Sputum Collection Device with Mesh Filtration for Specimen Decontamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and processing sputum specimens for respiratory infection diagnosis are often contaminated, leading to inaccurate pathogen identification and excessive antibiotic prescriptions, contributing to antibiotic resistance due to the reliance on non-sterile expectorated sputum samples.
Innovation Solution
A self-collection and decontamination device that uses a mesh container with a wash fluid to remove saliva contaminants from sputum specimens, allowing for reliable pathogen-specific testing through a user-friendly, leak-proof, and breakage-resistant apparatus that includes a grabber tool for uniform specimen sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If expectorated sputum specimens are collected using traditional methods, then self-collection is simple and accessible, but the specimens become contaminated with salivary microbial flora leading to inaccurate pathogen identification
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sputum collection and processing into distinct functional zones: a collection chamber for expectorated specimen, a washing chamber with mesh filter for decontamination, and a storage chamber. This segmentation allows self-collection simplicity while systematically removing salivary contaminants through the washing mechanism, resolving the contradiction between ease of collection and identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh filter acts as an intermediary element between the contaminated sputum specimen and the clean storage chamber. It physically separates and traps salivary microbial flora while allowing the sputum to pass through, thereby mediating the transition from contaminated to clean specimen without compromising the simplicity of self-collection.
2Measurement precision
If manual washing techniques are used to decontaminate sputum specimens, then decontamination can be achieved, but the process is complex and not user-friendly for self-collection
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges collection, washing, and storage functions into a single integrated apparatus. The washing mechanism is built-in with pre-filled wash solution and a simple agitation chamber, combining multiple steps into one user-friendly device that maintains decontamination quality without requiring complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service decontamination through an automated washing mechanism. The user simply adds the specimen and activates the agitation, while the built-in wash solution and mesh filter automatically perform the decontamination process, eliminating the need for complex manual washing techniques and making the process user-friendly.
3Productivity
If sputum specimens are collected and stored without decontamination, then the collection process is quick and simple, but the specimens are unsuitable for reliable diagnostic testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary decontamination action during the collection and storage process itself. The washing chamber with mesh filter and agitation mechanism is ready in advance to remove contaminants before the specimen reaches storage, ensuring diagnostic reliability without adding significant time to the collection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device maintains continuous useful action by integrating decontamination into the storage process. Rather than separating collection and decontamination as distinct steps, the washing and filtering occur continuously as the specimen is transferred and stored, preserving both collection speed and diagnostic reliability.
4Measurement precision
If invasive procedures like tracheal aspiration are used to obtain subglottic sputum, then uncontaminated specimens can be obtained, but the procedure is complex and requires medical supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the harmful contamination from oral flora into a beneficial filtering process. By anticipating the contamination issue and building in a washing and mesh filtering system, the device transforms what would be a problem (oral contamination) into a manageable step that actually improves specimen quality while maintaining simple expectorated collection methods.
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 enhances the reliability and accuracy of sputum testing by decontaminating specimens, reducing antibiotic over-prescription and improving diagnostic outcomes, thereby addressing the global issue of antibiotic resistance and optimizing antibiotic stewardship.
Implementation Method 1
Salivary contaminants in expectorated specimen boluses are water-soluble; sputum is not. 'Washing' an expectorated sputum bolus with water or saline dilutes and removes these soluble contaminants
Implementation Method 2
Salivary contaminants in expectorated specimen boluses are water-soluble; sputum is not. 'Washing' an expectorated sputum bolus with water or saline dilutes and removes these soluble contaminants
Implementation Method 3
The mesh assembly includes a mesh flange (mesh retainer) that is connected to the mesh and couples it to the container's sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus (FDA Classifications: “Sputum Specimen [In-Home] Self-Collection Device” and “In Vitro Medical Diagnostic Device”) and method for self-collection, transport, decontamination and storage preservation of expectorated sputum specimens, to optimize specimen quality and reliability of clinical laboratory stain interpretation, culture and molecular diagnostic tests, thereby improving laboratory support for pathogen-specific treatment (antibiotic stewardship).