Lateral Flow Device Attached to Absorbent Article
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a device capable of testing bodily fluids, such as urine, that can be attached to an absorbent article, allowing for on-site analysis without requiring controlled manufacturing environments for both the device and the article, especially for subjects like children, elderly adults, and non-ambulatory patients where urine samples may not be readily available.
Innovation Solution
A lateral flow device is attached to an absorbent article, comprising a chromatographic medium with a detection zone that indicates the presence or absence of analytes, allowing for rapid and semi-quantitative results, and includes a control zone to ensure proper testing, which can be separately manufactured and attached to the article, reducing regulatory costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lateral flow device is integrated into an absorbent article during manufacturing, then testing capability is provided, but manufacturing complexity and regulatory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral flow device is manufactured separately from the absorbent article, then attached to the article's bodyside liner. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently under appropriate controls, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing function is extracted as a separate lateral flow device that can be attached to the absorbent article. This extraction allows the testing capability to be provided without requiring the entire absorbent article to be manufactured under stringent controlled conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a lateral flow device is attached to an absorbent article, then on-site testing is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral flow device is attached to the bodyside liner of the absorbent article, merging the testing function with the familiar absorbent article. This combination enables on-site testing without requiring a completely new complex device, as the absorbent article itself serves as the collection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent article serves dual functions: it collects bodily fluid through its absorbent core and simultaneously provides a platform for testing via the attached lateral flow device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate collection and testing devices.
3Reliability
If both the lateral flow device and absorbent article are manufactured under controlled environments, then product quality is ensured, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral flow device and absorbent article are manufactured separately under their respective appropriate controlled conditions. The lateral flow device requires controlled manufacturing for assay accuracy, while the absorbent article can be manufactured under less stringent conditions, reducing overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different levels of manufacturing control are applied to different components based on their specific requirements. The lateral flow device receives stringent quality control for its testing function, while the absorbent article receives appropriate control for its absorbency function, optimizing resource allocation.
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 rapid and accurate analysis of bodily fluids on-site, providing early indications of health conditions without the need for specialized personnel, while maintaining cost-effectiveness by controlling only the manufacturing environment of the lateral flow device.
Implementation Method 1
A lateral flow device is attached to the bodyside liner of the absorbent article. The lateral flow device includes a chromatographic medium that defines a detection zone.
Data Source
AI summary
A lateral flow device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow device is configured to be attached to an absorbent article via an attachment mechanism located on the lateral flow device or the absorbent article. The lateral flow device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. Regardless of its specific configuration, the lateral flow device is configured to be attached onto the absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be attached onto a diaper to provide information about the presence of enzymes or other compounds often encountered with a patient having a urinary tract infection. This information may provide an early warning system to allow the user or caregiver to seek additional testing and/or treatment. Alternatively, semi-quantitative or quantitative results may be derived from the test.