Reader Device for Optical and Electrochemical Test Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory tests for analyte detection in biological samples require trained technicians and sophisticated instruments, making them costly and time-consuming, and are not suitable for point-of-care applications, especially in critical medical situations where rapid and accurate results are needed.
Innovation Solution
A reader device capable of analyzing optical or electrochemical test cartridges, which can receive multiple cartridge types, including qualitative or semi-quantitative lateral flow tests and quantitative non-lateral flow tests, providing qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative analysis using an optical sensor and electrical connector, and optionally featuring a barcode reader for identifying analytes and patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory testing using sophisticated instruments is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable test cartridges containing pre-loaded reagents and disposable electrodes, eliminating the need for complex reusable instruments. Each cartridge is a single-use unit that provides accurate measurements without requiring maintenance or calibration of expensive equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex analytical chemistry functions into pre-packaged test cartridges that contain all necessary reagents, antibodies, and detection mechanisms. This allows the main reading device to remain simple while the cartridge handles the complex sample analysis, separating the complexity from the reusable instrument.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory testing with trained technicians is used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test cartridges are designed to be self-contained units that automatically perform sample analysis without requiring trained technicians. The cartridges include pre-loaded reagents, built-in mixing mechanisms, and automated detection systems that eliminate the need for manual intervention while maintaining accurate results, thereby reducing both time loss and dependency on specialized personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridges are pre-prepared with all necessary reagents, antibodies, and detection components before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the time required for technicians to set up experiments, prepare reagents, and calibrate instruments during the testing process, enabling rapid point-of-care testing while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test cartridge types are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reading device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of test cartridges through standardized mechanical and electrical connections. The device includes a single cartridge receiving port that can identify and process different cartridge types (optical, electrochemical, lateral flow) using standardized protocols, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device adapts to different cartridge types by dynamically changing operational parameters such as detection wavelength, electrode configuration, and data processing algorithms based on the inserted cartridge type. This parameter-based adaptation allows the device to handle multiple test formats without requiring separate hardware for each type, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
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 cost-effective analyte detection at the point of care, reducing the need for trained personnel and minimizing delays in critical medical situations, while being adaptable to a range of analytes.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to read a first signal from an optical feature of an optical test cartridge
Implementation Method 2
an electrical connector configured to mate with one or more electrodes of an electrochemical test cartridge and receive a second signal therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to devices having optical and electrochemical detectors and to methods of performing optical and electrochemical assays using such devices. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.