Integrated Analyte Testing Device with Fingerprint Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for substance testing, such as membrane test strip devices, often require multiple steps, pose risks of disease exposure, and fail to securely retain fluid samples for confirmation or identification, leading to issues with contamination, loss, or mislabeling, and do not effectively combine sample collection with positive identification of the test subject or administrator.
Innovation Solution
A device that integrates a sample receiving member, a sample retention member, and at least one membrane test strip for analyte detection, along with a fingerprint acquisition pad, allowing for simultaneous collection, retention, and identification of fluid samples, using absorbent materials and compression mechanisms to ensure sample integrity and secure handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for sample collection, testing, and retention, then each function can be performed with simple individual components, but the overall process becomes complex and prone to contamination and loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample collection, retention, and testing functions into a single integrated device. The sample collection container with closure member is directly coupled to the testing device, eliminating the need for separate containers and reducing the number of handling steps. This integration maintains sample integrity while simplifying the overall testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: collecting fluid samples, retaining samples for confirmation testing, and conducting initial analyte testing. The single device serves as both a collection system and a testing system, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and minimizing contamination risks.
2Productivity
If the fluid sample is not retained after initial testing, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the sample cannot be secured for confirmation or identification
Solution Approach 1:
The sample retention capability is built into the device structure from the beginning, allowing samples to be retained during the initial testing phase. The retention container is pre-positioned and ready to receive and secure the fluid sample immediately after collection, enabling future confirmation testing without requiring additional sample collection steps.
3Ease of operation
If the test administrator handles the fluid sample manually, then the testing operation is flexible and simple, but the risk of disease exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device acts as an intermediary system that minimizes direct contact between the test administrator and the fluid sample. The closure member and sealed retention container create a barrier that allows sample handling without exposing the administrator to the sample contents, reducing disease exposure risk while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Reliability
If separate sample retention is implemented, then confirmation testing is possible, but the risk of sample loss and mislabeling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample retention container is integrated with the testing device and identification systems, creating a unified system where samples cannot be separated from their associated data and tracking information. This integration reduces the risk of mislabeling and loss by ensuring that the sample, container, and identification records remain connected throughout the entire testing process.
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 enables efficient, secure, and reliable testing for analytes in fluid samples while ensuring the chain of custody and sample integrity, reducing risks of contamination and misidentification, and allowing for further confirmation testing.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material, to absorb a fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
a compression member operatively associated with the absorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for fluid sample collection and analyte testing, including a sample receiving member and at least one membrane test strip, and optionally a sample retention member, fingerprint acquisition pad, and/or fluid collector. It also provides a fluid collection apparatus having an absorbent material, compression element, and closure element, and optionally a lid that allows the apparatus to be used in conjunction with a fluid container. Also provided are methods of collecting, testing, and retaining a fluid sample and verifying the identity of one or more individuals associated with the sample, such as the test subject, test administrator, and/or witnesses.