Microfluidic Cartridge Metering Stack for Precise Blood Volume Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Point-of-care (POC) testing devices face challenges such as inability to precisely control blood sample volume, user-introduced errors due to complex operations, and issues like air bubble formation during sample collection, which affect the accuracy of analyte collection and assay results.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic device with a cartridge system that includes a metering stack with a porous or mesh material and an assay stack, where the cartridge is compressed to initiate assay reactions, allowing for precise analyte distribution and minimizing user intervention, thereby reducing errors and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sample collection using plastic pipettes or glass capillaries is used, then users can collect blood samples, but accuracy of sample volume control deteriorates due to user ability limitations and air bubble formation
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device performs sample collection, transport, and dispensing automatically without requiring user manipulation of pipettes or capillaries. The system self-regulates sample volume through integrated microfluidic channels and chambers, eliminating user ability limitations and air bubble formation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (filling capillaries, dispensing samples) with an automated microfluidic system that uses integrated channels, chambers, and pressure control to manage sample flow, thereby eliminating user-introduced errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separated parts (pipettes, test strips) are used for POC testing, then users can perform assays, but device complexity increases and user errors increase due to multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sample collection, sample preparation, and assay functions into a single integrated microfluidic cartridge. The device merges multiple separated components (pipettes, test strips, preparation chambers) into one unified system with integrated channels and chambers, reducing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic device is designed to perform multiple functions within a single cartridge, including sample collection, plasma separation, cell lysis, and various assays, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized tools.
3Productivity
If sample preparation steps (plasma separation, cell lysis) are performed manually, then assays can be conducted, but time required increases making it comparable to blood clotting time
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic device performs sample preparation steps continuously as the sample flows through integrated chambers. Plasma separation and cell lysis occur automatically during sample transport without interruption, eliminating manual transfer times and ensuring continuous processing that completes well before clotting occurs.
4Ease of operation
If users manually dispense blood sample from pipette to cartridge, then sample can be transferred, but user-introduced errors increase due to mis-aiming, touching assay pad, or incomplete dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual dispensing operations with an automated microfluidic system that uses integrated channels and pressure control to transport and dispense samples precisely to the assay chamber, eliminating mis-aiming, contamination, and incomplete dispensing errors.
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 enables accurate and efficient multiplexed analysis of fluid analytes with reduced user error, ensuring precise control over sample volume and minimizing unwanted reactions like blood clotting, thus providing reliable point-of-care diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
The first channel has a bottom that includes a porous or mesh material and one or more venting holes located along the first channel
Implementation Method 2
When the cartridge is inserted into the assay reader, the act of inserting the cartridge causes the metering stack to be compressed, which causes at least a portion of the target analyte to flow to the assay components in the assay stack
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care, analysis, including multiplexed analysis, of a biological fluid analyte, such as blood. The invention includes a cartridge for collecting the biological fluid analyte. The cartridge is configured to be inserted into an assay reader, in which one or more assay reactions may be performed. The assay reader is designed to read and report the results of the one or more assay reactions.