Design Solutions

Several alternative design solutions were devised that could meet the design requirements of the PG-Detect device. All of the designs have the same overall functionality outlined below:

  1. A swab is used to take a sample from the patient (typically nasopharyngeal)
  2. Swab is inserted into a saline solution to remove collected sample
  3. Reagents for the amplification process are added
  4. Device heats reaction chamber and a colorimetric detector determines color change over a specific run time
  5. Device outputs positive or negative result depending on color change

The following are sketches of possible design solutions:

Handheld with Test Tube Reaction Chamber

First design solution is a t-shaped handheld device with a test tube as the reaction chamber in the device.

Key Features:

  • Patient sample is added with reagents to a optically clear PCR tube
  • User manually mixes reagents before inserting tube into device
  • Ergonomic handheld design

After discussing all design solutions, this option scored the highest on a decision matrix and had the most favorable customer input. The finalized schematic of the device using this design is in progress.

Handheld with Custom Cartridge Reaction Chamber

Second design solution is a t-shaped handheld device with a custom cartridge as the reaction chamber. Reagents are preloaded within cartridge.

Key Features:

  • Patient sample is added to a cartridge preloaded with reagents
  • Reagents are released into patient sample during heating process
  • Ergonomic handheld design

Portable Compact Briefcase Design

Third design solution is a compact briefcase which holds swabs, bottles of reagents, and test tubes. The device sits in the bottom of the briefcase.

Key Features:

  • A durable polycarbonate case would contain all components needed for testing
  • Utilizes a test tube reaction chamber where the user would manually setup the test outside of the device
  • Analyzer is not handheld