Lateral Flow Assay Reader Alignment for Quantitative Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow assay devices are limited to providing only qualitative or semi-quantitative results, lacking the capability for accurate quantitative analysis, and alignment issues between assay readers and test strips affect reading accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electronic reader with a test strip that includes a bibulous material, a porous membrane, and optical components, along with precise alignment markers, to enable accurate quantitative analysis by controlling illumination and detection angles, and using fiducial markers for alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electronic reader is used to measure the detectable label for determining analyte concentration, then quantitative analysis capability is improved, but alignment precision between the reader and test strip becomes critical and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Fiducial markers are introduced as intermediary reference elements on the test strip that mediate the alignment between the electronic reader's photodetector and the detection zone. These markers provide a standardized reference framework that enables precise positioning without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with an optical/reference-based system. Instead of using精密 mechanical positioning mechanisms, the invention uses fiducial markers and optical detection to achieve precise alignment, substituting mechanical complexity with a more manageable optical referencing approach.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the photodetector is positioned close to the test strip to capture sufficient light signal, then signal intensity is improved, but the device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip design includes integrated fiducial markers that automatically provide alignment reference information to the electronic reader. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures, allowing the system to self-align using the embedded reference markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers utilize optical properties (such as color or reflectivity differences) to provide detectable reference signals. These markers create distinct optical signatures that the photodetector can easily identify and use for precise positioning, making the alignment process simpler and more reliable.
3Area of stationary object
If a narrow detection zone is used to improve test strip compactness, then device compactness is improved, but the signal captured by the photodetector decreases due to the inverse square law
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the detectable label signal precisely at the detection zone while using fiducial markers to ensure the photodetector is optimally positioned. The narrow detection zone maintains compactness, while the reference markers ensure the photodetector captures maximum signal from this concentrated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiducial markers provide feedback information to the electronic reader about the relative position between the photodetector and detection zone. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust and optimize the positioning to maximize light signal capture despite the narrow detection zone width.
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 sensitive and accurate quantitative results by minimizing alignment errors and optimizing light capture, allowing for precise measurement of analyte concentration.
Implementation Method 1
Light from a source of electromagnetic radiation, such as a light emitting diode (LED), laser, etc., is directed toward the test strip at the detection (and optionally control) zone and reflected or transmitted or fluoresced light is detected by a photodetector in the reader.
Implementation Method 2
reflected or transmitted or fluoresced light is detected by a photodetector in the reader
Implementation Method 3
The sample flows along the lateral flow matrix, and one or more analyte components to be detected in the sample react with at least one reagent which is provided in or added to the lateral flow matrix.
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide improved lateral flow test devices that can provide sensitive and accurate quantitative test results, and methods for the manufacture thereof.