Multi-Chamber Saliva Collection Device Segregation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current saliva sample collection devices lack the capability to efficiently segregate saliva samples into multiple aliquots for instant analyte testing and subsequent DNA confirmation, while also ensuring sample integrity and chain of custody.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber device is designed to segregate a saliva sample into at least two aliquots, each contained within a distinct chamber, allowing for instant analyte testing and subsequent DNA confirmation to validate the identity of the tested individual.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single-chamber saliva collection device is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the capability to segregate samples for multiple testing purposes (analyte testing and DNA confirmation) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the saliva collection system into multiple independent chambers (first chamber for analyte testing, second chamber for DNA confirmation) that are separated by a partition. This segmentation allows the same device to support multiple testing purposes simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and sample segregation capability.
2Device complexity
If saliva samples are not segregated into multiple aliquots, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform both instant analyte testing and subsequent DNA confirmation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a partition that divides the collection chamber into separate compartments, enabling simultaneous collection and segregation of saliva samples for different testing purposes. This structural segmentation provides dual testing functionality while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-chamber device serves multiple functions: it collects saliva samples, segregates them into distinct aliquots, preserves samples for later testing, and enables both instant analyte testing and subsequent DNA confirmation from the same collection event, thereby achieving universality.
3Reliability
If chain of custody procedures are implemented for sample tracking, then sample integrity and identity verification are improved, but the loss of time and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary segregation of saliva samples into distinct chambers at the moment of collection, clearly associating each sample aliquot with its intended testing purpose. This preliminary action establishes sample integrity and traceability before any handling or testing occurs, reducing the need for subsequent administrative tracking procedures.
4Quantity of substance
If the same saliva sample is used for both analyte testing and DNA confirmation, then sample quantity requirements are reduced, but the risk of sample contamination and testing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partitioned chamber structure physically segregates saliva samples into separate aliquots during collection, preventing mixing between samples intended for different tests. This segmentation maintains sample integrity and reduces contamination risk while utilizing the same overall saliva collection for multiple testing purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-chamber saliva-collection device is configured to segregate a saliva sample into at least two aliquots, each of the at least two aliquots being contained within a distinct chamber of the multi-chamber device, wherein the multi-chamber device is useful for performing an instant analyte test and a subsequent DNA confirmation to validate the identity of the tested individual. Related methods for using the device to obtain each of: an analyte test result, and a DNA confirmation of the identity of the individual from which the tested saliva sample, are also disclosed.