Biological Sample Authenticity via Metabolic Fingerprinting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for tracing biological samples back to an individual, particularly urine samples, are prone to sample swapping or tampering due to lack of supervision during collection, leading to unreliable results in drug and medicament abuse testing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the detection of a unique pattern of extracellular endogenous metabolic products, such as steroids, in biological samples using chromatographic techniques like GC-MS, allowing for non-invasive sample collection and comparison with a retention sample to verify sample authenticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If urine samples are collected without continuous supervision to respect privacy and convenience, then ease of operation and privacy are improved, but the risk of sample manipulation and substitution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding unique marker substances to the urine sample container before the sample is deposited. This pre-prepared container with identifiable markers ensures that even when collection occurs without supervision, the sample can be traced back to its source, preventing substitution while maintaining privacy and convenience.
2Reliability
If marker substances are used to detect sample substitution, then reliability of sample identification is improved, but the complexity of the testing procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses marker substances that create a simplified 'copy' or fingerprint of the individual's metabolic profile in the urine sample. Instead of complex analytical procedures, the markers serve as easily detectable representations of the sample's origin, enabling reliable identification through simple detection methods without requiring complex testing equipment or procedures.
3Reliability
If invasive sampling methods are used to ensure sample authenticity, then reliability of tracing is improved, but ease of operation and subject comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces marker substances as intermediaries between the sampling process and authenticity verification. These markers are added to the collection container and serve as mediators that enable reliable tracing of urine samples without requiring invasive collection methods. The markers bridge the gap between non-invasive convenient collection and reliable sample identification.
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 unambiguous assignment of biological samples to individuals without the need for continuous supervision, reducing the risk of sample manipulation and providing reliable results for drug and medicament testing, while being convenient and privacy-respecting.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products from the biological sample
Implementation Method 2
detecting the at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products from the extract
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings describe a method for testing a biological sample, including (a) obtaining a biological sample from a mammal, (b) acquiring at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products from the biological sample, (c) detecting the at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products from the extract, (d) determining a pattern on the basis of the presence or the mass ratio of the at least two extracellular endogenous metabolic products, (e) comparing the pattern with the pattern from a retention sample.