Integrated Saliva Rapid Test Device with Flow Gates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lateral flow assays for detecting target analytes in saliva samples are cumbersome, requiring multiple steps and waiting times, and generate significant plastic waste due to the use of conventional plastic cassettes.
Innovation Solution
A rapid test device with an elongate housing and integrated lateral flow test strip that allows direct saliva collection from the mouth, featuring a saliva receiving port, sample collection cavity, and flow gates to enhance capillary transport and reduce plastic usage through thermoformed thermoplastic construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lateral flow assays are used with plastic cassettes and multiple preparation steps, then testing integrity and sensitivity can be maintained, but the device complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (swab, extraction solution container, and LFA cassette) into a single integrated device where the collection device and test device are merged. The housing contains both the sample collection cavity and the lateral flow test strip, eliminating the need for separate preparation steps and reducing device complexity while maintaining testing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it collects saliva samples, performs extraction, and conducts the lateral flow assay all within one device. The housing serves both as a collection container and a test device housing, making the device universal for both sample collection and testing purposes.
2Reliability
If multiple preparation steps and waiting times are required, then proper sample processing can be achieved, but productivity and user compliance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates extraction solution pre-filled in the housing, ready for immediate use when a sample is collected. The extraction solution is positioned to automatically mix with the saliva sample upon insertion, performing the extraction action preliminarily without requiring separate user steps or waiting times.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows continuous action from sample collection through extraction to testing without interruption. The saliva sample flows continuously from the collection cavity through the extraction solution and onto the lateral flow test strip, eliminating discrete waiting periods between steps.
3Strength
If conventional plastic cassettes are used for LFA, then device durability and functionality are ensured, but plastic waste and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables the entire unit to be disposed of after a single use, eliminating the need for separate plastic cassette components. By integrating all functions into one disposable unit, the patent reduces overall plastic consumption and makes it easier to manage waste through single-unit disposal rather than managing multiple plastic components.
4Reliability
If separate swab and extraction solution containers are used, then proper sample collection and processing can be achieved, but the quantity of materials and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the swab collection device and extraction solution container into a single integrated housing. The sample collection cavity is formed within the same housing that contains the lateral flow test strip, reducing the total number of separate components from three (swab, extraction container, cassette) to one integrated device.
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 device simplifies the testing process, reduces steps and waiting times, improves test sensitivity, and significantly decreases plastic consumption while maintaining reliable results.
Implementation Method 1
a sample pad to transport saliva along the lateral flow test strip in the flow direction
Data Source
AI summary
A rapid test device for detecting a target analyte in a saliva sample is disclosed. The rapid test device includes an elongate housing forming an interior channel extending in a flow direction. A lateral flow test strip for detecting the target analyte being is accommodated in the elongate housing and extending along the channel in flow direction, wherein the lateral flow test strip includes a sample pad. A saliva receiving port at an end portion of the elongate housing is configured to receive the saliva sample directly from a mouth of a user. A sample collection cavity extending from the saliva receiving port in the flow direction for collecting the saliva sample received through the saliva receiving port. The sample pad of the lateral flow test strip extends into the sample collection cavity to receive saliva collected in the sample collection cavity.