Urine Test Strip Layout to Prevent Cross-Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional urine test strips for home use by non-professionals are cumbersome and prone to errors due to the need for rapid color comparison of multiple test pads, often leading to incorrect results and cross-contamination, and lack integration with modern rapid immunoassay devices.
Innovation Solution
A dry chemical test strip with non-absorbent support sheet featuring spaced testing areas, allowing sequential and intermittent urine application and reading, using absorbent pads for chemical reactions, and optional protective films or windows to prevent cross-contamination and facilitate ordered testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test pads are arranged closely on a test strip for comprehensive urine analysis, then the testing coverage is improved, but the risk of cross-contamination between testing areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into multiple independent testing areas, each separated by hydrophobic barriers. These barriers segment the liquid flow paths, ensuring that urine sample applied to one testing area does not contaminate adjacent areas. Each testing area functions independently while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydrophobic barrier structures act as intermediaries between adjacent testing areas. These barriers selectively block liquid urine sample while allowing the test components to function, preventing cross-contamination without interfering with the chemical reactions within each testing area.
2Productivity
If all test pads are dipped into urine sample simultaneously for rapid testing, then the testing efficiency is improved, but the reading time constraint becomes too tight for non-professionals to accurately compare multiple colors
Solution Approach 1:
The testing process is segmented into sequential steps where urine sample is applied to one testing area at a time. This allows non-professionals to focus on reading and comparing the color of one test pad before moving to the next, significantly improving reading accuracy while maintaining overall testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing procedure employs periodic action by alternating between sample application and result reading phases. After applying sample to a testing area, the user waits for color development and then reads the result before proceeding to the next area, creating a rhythmic process that is easier to follow and execute accurately.
3Loss of time
If urine sample is applied to multiple test pads at once, then the total testing time is reduced, but the liquid may spread uncontrollably causing interference between testing areas
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrophobic barriers segment the liquid flow paths between testing areas, confining the urine sample to the intended testing area. This prevents uncontrolled spreading and interference with adjacent areas, ensuring reliable test results even when multiple areas are processed in sequence.
4Ease of operation
If conventional test strips are used requiring operator opening and direct dipping, then the testing process is simple, but the samples are exposed to contamination by operator or other reagents
Solution Approach 1:
A protective film acts as an intermediary between the external environment (operator, air) and the urine sample. The film can be opened in a controlled manner to expose only the necessary testing area, minimizing exposure to contamination while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible protective film covers the test strip, creating a barrier that prevents contamination from operator contact and environmental factors. The film can be selectively opened or removed to expose testing areas as needed, maintaining sample integrity throughout the testing process.
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
Enables accurate, convenient, and reliable urine analysis by non-professionals with reduced time pressure and minimized cross-contamination, ensuring proper sequencing and timing of result reading.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the absorbent test pads is separated by the non-absorbent support sheet
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent test pads comprise a chemical reagent capable to react with an analyte in a urine sample
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device is disclosed in the present invention and includes a test strip, where the test strip includes a non-absorbent support sheet on which at least two or more testing areas are arranged, and liquid communication cannot be made between the testing areas, and the testing areas include an absorbent material thereon, and the absorbent material includes a reaction reagent that can detect an analyte in a urine sample or test the property of the urine sample; and the absorbent material, where the absorbent material is located under the support sheet; and when a liquid sample is dripped to each of the two or more testing areas, the absorbent material absorbs the excess liquid sample, thus avoiding interference of other testing areas where the liquid sample is not dripped.