Sample Volume Reduction via Insert Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical assays require large sample volumes, making them uncomfortable, inconvenient, and costly, with existing devices and systems unable to efficiently analyze small-volume samples.
Innovation Solution
The use of inserts or smaller sample containers within existing devices to reduce the sample volume required for analysis, allowing for the detection and quantification of analytes in very small samples by diluting the sample and modifying assay procedures to accommodate reduced volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large sample volumes are used in clinical assays, then detection accuracy and reliability are improved, but patient discomfort and assay cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the volume parameter of the sample from large to small by using inserts that reduce the effective sample volume required for analysis. This allows reliable detection to be achieved with smaller sample volumes, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining detection accuracy through optimized assay conditions for small volumes.
2Reliability
If large sample volumes are used in clinical assays, then sufficient analyte concentration is achieved, but reagent consumption and waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes reagent volumes and concentrations specifically for small-sample conditions. By changing the volume parameters and adjusting reagent amounts accordingly, sufficient analyte concentration is maintained in smaller samples while reducing overall reagent consumption and waste generation.
3Device complexity
If existing sample analysis devices are used with small samples, then device complexity is avoided, but analysis capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample container by introducing an insert that divides the container into functional zones. The insert creates a restricted volume environment within the existing container, allowing small samples to be properly contained and analyzed using standard device geometry without requiring entirely new device designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is placed inside the existing sample container, creating a nested structure where the insert cavity holds the small sample within the larger container. This nesting approach allows small-volume analysis capability to be added to existing devices without replacing the entire container system.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and systems are provided for reducing the sample volume required for analysis. Inserts placed within a sample container, and substitute sample containers having smaller volume sample chambers are provided. Methods are provided for detection and quantification of target substances in reduced volume samples. Methods include placing a small-volume of sample in a small-volume insert. Methods include diluting a small-volume sample, and placing the diluted sample in a small-volume insert. Methods include reducing the volume of sample, and: increasing illumination; increasing dye concentration or amount; increasing the amount of an enzyme substrate; increasing the amounts, concentration, or labeling of antibodies for detection; increasing optical detector sensitivity; increasing the path length of light passing through the sample; decreasing the separation between sample and detector; altering the wavelength, or polarization, or number of wavelengths, passing through the sample; increasing electronic amplification of electrical signals; altering assay temperature; and other alterations.