal cells can be collected for diagnosis, but the procedure causes maternal and fetal harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vaginal fluid as an intermediary that naturally contains fetal cells. By collecting this fluid non-invasively and processing it to isolate fetal cells, the method achieves accurate fetal cell isolation without causing maternal or fetal harm, as no invasive procedures are required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts fetal cells from vaginal fluid using non-invasive collection methods. The vaginal fluid is collected using absorbent materials (pads, tampons, or other feminine hygiene products), and fetal cells are then extracted and purified through laboratory processing, providing accurate fetal cell isolation without the harm of invasive amniocentesis
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
This method enables the safe and non-invasive collection of fetal cells and components, reducing risks associated with invasive procedures and allowing for early fetal diagnosis and stem cell collection, including determination of fetal sex and genetic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
collecting vaginal fluid comprising cells in the absorbent medium
Implementation Method 2
absorbent medium in an interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Methods are disclosed for non-invasively obtaining fetal cells from a pregnant female. The methods include placing an absorbent medium in an interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening of the pregnant female, and collecting vaginal fluid comprising cells in the absorbent medium while the absorbent medium is interlabial or intravaginal space or adjacent to the perineum at the vaginal opening. The absorbent medium is removed and cells are isolated from the absorbent medium to obtain the fetal cells. The fetal cells can be, for example, somatic cells, embroyic stem cells, fetal stem cells or trophoblast cells.