Fluid Testing Device with Integrated Filtration for Saliva Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay tests face challenges with sample contamination and fluid collection, especially for limited or hard-to-access fluids like saliva, leading to compromised test results due to inefficient fluid collection and application.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with a fluid collection device that includes a filter coupled to a test matrix, allowing for simultaneous collection, filtration, and analysis of biomarkers, featuring a cap with a funnel-shaped collection device and pressure application mechanism to enhance fluid flow and testing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lateral flow chromatographic immunoassay test cassettes are used for fluid collection and testing, then the testing can be performed at point-of-care with broad applicability to various analytes, but sample contamination occurs and fluid collection is challenging for limited or hard-to-access fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a collection device portion for fluid acquisition, a filter portion for sample preparation, and a test cassette portion for analysis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, preventing contamination while maintaining versatility across different analyte types.
Solution Approach 2:
A filter portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the collection device and the test cassette. This filter acts as a mediator that prepares the fluid sample by removing contaminants before the fluid reaches the test cassette, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the broad applicability of the test system.
2Reliability
If care is taken when collecting fluid for lateral flow testing, then sample contamination is reduced, but fluid collection becomes challenging for limited volume or hard-to-access fluids like saliva
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device, filter, and test cassette are merged into a single integrated unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate collection and preparation steps, making the device easy to operate while maintaining reliable contamination-free sampling through the integrated filter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is pre-positioned within the integrated device to perform preliminary action on the fluid sample during collection. This preliminary filtration occurs automatically as fluid is collected, reducing the need for careful manual handling and making the collection process easier while maintaining sample integrity.
3Measurement precision
If sufficient fluid is collected and applied to lateral flow test cassette, then accurate test results are obtained, but fluid is lost upon application to the test cassette
Solution Approach 1:
The filter portion serves as an intermediary that not only prepares the sample but also facilitates efficient fluid transfer to the test cassette. This intermediary component minimizes fluid loss during the transfer process while ensuring sufficient fluid reaches the test area for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design utilizes capillary action and pressure differentials to move fluid efficiently from the collection portion through the filter to the test cassette. This hydraulic mechanism ensures complete fluid transfer with minimal loss, maintaining measurement precision.
4Reliability
If fluid collection and filtration are performed separately before testing, then thorough sample preparation is achieved, but testing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Collection, filtration, and testing functions are merged into a single integrated device that performs all operations simultaneously. This consolidation achieves thorough sample preparation through the integrated filter while eliminating the time required for separate preparation steps, enabling rapid point-of-care testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device enables continuous useful action by maintaining fluid flow from collection through filtration to testing without interruption. The filter operates continuously during fluid collection, and the test cassette immediately receives prepared samples, eliminating idle time between preparation and testing phases.
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 device provides rapid and reliable results by ensuring efficient fluid collection and filtration, reducing contamination risks and improving the accuracy of biomarker detection, enabling point-of-care testing for various analytes.
Implementation Method 1
an assembly including a filter coupled to a test matrix, the test matrix including one or more lateral flow strips adapted to optically indicate a level of one or more analytes in the fluid, where the fluid collection device is configured to supply the fluid to the one or more lateral flow strips via the filter
Implementation Method 2
one or more lateral flow strips adapted to optically indicate a level of one or more analytes in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Testing devices are provided for detecting the level of one or more analytes in a fluid. In an example, a testing device includes a fluid collection device adapted to collect a fluid, and an assembly including a filter coupled to a test matrix, the test matrix including one or more lateral flow strips adapted to optically indicate a level of one or more analytes in the fluid, where the fluid collection device is configured to supply the fluid to the one or more lateral flow strips via the filter.