Pooled Sample Testing for Contagion Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mass testing populations to identify infected individuals during pandemics are costly, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, making it difficult to rapidly contain the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, especially when testing capacities are limited.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for rapid mass testing that involves characterizing a solution space for the number of tests needed using pooled sample testing schemes, determining the optimal pool sizes based on the infection rate and assay limit of detection, and implementing a hierarchical testing strategy to minimize the number of tests required to identify infected individuals, thereby reducing the time and cost of testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pooled sample testing schemes are used, then the number of tests needed is reduced, but the complexity of determining optimal pool sizes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying pool sizes (e.g., pooling 5 samples, 10 samples, 20 samples, or more) to optimize testing efficiency. The method determines optimal pool sizes based on infection rate parameters and assay sensitivity parameters, transforming the testing approach from fixed individual testing to dynamic pooled testing with adjustable parameters. This resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of tests needed while managing complexity through structured parameter optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-characterizing the solution space for different pool sizes before implementing mass testing. The system pre-determines optimal pool sizes based on expected infection rates and assay limits of detection, creating a structured framework that guides the actual testing process. This preliminary characterization reduces complexity during implementation while maintaining high productivity.
2Measurement precision
If mass testing of every individual is performed, then identification of infected individuals is accurate, but the cost and time required becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the population into pools of samples rather than testing each individual separately. Samples from multiple individuals are combined into pools (e.g., pools of 5, 10, 20, or more samples), and each pool is tested as a single unit. This segmentation maintains identification accuracy through hierarchical testing strategies while dramatically reducing the total number of tests required, thereby reducing time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining multiple individual samples into pooled samples for collective testing. By merging samples from multiple individuals into single pooled samples, the system reduces the number of tests needed while maintaining the ability to identify infected individuals through follow-up individual testing of positive pools. This merging strategy directly addresses the contradiction by reducing testing burden while preserving accuracy.
3Productivity
If larger pool sizes are used, then fewer tests are needed, but the limit of detection of the assay may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making pool sizes adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The system can dynamically select appropriate pool sizes (e.g., 5, 10, 20, or more samples per pool) based on the specific assay's limit of detection and the expected infection rate in the population. This dynamic approach allows optimization of testing efficiency while maintaining detection sensitivity, resolving the contradiction between using larger pools and preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting pool size parameters to match assay capabilities and epidemiological conditions. The system determines optimal pool sizes based on the assay's limit of detection parameter and the infection rate parameter, transforming the testing strategy to fit specific technical and contextual parameters. This ensures that larger pools are used only when assay sensitivity permits, maintaining measurement precision while improving productivity.
4Productivity
If pooled sample testing is implemented, then testing capacity is optimized, but the complexity of coordinating sample collection, processing, and testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing protocols for pool formation, sample labeling, and testing procedures before mass testing begins. The system pre-characterizes the solution space and determines optimal pool sizes in advance, creating a structured framework that simplifies coordination during actual implementation. This preliminary preparation reduces coordination complexity while maintaining high testing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through automated systems that manage pool formation, sample tracking, and result interpretation. The system uses computational methods to automatically determine optimal pool sizes, assign samples to pools, and analyze test results, reducing the manual coordination burden. This automation maintains optimized testing capacity while reducing the complexity of coordination tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for the mass testing of a population for an infection. Pooled sampling may be used to reduce the number of tests needed for effective community surveillance. Individual members may be sorted into pools via a probability of infection to minimize the tests needed to identify positive individuals. The detection limits of testing assays may be used to help determine an appropriate pool size. Taxonomy tables characterizing the solution space of the total tests needed based on different variables may be generated and/or used to make testing decisions. Simulations of mass testing schemes may be used to facilitate testing decisions. Systems may be used to coordinate data and/or automate one or more steps of the testing process. Long-term community surveillance strategies may use prevalence testing, periodic mass testing via sample pooling, and/or periodic single sample testing to contain the spread of a contagion.