Hybrid Test Strip for Simultaneous Electrochemical and Photometric Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices cannot perform both electrochemical and photometric tests for multiple analytes, such as glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, with a single device and strip, which discourages frequent testing due to the need for separate devices and blood samples, and are ineffective for individuals with conditions like sickle-cell disease that alter hematocrit levels.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid test strip with a disbursement layer that spreads the blood sample uniformly across multiple test areas, allowing for both photometric and electrochemical testing mechanisms to be integrated within a single device, enabling the measurement of multiple analytes with a single blood sample and minimizing interference from hematocrit levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for electrochemical and photometric tests, then each test mechanism can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and number of required devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both electrochemical and photometric testing mechanisms into a single hybrid test strip device. The strip contains separate test regions for each mechanism, allowing users to perform both types of analyte tests simultaneously with one device, thereby reducing the number of devices needed while maintaining the reliability of each testing method
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid test strip is designed with multi-functionality to perform both electrochemical and photometric tests. The strip includes different test regions that can detect various analytes using different mechanisms, making a single device universal for multiple testing purposes rather than requiring separate specialized devices
2Reliability
If multiple separate blood samples are taken for different tests, then each test can be performed with optimal sample conditions, but the loss of time and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid test strip enables multiple analyte tests to be performed simultaneously using a single blood sample. The sample is applied once to the strip, which then distributes it to different test regions for electrochemical and photometric analysis, eliminating the need to take multiple separate blood samples and reducing total testing time
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip is pre-designed with multiple test regions and reagent layers prepared in advance. When the blood sample is applied, the strip automatically distributes and processes the sample across different test zones simultaneously, performing multiple tests in parallel rather than sequentially, thus saving time
3Ease of operation
If a single test strip is used for multiple analytes, then the ease of operation improves, but the manufacturing precision and complexity of the strip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid test strip is segmented into distinct functional regions, each dedicated to specific analyte detection. The strip contains separate test zones for electrochemical and photometric tests, with dedicated reagent layers and structural elements for each function. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of modular components while maintaining ease of use for the final integrated product
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 efficient and accurate testing of multiple analytes, including glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, with a single device and strip, improving compliance and accuracy for users, especially those with conditions that require electrochemical testing, by ensuring uniform blood distribution and minimizing test interference.
Implementation Method 1
drawing a portion of the blood sample to a sample area by laterally spreading through the disbursement layer
Implementation Method 2
generating a colored response with the test matrix wherein the colored response is proportional to a concentration of a first analyte
Implementation Method 3
measuring an electrical property of the blood sample through the electrode and counter-electrode wherein the electrical property is proportional to a concentration of a second analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining concentrations of a plurality of analytes from a single blood sample placed in a single opening. A portion of the single blood sample is absorbed by a test matrix that includes a plurality of layers and a chromogenic agent. A colored response is generated by the test matrix. The colored response is proportional to the concentration of a first analyte. A portion of the single blood sample is drawn into a capillary tube and placed in contact with an electrode and a counter-electrode. An electrical property of the single blood sample is analyzed through the electrode and counter-electrode. The electrical property is proportional to the concentration of a second analyte in the single blood sample.