Portable Sampling Device for Biological Sample Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining biological samples, especially in CBRN incidents, face challenges such as contamination, difficulty in accessing disrupted bodies, and the need for refrigeration, which complicates DNA analysis and identification processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable sampling device that includes sample collection and containment means with a preservative, allowing for the excision and preservation of biological samples at ambient temperatures, minimizing contamination risks and requiring no external power or machinery, suitable for use in various environments, including contaminated zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sampling methods are used in CBRN incidents, then DNA analysis can be performed, but the samples require refrigeration and are prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device incorporates a preservative mechanism that automatically preserves the biological sample upon insertion into the collection device. The preservative is delivered through a mechanism that requires no external power or refrigeration, allowing the device to serve itself in maintaining sample integrity under field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the preservation parameter from temperature-based (refrigeration) to chemical-based (preservative solution). This allows sample preservation without requiring low temperatures, thereby eliminating the need for refrigeration equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gloves are worn during sampling in CBRN incidents, then contamination is prevented, but dexterity and sensitivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device acts as an intermediary tool that bridges the operator's hands (protected by gloves) and the sampling site. The device incorporates cutting means and sample collection mechanisms that can be manipulated through glove material, allowing precise sampling actions without requiring direct hand contact with the biological material or contaminated surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical sampling actions (requiring fine motor skills and dexterity) with a device-based system that incorporates cutting means and automated sample collection. This substitution allows sampling to be performed with reduced manual manipulation, thereby maintaining operator safety with gloves while simplifying the sampling operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If samples are taken from disrupted bodies, then identification is possible, but the minimal sample size requirement increases difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device incorporates adjustable or versatile cutting means that can adapt to different tissue densities and sample locations. The collection device can be adjusted to collect adequate samples from various body parts and disruption states, making the system dynamic and adaptable to the specific conditions of each case while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various sampling scenarios from disrupted bodies. The cutting means and collection mechanisms can be used on different body parts and in different states of decomposition, providing universal applicability across diverse forensic situations without increasing operational difficulty.
4Productivity
If rapid recovery of remains is achieved, then DNA analysis success is improved, but refrigeration requirements complicate the process
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device incorporates a self-contained preservative mechanism that automatically preserves the sample upon collection. This eliminates the need for external refrigeration equipment, allowing rapid recovery and preservation of remains without requiring complex cooling infrastructure, thereby improving productivity while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the preservation approach from temperature-based (requiring refrigeration) to chemical-based (using a preservative solution). This parameter change allows rapid sample collection and preservation without needing refrigeration equipment, thereby enabling faster recovery operations while eliminating the complexity of refrigeration requirements.
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
Enables quick and efficient collection and preservation of biological samples, maintaining nucleic acid integrity, and facilitating DNA analysis even in challenging conditions, such as CBRN incidents, without the need for refrigeration or additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
sample preservative for preserving excised sample, wherein the sample collection means comprises sample cutting means adapted, in use, to cut into the subject and release the biological sample therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A portable sampling device (2) for obtaining a biological sample from a subject comprises sample collection means (8) for excising a biological sample (14) from a subject, and sample containment means (6) for containing excised sample (14) and sample preservative (12) for preserving excised sample. The sample collection means (8) includes sample cutting means (18) adapted, inuse, to cut into the subject and release the biological sample therefrom.