Lateral Flow Test Cassette With Controlled Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lateral flow test devices for analyte detection suffer from operator-induced errors due to manual handling of sample liquid and lack of control over flow rate and volume, making them unsuitable for untrained operators and limiting the ability to perform multiplexed tests simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A sample test cassette with an integral mechanical transport system and piston pump mechanism controls the flow of sample liquid to lateral flow test strips, allowing for automated and controlled introduction of sample liquid, and a multiplexed test setup with optical interrogation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling of sample liquid is used, then device complexity is reduced, but operator-induced errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses capillary action and gravity to automatically transport sample liquid through the test strip without requiring manual handling or external pumps. The test strip itself serves as the transport medium, eliminating operator-induced errors while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with passive physical principles (capillary flow, gravity) to automate the sample liquid transport process, improving reliability without adding complex mechanical systems
2Device complexity
If manual control of sample liquid flow is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control over flow rate and volume is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls flow rate and volume by changing physical parameters of the test strip (porosity, capillary dimensions) and sample liquid (viscosity, temperature), allowing automated control without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip automatically regulates sample liquid flow through its capillary structure, providing controlled flow rate and volume without requiring external control mechanisms
3Device complexity
If single test strip configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to perform multiplexed tests simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into multiple parallel capillary channels, each capable of transporting sample liquid independently to different test zones, enabling simultaneous multiplexed testing of multiple analytes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-channel to a multi-channel configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the test strip structure to enable parallel processing of multiple tests
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 reduces operator-induced errors and enables untrained users to perform controlled and simultaneous testing of multiple analytes, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of analyte detection.
Implementation Method 1
the transport system comprises a piston pump having a variable volume pump chamber in fluid communication with the inlet
Implementation Method 2
liquid flows laterally along the element by capillary flow and either any analyte therein, or a complex thereof, or some other reagent in the test strip interacts with suitable capture agents bound at one or more test zones
Implementation Method 3
the reading system is an optical reading system which comprises an own light source and an own optical detector located internal of each holder
Implementation Method 4
permit an interrogation of each test strip located in the one or more elongate channels to test for the presence of an analyte in the sample, for example by detection of light after transmission through, reflection from or passive (fluorescence, say) or active (electrochemical luminescence, say) generation at, an analysis region of each test strip
Data Source
AI summary
A sample test cassette includes an inlet configured to introduce a sample liquid into the sample test cassette; an elongate channel configured to receive an elongate lateral flow test strip and configured with a first end that is configured to be in liquid communication with the inlet; and a mechanical transport system that is an integral part of the sample test cassette and is configured to generate a flow of the sample liquid from outside of the inlet and towards the first end of the elongate channel.