Saliva Test Device Mixing Chamber for Viscosity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saliva test devices lack control over the test sample and reaction timing, leading to inaccurate results due to the high viscosity of saliva, which complicates fluid flow and interferes with the detection process.
Innovation Solution
A saliva test device with a housing containing an immunoassay test strip, a mixing chamber, and mechanisms for delivering reagents and the test sample, allowing for the formation of a test mixture that can be incubated before being applied to the test strip, providing selective control over the flow and timing of the test sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If saliva sample is introduced directly into test device, then test can be performed quickly, but fluid flow control is lost due to high viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the saliva sample with diluent and reagents in a mixing chamber before introducing the mixture to the test strip. This pre-mixing step reduces the viscosity of the saliva sample, enabling proper fluid flow control through the test device while maintaining quick test performance.
2Measurement precision
If saliva sample requires pre-treatment with reagents, then test accuracy improves, but test complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the mixing chamber combines sample introduction, diluent addition, reagent addition, and mixing operations; the test device then applies the pre-treated sample to the test strip. This integration improves test accuracy through proper pre-treatment while minimizing procedure complexity by automating the process within one device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically mixing the saliva sample with diluent and reagents in the mixing chamber, then automatically delivering the prepared mixture to the test strip. This automation eliminates the need for manual pre-treatment steps, improving test accuracy while keeping the procedure simple for the user.
3Loss of time
If test sample is delivered immediately to test strip, then test time is reduced, but reaction timing control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the mixing and incubation of the test sample with reagents in the mixing chamber before delivering to the test strip. This preliminary preparation ensures proper reaction timing and conditions are established, improving reliability while maintaining efficient test time through automated sequential operations.
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
This solution enables precise control over the test sample and reaction timing, enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of saliva drug tests by allowing pre-treatment and incubation of the sample before application to the test strip, addressing the limitations of prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
an immunoassay test strip supported in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
In a lateral test flow immunoassay device, a saliva sample and a buffer solution are delivered into a mixing chamber to mix with a second reagent. The resulting test mixture is allowed to incubate for a pre-determined period of time and then selectively delivered to a test strip.