Lateral Flow Assay Detection with Retention Time Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lateral flow assay technologies face inaccuracies due to varying flow speeds of test samples, leading to potential misjudgments in detection results.
Innovation Solution
A detection method and device with a compensation function that calculates a retention time by detecting light signals at specific points during the sample's flow through a cassette, using a lookup table to adjust and compensate for the detected signals, thereby improving accuracy and reducing incorrect detections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lateral flow assay is used for rapid testing, then ease of operation and testing speed are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to flow speed variations affecting reaction results
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses light detecting signals to measure the actual flow speed of the test sample through the reaction area, then uses this feedback information (retention time) to compensate the detection result. The processing unit calculates retention time based on light detecting signals at different positions and compensates the final detection result based on the calculated retention time, ensuring accurate measurements despite flow speed variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from just the colorimetric signal to include both the light detecting signal (for flow speed measurement) and the colorimetric signal (for analyte detection). By measuring multiple parameters and using their relationship, the system compensates for flow speed effects and improves measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation
2Productivity
If flow speed varies during sample transport, then productivity is improved through rapid testing, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to misjudgment of detection state
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors flow speed using light detecting signals and provides feedback by calculating retention time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust for flow speed variations in real-time, ensuring that rapid testing does not compromise detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of flow speed using light detecting signals before the final colorimetric detection is complete. By measuring the retention time during the flow process, the system prepares the compensation data needed to ensure accurate results even with variable flow speeds
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 method enhances the accuracy of test data generated by lateral flow assays, decreasing the likelihood of false detection by accounting for flow speed variations and ensuring reliable results.
Implementation Method 1
The detecting unit, configured to correspond to the reaction area, wherein when the sample flows to the start position of the reaction area, the detecting unit detects the start position to generate a first light detecting signal
Data Source
AI summary
A detection method with a compensation function includes the following steps. After a sample is added to a first cassette, a first triggering instruction is provided to define a first time point. The start position of the reaction area of the first cassette is detected, and a second time point is defined when a first light detecting signal greater than or equal to a predetermined value is obtained. After a predetermined time, a second light detecting signal is obtained from a color band of the reaction area. The time difference between the first time point and the second time point is calculated and the time difference is designated as a first retention time. A compensation value is obtained in a lookup table according to the first retention time and the second detecting signal and the second detecting signal is compensated by the compensation value.