Point-of-Care qPCR Device Automated Result Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantitative PCR (qPCR) test devices are limited by the need for remote sampling, delayed test results due to physical shipping, and inefficient manual transmission of results, which can lead to errors and increased processing time, especially in scenarios like notifiable diseases where central registration is required.

Innovation Solution

A point-of-care real-time qPCR test device with a built-in transmission module that automatically transmits test results and status information directly to recipients, eliminating the need for manual processing and ensuring secure, anonymous data transfer through secure connections like SSL, thereby reducing manipulation risks and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If test results are manually transmitted and entered into systems, then human review and verification are possible, but errors occur during manual entry and transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of test result transmissionVSAvoidautomated transmission of test results
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The qPCR test device automatically transmits test results and status information to recipients without requiring manual intervention. The device self-services by generating and sending data packets containing test results, device status, and authentication information, eliminating human error in data entry and transmission while maintaining data integrity through automated processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If physical shipping of test samples is required, then centralized testing can be performed, but significant time is lost in shipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of centralized testingVSAvoidtime for sample shipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing process is segmented into two independent functions: sample collection at point-of-care using the qPCR test device, and result transmission electronically to central databases. This segmentation eliminates the need to physically ship samples while maintaining the capability for centralized data aggregation and analysis, significantly reducing time loss while preserving testing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If multiple test laboratories are added to increase test capacity, then more tests can be performed, but access to central registers must be granted to each new lab

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest capacityVSAvoidaccess management for central registers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each qPCR test device is equipped with built-in authentication and self-registration capabilities. The device automatically transmits its identification and authentication data to central databases, enabling automatic registration and access without requiring manual configuration or administrative intervention for each new laboratory. This self-service approach simplifies access management while scaling test capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of information

If test results are printed and manually entered, then a physical record is created, but the process is inefficient and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity of test result dataVSAvoidefficiency of result processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical process of printing and manual data entry is replaced with an automated electronic data transmission system. The qPCR test device directly transmits test results electronically to central databases and recipients, substituting the mechanical printing and manual typing processes with automated digital communication, thereby eliminating transcription errors and significantly improving processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4198517A1Point-of-care real-time quantitative PCR test device
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 PROCOMCURE BIOTECH GMBH
  • EP4198517A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4198517A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4198517A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Point-of-care real-time quantitative PCR test device, qPCR, comprising a housing, a test module (12) arranged in the housing for receiving a test sample, and a control module (14) connected to the test module (12), wherein the control module (14) is configured to control the test module (12) to perform a qPCR test and determine a test result, and a transmission module (16), wherein the transmission module (16) is configured to transmit the test result and/or status information of the qPCR test device to at least one receiver.