Vaginal Sample Collection With Vacuum Cartridge Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for health conditions, particularly in women, are invasive, require professional assistance, and are inconvenient, leading to low compliance and inaccurate sample collection, especially for sexually transmitted infections and reproductive health issues.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive system for collecting and analyzing vaginal biological samples using a sample collector, extractor, and cartridge that allows for self-administration, eliminating the need for laboratory equipment and trained professionals, and enabling point-of-care testing for various health conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blood-based diagnostic methods are used, then health monitoring accuracy is improved, but patient compliance deteriorates due to invasive procedures and travel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables patients to perform blood sampling and diagnostic testing themselves at home without requiring professional assistance. The self-contained system includes automated components that guide the user through collection, processing, and analysis, eliminating the need for trips to external facilities while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single portable unit: blood collection, sample processing, analytical testing, and result delivery. This multi-functional design consolidates what previously required separate visits to different facilities into one home-based operation, improving both convenience and compliance.
2Loss of time
If finger prick blood collection is used, then travel and labor costs are reduced, but sample volume is limited and psychological barrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blood collection system uses multiple lancets or a reusable lancing device that can perform repeated punctures to accumulate sufficient sample volume. The device segments the collection process into multiple small draws rather than requiring a single large-volume draw, overcoming both the volume limitation and reducing psychological barriers through automated, painless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary collection mechanism between the finger prick and the analytical chamber. This intermediary system automatically aggregates blood from multiple small draws into a sufficient volume for testing, eliminating the need for the user to manually collect and transfer samples while ensuring adequate volume for comprehensive analysis.
3Measurement precision
If traditional vaginal swab collection is used, then sample collection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and professional assistance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vaginal sample collector incorporates a flexible, expandable design that adapts to the anatomical structure. The collection element can be inserted in a compact state and then expanded or activated to contact and collect samples from the vaginal walls, maintaining collection accuracy while simplifying the insertion process and eliminating the need for complex positioning procedures requiring professional assistance.
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 cost-effective monitoring of health conditions, including STIs and reproductive disorders, through non-invasive sample collection and analysis, promoting regular health checks and early detection.
Implementation Method 1
The cartridge is under vacuum. Upon the chamber coming in fluid communication with the reservoir, the biological sample is subjected to flow from the reservoir to the cartridge
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems, methods, devices, and kits for analysis of vaginal biological samples. A device for the analysis of vaginal biological samples can include a sample collector, an extractor, and an assay cartridge. A method for the analysis of vaginal biological samples can include detecting the presence or absence of a pathology, a disease, an immune disorder, a reproductive disorder of a subject. The method may further comprise preserving, storing, or transporting the vaginal biological samples. A kit for the analysis of vaginal biological samples can include probe, reagents and instructions for detecting a nucleic acid in the vaginal biological samples.