Sterile Sampling Device for Medical Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microbiological sampling procedures for medical equipment, such as endoscopes and dialysis machines, are inefficient and prone to contamination, requiring multiple personnel and risking false positive test results due to open containers and the need for elevated equipment positioning.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a sterile syringe with a cylinder and plunger arrangement and one-way valves to create a partial vacuum for fluid collection, allowing for air-tight sampling and reducing contamination risks, enabling single-person operation and accurate control over the sampling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sterile water is flushed into endoscope channels and collected in an open container, then the sampling procedure can be performed, but the open container is exposed to air which risks contamination and false positive test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the open air environment with a sterile, sealed container environment. The collection container is equipped with a sealed lid and sterile filtration system that prevents air contamination while allowing fluid collection, thereby eliminating false positives from airborne contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sterile filter as an intermediary between the collection container and the external environment. This filter allows fluid to pass through while blocking airborne contaminants, serving as a mediator that enables sampling while preventing contamination
2Ease of operation
If the endoscope is positioned at a raised height to ensure proper fluid flow direction, then fluid flows correctly through the channels, but the procedure requires two people to operate safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a collection container with integrated suction capability as an intermediary device that actively controls fluid flow. The suction mechanism creates negative pressure that draws fluid through the channels in the correct direction, eliminating the need for gravitational positioning and reducing personnel requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic suction (negative pressure) to control fluid flow direction through the endoscope channels. By applying suction at the collection container, fluid is drawn through the channels toward the distal end, replacing the need for elevated positioning with a pressure-driven flow system
3Reliability
If a team of two people performs the sampling procedure with proper positioning, then contamination is prevented, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is designed to be self-sealing and self-contained. The sterile lid automatically seals the container, and the integrated suction system autonomously controls fluid flow and collection, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring by multiple personnel and reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pre-sterilized, sealed collection container as an intermediary that maintains sterility throughout the procedure. The container's sealed design and integrated filtration system continuously prevent contamination without requiring constant human intervention, reducing both time and personnel requirements while maintaining reliability
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 solution enables efficient, contamination-free sampling by a single person, reducing the risk of false positives and simplifying the procedure, while ensuring the sample container remains sealed during collection.
Implementation Method 1
A device and method utilizing a sterile syringe with a cylinder and plunger arrangement and one-way valves to create a partial vacuum for fluid collection
Implementation Method 2
The suction means may be provided in the form of a cylinder and plunger arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and method for use in taking a sample from an item of medical equipment for the purpose of microbiological testing, the device including: attachment means for attaching about a region of the item of medical equipment in an air-tight manner; and collection means for collecting fluid which emanates from the item of medical equipment.