Diagnostic Lab-on-a-Chip for Rapid Urine Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clinical laboratory testing methods are insufficient to prevent diagnostic delays, diagnostic errors, and adverse medical events, contributing to high rates of medical errors and patient safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remote medical diagnostic testing using a diagnostic hub integrated with a lab-on-a-chip, biosensors, and machine learning algorithms, which analyzes urine and/or feces samples for microRNA biomarkers, DNA, and other substances to provide rapid and accurate diagnostic results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clinical laboratory testing methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy can be maintained, but diagnostic delays and adverse medical events occur due to insufficient prevention capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into multiple independent modules including sample collection devices, point-of-care testing devices, central laboratory systems, and telemedicine platforms. This segmentation enables parallel processing of different diagnostic tasks, reducing overall diagnostic time while maintaining accuracy through specialized function distribution across the networked system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions at the point of care before samples reach the central laboratory. Portable testing devices conduct initial analyses on collected samples, providing preliminary results that can immediately guide clinical decisions while more comprehensive analysis continues in the laboratory, eliminating waiting time for complete results
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional clinical laboratory testing methods are used, then standard diagnostic procedures can be followed, but diagnostic errors remain high despite patient safety initiatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple feedback mechanisms including automated quality control sampling at various stages, real-time data validation algorithms that flag anomalies, and closed-loop communication between testing devices and the central laboratory. These feedback systems continuously monitor and correct potential errors, significantly reducing diagnostic error rates while maintaining standard procedural frameworks
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical processes with automated electronic systems including robotic sample handling, automated data transfer between devices and laboratories, and computerized result interpretation. This substitution eliminates human errors in sample tracking, data transcription, and initial analysis while preserving standardized diagnostic protocols through software-controlled procedures
3Productivity
If remote diagnostic testing with lab-on-a-chip is implemented, then diagnostic speed and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal standardized interfaces and communication protocols that allow different lab-on-a-chip devices to interoperate within the network. The system uses common data formats, standardized sample containers, and unified connectivity standards, enabling rapid deployment of diverse diagnostic capabilities without increasing overall system complexity through modular, interchangeable components
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic hub located in a toilet receives a wireless signal from a mobile device of a user and determines that the user is proximate to the toilet based on the wireless signal. An identification of the user is determined based on the wireless signal. A geolocation of the diagnostic hub is determined. Sensor data generated by biometric sensors and environmental sensors is received. The diagnostic intakes a mixture of water and urine from the toilet into an intake chamber of the diagnostic hub through an inlet line or one or more openings in a housing of the diagnostic hub. A lab-on-a-chip of the diagnostic hub executes a biochemical assay on a fluid volume of the mixture using a reagent. Substance levels present in the urine are determined based on the biochemical assay. Results based on the substance levels are determined, indicating a diagnosis of one or more diseases.