Multiplexed Test Strip Platform to Prevent Cross-Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack efficient and reliable methods for multiplexed testing of multiple health conditions, particularly sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, in a consumer-friendly format, leading to potential health complications and asymptomatic infections.
Innovation Solution
A consumer multiplexed rapid test device and kit that includes a system with separate extraction and testing containers, custom buffer compositions, and multiple test strips within a single device to minimize cross-contamination, ensuring accurate and simultaneous detection of multiple health conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple test strips are integrated within a single device for multiplexed testing, then testing efficiency and accessibility are improved, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple separate testing chambers within a single housing, each chamber containing its own buffer reservoir and test strip. This segmentation allows simultaneous testing for multiple conditions (STIs, pregnancy, fertility) while maintaining physical separation to prevent cross-contamination between tests.
Solution Approach 2:
Separate buffer compositions are used as intermediaries in each testing chamber. The buffers are formulated to be specific to each test type, creating a chemical barrier that prevents cross-reactivity and contamination between different test strips while enabling multiplexed operation.
2Reliability
If separate extraction and testing containers are used, then cross-contamination is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate testing chambers are integrated within a single device housing that contains a shared buffer reservoir system. This merging allows the device to function as a unified system while maintaining the benefits of separate testing zones, reducing the number of individual containers needed and simplifying the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform multiple types of tests (STI detection, pregnancy testing, fertility assessment) using a single integrated system. The universal design allows one device to replace multiple separate test kits, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If custom buffer compositions are used for each health condition, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each testing chamber contains a buffer composition specifically optimized for its designated test type. The buffers have local quality characteristics (pH, ionic strength, additives) tailored to the specific requirements of each assay, maximizing detection precision for STIs, pregnancy, and fertility markers while allowing standardized manufacturing processes.
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 device provides increased sensitivity and specificity in test results, reducing errors and complications by enabling multiplexed testing for various pathogens and conditions, including STIs and pregnancy, in a user-friendly format.
Implementation Method 1
multiple test strips within a single device to minimize cross-contamination, ensuring accurate and simultaneous detection of multiple health conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes multiplexed systems, methods, devices, and kits for detecting status of one or more health conditions in a single device. It includes an extraction container for receiving a sample and extracting a target material from the sample; a testing container with at least a first and second well containing one or more buffers for receiving the extracted target material, and a signal output device including a housing containing two or more strips, each strip containing a) a loading zone; b) a reaction zone; c) a testing zone,; and d) a control zone. The system and methods can be adapted for assessment of sexual health of one or more subjects, in relation to pregnancy, fertility, and/or sexually transmitted infections caused by one or more agents.