Mobile App Monitored Self-Administered Substance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current substance testing processes for hiring are time-consuming and costly due to the need for off-site, professionally monitored oral fluid specimen collection, which can be inefficient and prone to errors and fraud.
Innovation Solution
A self-administered substance testing system using a mobile device application with onboard camera for monitored specimen collection and verification, eliminating the need for third-party collectors and providing a complete chain of custody through a specimen collection and mailing kit, including a breathalyzer or other peripheral testing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If off-site professionally monitored specimen collection is used, then reliability of testing is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service testing where the individual performs specimen collection independently at home using a self-administered kit, eliminating the need for professional collectors and off-site facility visits, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device application provides real-time feedback and guidance during the self-collection process, ensuring proper technique and specimen quality, which maintains reliability while enabling convenient at-home testing
2Reliability
If off-site professionally monitored specimen collection is used, then reliability of testing is improved, but device complexity and costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device application serves multiple functions including providing collection instructions, monitoring the specimen collection process via camera, verifying authenticity, and managing chain of custody documentation, thereby reducing the need for separate complex systems while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities to create a digital copy/record of the specimen collection process, replacing the need for complex professional monitoring equipment and personnel
3Productivity
If self-administered testing is used, then productivity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but reliability and authenticity verification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device application provides real-time feedback during specimen collection, guiding the user through proper technique and verifying each step, which maintains reliability while enabling efficient self-administered testing
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device camera acts as an intermediary that objectively records and verifies the specimen collection process, providing authentic evidence of proper collection technique without requiring physical presence of a professional collector
4Loss of time
If self-administered testing is used, then loss of time is reduced, but difficulty of detecting and measuring proper collection technique deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device camera serves as an intermediary that automatically captures and records the specimen collection process, making it easy to verify proper technique without requiring time-consuming manual observation by a professional collector
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy/record of the collection process through camera footage, which can be easily reviewed and verified later, simplifying the detection and measurement of proper collection technique while maintaining speed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing an individual for illicit or other substances is described. The system operates in tandem with a mobile device (smartphone) application, which employs a camera of the mobile device to capture and record the self-administered specimen collection process for verification and rule compliance. The system guides the user through the process via on-screen prompts on the mobile device, and includes tracking of the collected specimen from the moment of collection until it is sealed in a tamper-proof container to be mailed for external testing at a lab. A breathalyzer may also be used with the system to test for the presence of alcohol in the user's body, the use of which is also monitored and recorded via the on-board camera of the mobile device for verification.