Nasal Irrigation Viral Sampling with Dye Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting viral samples, such as nasal swabs, have a high false negative rate due to limited sampling of the nasal mucosa and require trained professionals, making them inefficient and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A self-administered nasal irrigation method using a saline solution with a dye that is atomized and allowed to flow through the nasal cavities and pharynx, collected from the mouth or nose, ensuring adequate sampling by visual and taste confirmation of the solution's presence, which can then be tested for viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nasal swab methods are used for viral sampling, then sampling can be performed by trained professionals, but the false negative rate is high due to limited sampling of nasal mucosa
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nasal irrigation with saline solution delivered through a squeeze bottle or syringe to flush the nasal passages. The fluid flow mechanism allows comprehensive washing of the nasal mucosa, significantly improving viral particle collection compared to dry swabbing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-administered nasal irrigation sampling by patients without requiring trained healthcare professionals. Patients can perform the irrigation themselves using provided kits, making the process accessible while maintaining sampling effectiveness through the flushing mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If nasal swab methods are used for viral sampling, then sampling can be performed professionally, but the process is uncomfortable and inefficient for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The use of saline irrigation fluid to wash through the nasal passages provides a more comfortable alternative to mechanical swabbing. The gentle flushing action is less invasive while simultaneously improving sampling effectiveness by collecting viral particles from the entire nasal mucosa surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Patients can self-administer the nasal irrigation procedure, eliminating the need for uncomfortable professional intervention. The self-service approach empowers patients to perform sampling comfortably at home while maintaining reliable viral detection through comprehensive mucosal flushing.
3Measurement precision
If nasal irrigation with dye is used, then adequate sampling can be confirmed visually, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates colored dye (such as food coloring) into the saline irrigation solution. The color provides visual feedback to patients, allowing them to confirm that adequate fluid has been delivered through the nasal passages and reached the mouth, ensuring proper sampling without complex monitoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual color indicator enables patients to self-verify proper technique and adequate sampling without requiring professional oversight or complex electronic monitoring systems. This simple visual feedback mechanism maintains device simplicity while ensuring sampling adequacy.
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
This method increases the accuracy and ease of viral sampling, reduces the risk of false negatives, and allows for self-administration, making it more accessible and cost-effective while ensuring effective viral particle collection from the entire nasal mucosa.
Implementation Method 1
a saline solution is inserted into the nose and allowed to wash through the nasal cavities
Implementation Method 2
determining whether the fluid collected in step (b) contains a sufficient amount of the saline solution based on the color of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a method of obtaining a biological sample from the nose, nasal cavities, nasal pharynx, oral mucosa, or saliva of a subject to be used for detection of a virus (e.g., a SARS-Co V-2 virus), and kits for performing the method.