Lateral Flow Swab Device for Rapid Conjunctivitis Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for infectious conjunctivitis are time-consuming, require complex equipment, and lack specificity and sensitivity, making it difficult to promptly identify the causative agent, which is problematic for timely treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving non-invasive collection of body fluid samples using a swab member, followed by direct transfer to a sample analysis device with a detection zone containing reagents for pathogens and allergy-associated components, enabling rapid and sensitive detection of multiple pathogens and allergens, including those causing conjunctivitis, without the need for laboratory equipment or extensive sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory analysis methods are used for pathogen detection, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases significantly (2-10 days)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential detection function from complex laboratory settings and implements it in a simplified point-of-care device. The lateral flow strip contains pre-loaded reagents and detection elements, allowing pathogen detection to be performed outside the laboratory without sacrificing accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection reagents and antibodies are pre-prepared and immobilized on the lateral flow strip before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex sample processing and reagent preparation during the actual test, enabling rapid results while maintaining detection precision.
2Measurement precision
If complex diagnostic equipment is used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral flow strip is a self-contained system that performs sample application, reagent mixing, separation, and detection automatically through capillary action. The device serves itself without requiring complex external equipment or technical skill for operation, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical and electronic diagnostic equipment with a passive lateral flow system driven by capillary forces. This substitution eliminates the need for power supplies, motors, and complex control systems, significantly reducing device complexity while preserving detection accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If extensive sample preparation is performed, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the critical detection step from the lengthy sample preparation process. By using pre-coated lateral flow strips with specific antibodies and reagents, the system bypasses the need for extensive laboratory sample preparation while maintaining detection precision, thus resolving the time-accuracy contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral flow method allows the sample to rapidly pass through the detection zone in minutes, skipping the time-consuming steps of traditional laboratory analysis. The capillary-driven flow enables quick migration of the sample through all necessary reaction zones without sacrificing measurement precision.
4Measurement precision
If large sample volume is collected, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral flow strip is designed to be highly sensitive to local concentrations of the target pathogen. The detection zone contains concentrated antibodies and reagents that can detect pathogens at very low concentrations, allowing accurate detection with minimal sample volume and simplifying the sampling process.
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
This approach provides rapid results within minutes, is highly sensitive, and requires minimal sample volume, offering immediate and accurate diagnosis of pathogens and allergens, including those causing conjunctivitis, thereby enabling timely treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a swab member for non-invasively collecting a body fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
analysing the sample by immunochemical or enzymatic means
Implementation Method 3
a lateral flow immunoassay is dipped into the diluted saliva sample
Data Source
AI summary
More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for the detection of a target, e.g. pathogen in a human body fluid wherein a body fluid sample is collected with a swab member.