Multimodal Test Card With Interchangeable Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional point-of-care (POC) in vitro diagnostics test platforms are limited by their ability to perform only one test modality at a time, requiring multiple platforms or centralized laboratories for comprehensive diagnostic testing, which increases cost and time to result.
Innovation Solution
A microfluidic chip with interchangeable test zones that can perform multiple tests simultaneously, integrated into a shared architecture test card with standardized fluidic and electrical components, allowing for rapid point-of-care diagnostic testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional POC platforms perform only one test modality at a time, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but diagnostic capability and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The test card is designed with multiple interchangeable test zones that can perform different test modalities (e.g., PCR, LFA, cytometry) within a single platform. The shared architecture includes standardized fluidic and electrical components that support various testing functions, allowing one device to replace multiple conventional POC platforms while maintaining ease of operation through uniform interfaces and protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The test card is divided into separate, interchangeable test zones that can be selectively activated based on diagnostic needs. Each test zone is a self-contained module with specific reagents and detection mechanisms, allowing the system to perform multiple tests simultaneously or sequentially without increasing operational complexity, as each zone can be independently configured and replaced
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional POC platforms are used for comprehensive testing, then diagnostic capability is improved, but cost and time to result increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple test modalities that previously required separate platforms are merged into a single integrated test card with shared fluidic and electrical systems. This consolidation allows simultaneous or sequential execution of multiple tests (e.g., nucleic acid amplification, antigen detection, cell analysis) on the same sample within one device, eliminating the time required to transfer samples between platforms and providing comprehensive diagnostic results in a single operation
Solution Approach 2:
The test card enables continuous processing of samples through multiple test zones without interruption or rehandling. The shared architecture allows fluid and electrical connections to remain active throughout the testing sequence, permitting parallel or cascaded test execution that maintains continuous diagnostic workflow rather than requiring discrete, sequential platform operations that introduce delays
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional POC platforms are deployed, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but total cost of diagnosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single test card platform replaces multiple specialized POC devices by incorporating interchangeable test zones for different test modalities (PCR, LFA, cytometry, etc.). The shared fluidic control, electrical connections, and data processing systems eliminate the need for separate instrumentation for each test type, significantly reducing equipment acquisition costs, maintenance expenses, and operational overhead while maintaining the ability to perform comprehensive diagnostic panels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple independent testing systems into one integrated platform where sample handling, fluid delivery, and data acquisition are centralized. This consolidation eliminates redundant components across multiple platforms (such as separate pumps, heaters, and detectors for each test type) and reduces the overall system cost through shared infrastructure, while still providing the full range of diagnostic capabilities that would require multiple conventional platforms
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are multimodal test cards. The test cards include a shared architecture with interchangeable test zones. The test cards are particularly useful for diagnostic testing.