Lateral Flow Immunoassay with Fluorescent Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lateral flow immunoassay devices for detecting progesterone metabolites in urine are limited by their inability to track hormone patterns over time, are prone to analysis errors due to inappropriate antibody selection and carrier protein types, and are susceptible to user misinterpretation of results.
Innovation Solution
The system employs immunochromatographic assay with fluorescent labeling technology, a portable analyzer for quantitative detection of progesterone metabolites, and application software for tracking hormone levels, using dynamic thresholds based on individual data to provide accurate ovulation prediction and fertility assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lateral flow immunoassay devices use color-based detection methods, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates and user misinterpretation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional color-based visual detection with fluorescent labeling technology and automated reader devices. The fluorescent labels emit light at specific wavelengths when excited, allowing for precise quantitative measurement of hormone levels. The reader device automatically detects and analyzes the fluorescent signals, eliminating subjective user interpretation and significantly improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through automation.
2Loss of information
If conventional systems analyze hormone levels at single time points, then the device complexity remains low, but loss of information increases due to inability to track hormone patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a data tracking system that collects hormone level measurements over multiple time points and compares them against reference ranges and previous results. The system provides feedback to users through a mobile application, showing trend analysis and pattern recognition. This feedback mechanism preserves hormone pattern information by continuously monitoring and comparing measurements, enabling better fertility assessment while managing complexity through software-based solutions.
3Reliability
If conventional immunoassay devices use fixed threshold values for result interpretation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to account for individual variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed threshold values to dynamic, personalized reference ranges. The system establishes individual baseline hormone levels by analyzing multiple measurements over time and adjusts reference ranges accordingly. This dynamic approach accounts for individual physiological variations and provides more reliable interpretation of test results. The mobile application presents this complex dynamic analysis in an easy-to-understand format, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving reliability.
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
Enables accurate and reliable tracking of hormone levels, reducing user misinterpretation and analysis errors, and providing real-time fertility and pregnancy monitoring with improved predictive capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the label is a fluorescent dye conjugated with antibodies by preparatory methods. The fluorescent dyes have specific excitation and emission. Under the irradiation of a specific wavelength of the light source, that remains consistent with the fluorescent dye, the fluorescent dye emits light with a wavelength slightly different from that of the light source.
Implementation Method 2
test wands configured to employ immunochromatographic assay
Implementation Method 3
a conjugate pad saturated with monoclonal anti-pregnanediol glucuronide (anti-PdG) antibodies conjugated to a first visual label
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting an analyte include test wands configured to employ immunochromatographic assay with new fluorescent labeling technology, a reading device that can specifically identify signals from wands and sync information to the mobile devices. The systems may quantitatively detect progesterone metabolites in urine to track the level changes, confirm ovulation, and/or evaluate menstruation status. The systems and methods assess and track an individual's ovulation cycle by monitoring a hormone pattern of that specific individual, and establishing a dynamic threshold as a baseline for changes in the specific subject's hormones.