Electrochemical Test Strip Heating Conductor for Faster POC Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Point of care (POC) testing systems face challenges in convenience, disposability, and ease of use, particularly in the need for rapid analyte testing without the delays associated with lab testing.
Innovation Solution
A combined strip detection and heating system in an electrochemical test strip that integrates a test strip detection conductor for heating and uses an e-gate to separate heating and detection areas, with a meter controlling the heating process and sample digestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate heating element is added to the test strip, then the sample can be heated to accelerate reactions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection conductor in the test strip is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both the detection electrode for measuring analyte levels and as a resistive heating element for heating the sample. By applying current through this conductor, the system achieves heating without requiring a separate heating component, thus accelerating reactions while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection function and heating function into a single integrated component (the detection conductor). This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate heating elements, reducing component complexity while enabling sample heating to improve reaction kinetics and test speed.
2Device complexity
If the heating area and detection area are combined, then the system is simpler, but the heating may interfere with detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into distinct functional zones: a heating area where the sample is heated and a detection area where analyte measurement occurs. An e-gate mechanism controls the flow of sample between these areas, ensuring that heated sample is properly directed to the detection zone. This spatial segmentation prevents heating interference with detection while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The e-gate acts as an intermediary control mechanism between the heating area and detection area. It regulates sample flow and timing, ensuring that sample reaches the detection area at the appropriate moment after heating, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while benefiting from the simplified integrated design.
3Productivity
If rapid heating is applied to accelerate test results, then productivity improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating is applied in a controlled, time-limited manner through periodic current pulses to the detection conductor. The system heats the sample only for the duration necessary to accelerate the reaction, then stops heating. This periodic action approach achieves rapid test results while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
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
Enhances reliability, reduces component complexity, lowers costs, and improves consistency by directly heating the sample, thereby accelerating reaction times and simplifying the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
the test strip detection conductor is configured to be activated to heat a sample in the heating area
Implementation Method 2
test strip further includes an e-gate, the e-gate in the first flow path, the e-gate separating the heating area from a detection area
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing for an analyte includes a test strip. The test strip includes a test strip detection conductor. The test strip includes a first flow path, the first flow path including a heating area, the test strip detection conductor in the heating area, the test strip detection conductor configured to be activated to heat a sample in the heating area.