Multi-Analyte Electrochemical Test Strip Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical test strips are limited to single analyte testing and require multiple meters for different analyte combinations, making it impractical to develop and manufacture separate analyzers for each combination, whereas a versatile system capable of handling multiple analytes in a single strip is needed.
Innovation Solution
A standardized electrochemical test strip design with multiple electrodes and contacts that can be used with a single meter, allowing for one to eight or more different tests, including configurations with multiple analyte panels and reagents applied to electrodes, enabling a flexible and adaptable testing system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single electrochemical test strip is designed to test only one analyte, then the manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but multiple separate meters and test strips are needed for different analyte combinations, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is designed with multiple electrode sets (working electrodes, counter electrodes, reference electrodes) that can perform multiple different electrochemical assays. Each electrode set can be configured with different reagents to detect different analytes, allowing a single strip to replace multiple specialized strips and meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip divides the testing function into separate electrode sets, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows different regions of the strip to perform different assays simultaneously or sequentially, enabling multi-analyte testing while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular electrode design.
2Reliability
If multiple separate meters are used for different analyte combinations, then each meter can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and becomes impractical to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A single meter is designed with multiple contacts that can interface with multiple electrode sets on the test strip. The meter incorporates control logic to identify which electrodes are present and configured, then automatically switches between different assay modes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized meters while maintaining assay optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter dynamically adapts its operation based on the configured electrodes and reagents on the test strip. The system can switch between different measurement modes, apply different voltages to different electrode sets, and process results from multiple analytes sequentially or simultaneously, providing optimized testing for each analyte combination through software control rather than hardware duplication.
3Productivity
If reagents are applied to multiple electrodes on the same test strip, then multiple analytes can be tested simultaneously, but the risk of cross-contamination between assays increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip physically separates different assay regions using distinct electrode sets with dedicated reagent zones. Each electrode set has its own sample application area and reagent coating zone, creating physical barriers that prevent cross-contamination while allowing simultaneous multi-analyte testing through parallel electrode configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the test strip are assigned different reagents and electrode configurations tailored to specific analytes. Each local region is optimized for its specific assay with controlled reagent placement and electrode geometry, ensuring high specificity and preventing interference between different analyte detections through spatial separation of chemical environments.
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 a single meter to handle various electrochemical assays, reducing manufacturing complexity and allowing for future assay development, while maintaining precision and efficiency in testing multiple analytes with minimal reagent usage.
Implementation Method 1
In an electrochemical test strip, a voltage, amperage, capacitance, or other electric feature is measured by two or more electrodes that contact the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A test strip for electrochemical testing of a blood analyte includes a plurality of test sites for the electrochemical testing of analytes on a single test strip. Each test site includes a first receiving port, the first receiving port for receiving a blood sample, the first receiving port at a first end of the test strip. The test site further includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes proximate to the first receiving port. Each test site further includes a first contact and a second contact, the first and second contacts at a second end of the test strip, the first and second contacts interconnected with the first and second electrodes, respectively.