Home Glucose Tolerance Test Device with Automated Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glucose tolerance tests require clinical supervision and are inconvenient for patients and healthcare professionals due to the need for attendance at a medical facility, limiting their accessibility and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A glucose tolerance test device that allows patients to perform a simplified glucose tolerance test protocol at home by collecting and analyzing blood samples using a device with a timer, indicator, and data collector, reducing the need for direct clinical supervision, and enabling storage and transmission of data for later clinical analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If glucose tolerance tests are performed with clinical supervision at a medical facility, then the accuracy and reliability of the test protocol is maintained, but the convenience and accessibility for patients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform glucose tolerance tests independently at home without clinical supervision. The microprocessor automatically controls the timing of blood sample collection, the indicator lights guide patients through the protocol steps, and the data is automatically stored and transmitted, allowing the system to serve itself and the patient without requiring medical professional involvement during the actual testing process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple blood samples are collected at different time intervals for glucose tolerance testing, then the completeness and accuracy of glucose tolerance assessment is improved, but the time required and patient burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-sets all timing parameters and test intervals before the patient begins the glucose tolerance test. The microprocessor automatically schedules when each blood sample should be collected based on the selected protocol, and the indicator lights notify the patient in advance when to perform each step, eliminating the need for manual timing calculations and reducing the overall time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides real-time feedback to the patient through indicator lights that show when blood samples should be collected and when the test is complete. This feedback mechanism ensures that samples are taken at the correct intervals without requiring the patient to manually track time, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing the time burden on the patient.
3Productivity
If a simplified home-based glucose tolerance test protocol is implemented, then the accessibility and resource efficiency is improved, but the complexity of ensuring protocol adherence and data accuracy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces manual protocol management with an automated microprocessor-based system. The microprocessor stores multiple pre-programmed glucose tolerance test protocols, automatically controls the timing of sample collection, and manages data storage and transmission. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation ensures consistent protocol adherence and maintains data accuracy while enabling home-based testing.
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
Facilitates the performance of glucose tolerance tests in a domestic environment with reduced clinician involvement, simplifying the process and minimizing time and resources required for data collection, while maintaining the accuracy of the results for subsequent clinical analysis.
Implementation Method 1
A reflectance photometer within the device measures blood glucose concentration by use of separate blood glucose strips inserted into a strip guide
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
A glucose tolerance test device comprising: a test zone having a means to receive at least first and second blood test samples spaced apart by a predetermined time interval; a timer to measure such a time interval, and for example to measure elapsed time after collection of a said first sample; an indicator to indicate at least that a second test is due, operatively Jinked to the timer so as to make such indication after lapse of a predetermined time interval; a data collector to collect data from the lest zone in relation to each test sample; a data register to store data in relation to each test sample, in data commumczrtion with said data collector. A method of use is also described.