UTI Detection Pad with Color Indicator Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UTI detection methods are invasive, costly, and time-consuming, often requiring laboratory testing and catheterization, which can lead to undetected infections and increased risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive UTI detection device in the form of an undergarment liner with a color indicator strip containing UTI detection reagents that changes color upon contact with urine to indicate the presence of leukocytes, hemoglobin, and nitrates, providing quick and cost-effective UTI detection without the need for medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory urine testing is used to detect UTI, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate due to invasive procedures and laboratory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential detection function from the complex laboratory testing process. The detection strip contains reagents that specifically react with UTI indicators in urine, separating the detection function from the need for laboratory equipment and personnel, enabling rapid at-home testing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The detection strip acts as an intermediary between the urine sample and the user interpretation. It contains chemical reagents that interact with urine components (leukocytes, nitrites, hemoglobin) and transform the chemical information into visible color changes, mediating the detection process without requiring laboratory equipment
2Measurement precision
If catheterization is used to collect urine samples, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to invasive procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service urine collection using the detection strip. Users can collect urine samples themselves without requiring medical professionals or invasive catheterization procedures. The strip is designed for easy application and reading by the user, eliminating the need for clinical intervention in the sampling process
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the detection capability from the clinical setting and applies it to a consumer health product. The detection strip contains all necessary reagents and functionality in a portable format that can be used at home, removing the need for invasive medical procedures while maintaining detection accuracy
3Measurement precision
If laboratory testing procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable detection strip that is inexpensive to manufacture and use. Each strip is a single-use device containing pre-measured reagents on a substrate. After one test, the strip is discarded, eliminating the need for expensive laboratory equipment, complex instrumentation, and costly maintenance while providing accurate results
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential detection chemistry from complex laboratory instruments and concentrates it into a simple strip format. The reagents are embedded in the strip structure, eliminating the need for external equipment, power sources, or complex operational procedures, thereby dramatically simplifying the testing process while preserving diagnostic accuracy
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 rapid, accurate, and cost-effective detection of UTIs in a non-invasive manner, reducing the risk of undetected infections and associated complications, while being comfortable and convenient for users.
Implementation Method 1
The color indicator strip is configured to change to red color for indicating definite UTI, green color for indicating no UTI, and yellow or orange color to indicate a possibility of a UTI when urine comes in contact with the strip
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a non-invasive device for easily detecting a possible urinary tract infection (UTI). The device is in the form of a pad having a color indicating strip that includes detection reagents for detecting a UTI and an adhesive layer for releasably adhering the device inside an undergarment. The device is adhered on the crotch region such a few drops of urine are dropped onto the color indicating strip. The strip is configured to change color to one of green, yellow or orange, and red wherein the green color indicates absence of a UTI, the yellow or orange color indicates possibility of a UTI or dehydration, and the red color indicates definite UTI. The color indicating strip is configured to detect leukocytes, hemoglobin, and nitrates wherein the red color indicates at least 100,000 leukocytes in conformance with “McGreer Criteria” for a UTI.