Integrated Sample Collection Pad for Low-Dilution Respiratory Assays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LFA devices require separate collection pads and sampling devices, leading to inefficiencies, discomfort, and increased waste, especially in point-of-care systems for respiratory disease diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A direct sample collection pad integrated with an assay assembly, featuring truncated and narrowed designs with slits, reduces the need for separate collection devices, minimizes sample dilution, and enhances patient comfort by providing flexibility while maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid capillary matrix collection pad is used, then sample collection with minimal manipulation is achieved, but patient comfort and injury prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collection pad uses a flexible porous foam matrix instead of a rigid capillary matrix. This flexible material can be directly applied to patient surfaces (skin, mucous membranes) without causing discomfort or injury, while still enabling effective sample collection through its porous structure that allows fluid penetration and capillary action.
2Productivity
If separate collection pad and sampling device are used, then sample collection function is achieved, but device complexity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the collection pad and sampling device into a single integrated unit. The sampling device is designed to directly contact the patient surface and transfer sample directly to the collection pad without requiring separate manipulation steps, thereby reducing device complexity and improving diagnostic efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If conventional collection pad design is used, then sample collection is achieved, but sample dilution increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collection pad features a localized porous foam matrix with optimized porosity and capillary properties in the sample collection zone. This local structural optimization ensures efficient sample absorption and concentration without excessive dilution, while the overall pad design maintains compatibility with the assay strip components.
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 integrated pad system reduces diagnostic steps, minimizes waste, and ensures accurate, rapid testing with reduced sample size, improving efficiency and comfort in respiratory disease diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
The collection pad may include a porous foam matrix that can be manipulated to collect a sample
Implementation Method 2
A collected sample may be eluted from a sampling device into a developer solution
Implementation Method 3
transport of the sample with the developer solution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a direct sample collection pad for assay diagnosis of a sample without introducing an additional sampling device into the assay method. This simplifies the system and method of sample collection and assay diagnosis, thus reducing waste and potential for patient irritation or injury during diagnosis.