Disposable Rapid Test Cartridge Analyzer for Fast Accurate Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current COVID-19 detection methods, such as RT-PCR, are time-consuming, require specialized equipment and personnel, and are not suitable for rapid screening at points of entry or for assessing immunity, while existing rapid tests lack reproducibility and pose risks to healthcare workers.
Innovation Solution
A rapid test device utilizing Microscale Affinity Chromatography (MAC) and optical molecular sensing technology, including disposable cartridges with pre-filled reagents, that can detect pathogens and antibodies in saliva samples, providing results in minutes without the need for cleaning or servicing, and can be used by non-specialized personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for pathogen detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but test time increases and requires specialized equipment and personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into modular components: disposable cartridges containing pre-loaded reagents and samples, a portable analyzer device, and separate detection modules. This segmentation allows the complex RT-PCR process to be performed in a simplified, rapid format without requiring full laboratory infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential detection function from the complex laboratory RT-PCR setup and consolidates it into a portable analyzer device that can perform the critical amplification and detection steps in a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment and personnel.
2Measurement precision
If RT-PCR is used for pathogen detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions (sample processing, reagent mixing, thermal cycling, and fluorescence detection) into a single integrated portable analyzer device. This consolidation maintains the accuracy of RT-PCR while eliminating the need for multiple separate specialized equipment pieces.
Solution Approach 2:
Disposable cartridges are used to contain pre-loaded reagents, samples, and consumables. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and maintenance of internal channels and components, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Loss of time
If conventional rapid tests are used for pathogen detection, then test time is reduced, but reliability and reproducibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Reagents, controls, and samples are pre-loaded into sealed cartridges during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that all components are precisely prepared and protected from contamination, enabling rapid testing while maintaining high reliability and reproducibility through automated processing.
4Loss of time
If conventional rapid tests are used for pathogen detection, then test time is reduced, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sample and reagent handling process from the main device and places it into sealed disposable cartridges. This extraction eliminates the risk of contamination during sample preparation and reagent mixing, enabling rapid testing while maintaining high safety standards.
Solution Approach 2:
Single-use disposable cartridges are employed to contain all samples and reagents throughout the testing process. This eliminates cross-contamination risks between tests and removes the need for cleaning and servicing, enabling rapid sequential testing while maintaining safety.
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 rapid, accurate, and safe detection of COVID-19 and assessment of immunity with high sensitivity, reducing the risk of contamination and healthcare worker exposure, and allowing for high-throughput testing in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet disposed on the pinion and disposed relative to the cartridge so as to move at least a portion of the contents of the cartridge among chambers of the cartridge when the motor is driven
Implementation Method 2
a first reservoir pre-filled with reagent labeled with a fluorescent compound, the reagent antibodies adapted to bind to micromagnetic particles that are bound to the target substance
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments may include a rapid test device that provide rapid detection of substances, including those involved in pathogen infection, for example, using Microscale Affinity Chromatography (MAC), indirect ELISA, and optical molecular sensing technology. For example, in an embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a loading bay disposed on the apparatus to receive a cartridge, a door disposed on the apparatus to cover the loading bay, a plurality of prongs disposed on an interior of the door to provide actuation force to dispense blister reservoirs disposed on the cartridge when the door is closed, and a device disposed relative to the cartridge to move at least a portion of contents of the cartridge among chambers of the cartridge.