Swab With Receptacle Integrated Drying Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virus testing methods, such as those for COVID-19, are unavailable for home collection and testing, leading to instability of nasal and oral swab samples at room temperature, which poses risks to patients and healthcare workers by requiring unnecessary exposure and potential virus spread.
Innovation Solution
A device for collecting and drying oral or nasal swab samples that includes a housing with a swab element, a tube, and a drying region with desiccant, along with a cap containing a liquid reagent and a pierceable membrane, allowing for secure attachment and stabilization of samples for antibody and molecular testing, enabling home collection and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nasal and oral swab samples are collected for virus testing, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but sample stability deteriorates at room temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a desiccant (drying agent) into the collection device before sample collection. This desiccant is positioned to automatically absorb moisture from the swab sample as it is deposited into the collection chamber, immediately stabilizing the RNA content without requiring subsequent refrigeration or special handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant serves as an intermediary substance between the swab sample and the environment. It mediates the stabilization process by chemically binding moisture from the sample, creating a stable environment for RNA preservation during transport and storage without requiring external equipment or refrigeration.
2Ease of operation
If home collection and testing is enabled, then accessibility and safety are improved, but sample stability control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is designed as a self-service system where the desiccant automatically stabilizes the sample upon collection. The user simply collects the sample and deposits it into the device; no additional steps such as refrigeration, sealing, or special handling are required. The device self-regulates sample stability through the integrated desiccant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: sample collection, moisture absorption, and stabilization are combined in one unit. The desiccant is incorporated directly into the collection chamber, eliminating the need for separate stabilization steps and simplifying the entire process for home use.
3Ease of operation
If samples are stored at room temperature, then ease of transport is improved, but sample degradation accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the humidity parameter of the storage environment by incorporating a desiccant that actively absorbs moisture. This creates a low-humidity microenvironment within the collection device, fundamentally altering the conditions under which the sample is stored and enabling room temperature stability without degradation.
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 ensures sample integrity and stability for transportation, allowing for accurate lab results and reducing the risk of virus spread by enabling home collection and testing, thereby protecting both patients and healthcare workers.
Implementation Method 1
a drying region with desiccant
Implementation Method 2
a cap containing a liquid reagent and a pierceable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a device for collecting and drying and protecting oral or nasal swab samples that can then be submitted for antibody and/or molecular testing.