Protected Sample Collection Media with Removable Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample collection methods for viruses and pathogens, such as nasal swabs and saliva tests, face contamination issues that require purification steps, making them complex and unreliable for at-home use.
Innovation Solution
A protected sample collection media with a removable sheath, made of porous materials like nonwoven polypropylene, is designed for easy use and handling, capturing pathogens in an airflow path within a sample collection device, and can be transferred to a tube without direct user contact, minimizing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional swab methods are used for sample collection, then the collection process is simple, but contamination from environment and user occurs requiring purification steps
Solution Approach 1:
A protective sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the sample collection media and the user/environment. The sheath acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact and contamination while allowing the collection process to remain simple. The sheath can be removed after sample collection, transferring the collected sample to a tube without exposing the user to the sample media.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection system is segmented into distinct components: the sample collection media, the protective sheath, and the sample collection tube. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function - the media collects the sample, the sheath protects during handling, and the tube stores the final sample. The separation of these functions eliminates the need for purification steps while maintaining simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If sample collection media is exposed to environment for easy handling, then ease of operation improves, but contamination increases reducing testing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath is constructed as a flexible barrier that fully covers the sample collection media. This thin film structure provides complete protection against environmental contamination while still allowing the media to be easily handled through the sheath. The flexibility of the sheath enables it to conform to the media shape and be easily manipulated during collection and transfer operations.
3Reliability
If purification steps are added to eliminate contamination, then sample purity improves, but device complexity and testing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath performs preliminary protection during sample collection and handling, preventing contamination before it occurs. By establishing this protective barrier in advance, the need for subsequent purification steps is eliminated. The sheath is removed after collection, and the sample is directly transferred to the tube ready for testing, simplifying the entire procedure.
4Measurement precision
If self-contained protected media is used, then contamination reduces improving accuracy, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample collection media and protective sheath are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one unit. This combining of components simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts that need to be produced and assembled. The integrated design ensures proper alignment and connection between the media and sheath while maintaining the protective function, making the assembly process straightforward.
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 solution provides a self-contained, accurate, and reliable sample collection system that reduces environmental and user contamination, improving the reliability of pathogen testing by using a removable sheath to protect the sample collection media and facilitate easy transfer to a sample collection tube.
Implementation Method 1
the sample collection media received in the housing is arranged to occlude the airflow path such that viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens in the airflow are captured by the sample collection media
Data Source
AI summary
A protected sample collection media for use in a sample collection device includes a piece of porous sample collection media having a first major side and an opposing second major side; and a protective sheath fully covering the first major side and the second major side. The protective sheath has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is removable without removing the second portion. The second portion forms a tab constructed to be gripped by hand. The protected sample collection media may be part of a system including a sample collection device. The system may be provided as a kit including instructions for use of the kit.