Sample Collection With Piercing-Membrane Eluent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tests for viral pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, face challenges with sensitivity, contamination, and human error, particularly in self-collection methods like nasal swabs and saliva samples, requiring improved sample collection systems for accurate and reliable testing.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection system comprising a device with a housing, airflow path, piercing element, and porous sample collection media, coupled with an eluent delivery element and lateral flow assay, allowing for easy sample collection, elution, and transfer without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nasal swabs or saliva samples are used for self-collection, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a purification element as an intermediary component between the sample collection element and the test element. This purification element acts as a mediator that removes contaminants from the sample while allowing the target analyte to pass through, thereby resolving the contradiction between easy self-collection and reliable testing by filtering out substances that cause contamination and human error
Solution Approach 2:
The test device is segmented into three distinct functional elements: a sample collection element, a purification element, and a test element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the collection element focuses on ease of sampling, the purification element handles contamination removal, and the test element ensures accurate detection, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If purification steps are added to remove contaminants, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the purification function directly into the test device structure by integrating the purification element between the collection and test elements. This combining of functions within a single integrated device allows purification to occur automatically as part of the testing process, improving reliability without requiring separate purification equipment or complex additional steps
Solution Approach 2:
The purification element is designed to automatically remove contaminants as the sample passes through the device during normal operation. The device performs purification as a self-service function without requiring additional manual intervention, complex external equipment, or separate processing steps, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specimen types are evaluated, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to conflicting results
Solution Approach 1:
The test device is designed with universal applicability to work with multiple specimen types including nasal swabs, saliva, and other samples. The purification element and test element are configured to handle various sample matrices, allowing the same device to maintain consistent detection sensitivity across different specimen types, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and precision
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 system provides a simple, reliable, and accurate method for capturing and analyzing viral samples with reduced contamination and human error, enhancing test reliability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sample collector that includes porous sample collection media... configured to capture viruses, pathogens, or other analytes, carried in an exhalation airflow
Implementation Method 2
The sample may be eluted by passing a liquid (e.g., eluent) through the porous sample collection media to elute the sample
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a sample collection system includes a sample collection device and an eluent delivery element. The sample collection devices includes a housing including an airflow path extending from a proximal end including an air inlet to a distal end; a piercing element arranged within the airflow path; and a sample collector including porous sample collection media arranged to occlude the airflow path. The eluent delivery element includes a reservoir containing an eluent; and a membrane disposed at a coupling end of the reservoir and sealing the reservoir, the coupling end being constructed to couple with the proximal end of the airflow path such that the piercing element pierces the membrane.