Device and Design

Diagnostic Device

There are many companies that develop kits for diagnostics that are primarily made for diagnostic laboratories. There are a smaller range of kits that are available for direct to consumer use. The kits that are available have to be certified and have to be simple enough to use. For example, a pregnancy test is a very simple kit that just shows a line or a cross. However, once there is some amount of blood collection or skin puncture involved then the kits can get very complex.

Most scientists and researchers focus on the kits themselves and forget about the design aspects. The tests work but the workflow can be difficult and the device themselves may have several components. This year, the Medical Design Excellence Award went to an Australian company, AtomoRapid for their HIV and Malaria tests. Their elegant device combined the blood collection, test and display all in one device that was elegant and simple. The science may be complex but the device has been simplified for use in Africa.

There are four things that stand out:

Simplicity: It combines safety with simplicity. Simplicity helps in lower the error rate and also keeps the cost under control. If you are creating a test for the developing world then what you need is a low cost device that does not fail.

Integration: An integrated device means there are less parts to pack and manage – both for the user as well as the company. The management of the device becomes easier and this also affects the ultimate cost of the device.

Designed to lower errors: This device collects blood with a defined capillary. This reduces the error rate simplifies and makes the sample more consistent. The use of common physics phenomenon helps in non-electronic, non-pump, non-battery collection.

Power not required: Yes, one can make a device that uses power and motors but if you need a device to work at all times in all areas, then device that does not require charging, uses power or require batteries is the clear winner.

As we design prototypes for our clients, we keep the design of the device in mind along with its functionality. The key component is obviously the intended use and the user.

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