Diagnostic Test Strip Adhesive Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analytical test elements with capillary action face hygiene issues due to excess blood at the application site and contamination risks during storage and disposal, as the blood can crumble and contaminate instruments and environments.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic test element with a spaced application site and detection area, featuring a contamination area coated with an adhesive substance to retain excess body fluid, ensuring it adheres to the test element and preventing contamination, while a capillary transport path facilitates fluid flow to the detection area for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test strips are stored in a magazine with open storage chambers after use, then the test strips can be easily handled and disposed of, but excess blood can crumble off and contaminate the instrument and evaluation optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a disposable adhesive layer on the test strip that is used once and then discarded with the test strip. This adhesive layer prevents blood contamination during use and is disposed of together with the test strip after a single use, eliminating the need for cleaning the magazine and instrument while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is applied specifically to the contamination-prone areas of the test strip (edges and surfaces that may contact blood), separating the adhesive function from the test strip body. This allows the adhesive to be removed or disposed of together with the test strip, preventing contamination while maintaining ease of handling.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesive substance is applied to retain excess body fluid, then contamination is prevented, but the adhesive substance must not interfere with the detection area and measurement process
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is applied locally to specific areas of the test strip that are prone to blood contamination, such as the edges and surfaces away from the detection area. This localized application prevents contamination while ensuring the detection area remains free of adhesive interference, maintaining measurement reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip is divided into functional zones: a detection area free of adhesive for accurate measurement, and a contamination-prone area with adhesive layer for blood retention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.
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 allows for hygienic storage and disposal of used test elements by preventing blood from leaking or crumbling, thus reducing contamination risks and maintaining instrument cleanliness.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive substance is applied to at least a portion of the contamination area. The adhesive substance adheres to the contamination area of the test element and is additionally able to interact with an excess amount of applied body fluid in such a manner that at least a portion of the body fluid adheres to and remains on the test element
Implementation Method 2
a capillary transport path facilitates fluid flow to the detection area for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
An analytical test element for determining an analyte in a body fluid comprises a detection area in which the analyte is detected and an application site at which the body fluid can be applied to the test element. The application site is spaced apart from the detection area, wherein at least some of the body fluid applied to the application site moves from the application site to the detection area. The test element also comprises a contamination area which at least partially adjoins the application site, wherein an adhesive substance is applied to at least part of the contamination area of the test element. The adhesive substance adheres to the contamination area of the test element and is able to interact with an excess amount of applied body fluid such that at least some of the body fluid adheres to the test element and thereby an excess amount of body fluid remains in the contamination area. An additional embodiment provides for test elements which, after use, can be stored in a storage container. Another embodiment provides for the production of the test elements.