Lateral Flow Assay Reader With Multi-Orientation Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the presence or concentration of a target substance in biological and liquid samples often require expensive equipment, limiting accessibility and cost-effectiveness, especially for untrained consumers and environmental assays.
Innovation Solution
A reader for a lateral flow assay system comprising a housing with light sources and optical sensors, featuring a sensing aperture for illuminating and measuring reflectivity changes on a lateral flow test strip, which includes a method of performing assays by placing the test strip cassette and reader in multiple orientations to reduce measurement errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional assay methods are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test strips with integrated reagents and detection elements, replacing expensive reusable laboratory equipment. Each test strip is a single-use device that performs the complete assay function, eliminating the need for costly centralized laboratory instruments while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with optical detection systems. Instead of using mechanical centrifuges, pipettes, and incubators, the test strip uses capillary action for fluid movement, controlled temperature zones for reactions, and optical sensors for detection, thereby simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If conventional assay equipment is used, then reliable detection is achieved, but accessibility and cost-effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The assay system is segmented into independent test strips that can be manufactured separately and assembled into cassettes. This modular approach allows for simplified manufacturing processes, reduced material costs, and the ability to produce tests in smaller batches, thereby improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining reliable detection through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip cassette design incorporates multiple functional elements in a single device: sample application area, reagent zones for different analytes, control regions, and optical detection zones. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for multiple separate devices, lowering overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive and reliable detection capabilities.
3Productivity
If single orientation measurement is used, then measurement speed is increased, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reader device automatically performs multiple measurements of the test strip at different time points during the assay development process. By taking periodic readings as the test progresses through different stages (initial application, intermediate development, final result), the system captures the dynamic changes and identifies the optimal reading time, thereby improving measurement accuracy without significantly increasing total test time.
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 system provides accurate and cost-effective assays by minimizing random and systematic errors through multiple orientation measurements, allowing for efficient and reliable detection of substances in liquid samples.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical sensor associated with the housing. At least one sensing aperture in a lower portion of the housing is configured to allow light from the at least one light source to exit the lower portion of the housing and to allow light reflected from the lateral flow assay to enter the lower portion of the housing and illuminate the at least one optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A reader may be configured to be lowered over a test strip cassette by hand by a user. A protruding portion of the bottom surface of the reader may engage a recessed portion of the top surface of the test strip cassette. A reader may comprise a reference sensor that receives light not reflected from the test strip.