Hybrid Test Strip Integrating Electrochemical and Photometric Detection
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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, using 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 interfere with hematocrit levels.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid test strip and device that integrates electrochemical and photometric testing mechanisms, allowing for the simultaneous determination of multiple analytes from a single blood sample using a test matrix with a chromogenic agent and electrochemical testing with electrodes, enabling the measurement of both colored and electrical responses for various analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single device is used to perform both electrochemical and photometric tests, then device complexity increases, but testing versatility improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrochemical and photometric testing mechanisms into a single hybrid test strip and device. The test strip includes both electrochemical sensing elements (electrodes) and photometric sensing elements (chromogenic layers) that can simultaneously perform multiple types of analyte measurements, thereby improving testing versatility while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid test strip is designed to perform multiple functions: it can conduct both electrochemical tests (for analytes like glucose) and photometric tests (for analytes like cholesterol and triglycerides) using a single device and single blood sample. This multi-functionality allows one device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized devices.
2Device complexity
If separate devices are used for electrochemical and photometric tests, then device complexity decreases, but the need for multiple blood samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid test strip integrates both electrochemical and photometric testing capabilities in a single strip that accepts one blood sample. The sample is distributed to different testing zones within the strip, allowing simultaneous or sequential performance of multiple test types without requiring separate samples or devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip is divided into distinct functional zones: electrochemical sensing zones with electrodes for certain analytes and photometric sensing zones with chromogenic layers for other analytes. This segmentation allows different testing mechanisms to operate independently within the same strip using the same blood sample.
3Measurement precision
If traditional photometric testing is used, then measurement precision for cholesterol and triglycerides improves, but interference from hematocrit levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different detection mechanisms (electrochemical vs. photometric) that respond differently to hematocrit. By selecting electrochemical detection for certain analytes, the system changes the measurement parameter from optical properties to electrical properties, thereby reducing or eliminating hematocrit interference while maintaining measurement precision.
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, single-sample, multi-analyte testing, reducing the need for multiple devices and samples, and minimizes interference from hematocrit levels, facilitating regular monitoring of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides, especially for individuals at risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of the single blood sample is drawn into a capillary tube
Implementation Method 2
A colored response is generated by the test matrix. The colored response is proportional to the concentration of a first analyte
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
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.