HIV Test Wick

Porex develops a sample collection pad for use in an HIV test. The pad not only meets the manufacturer’s design requirements and FDA guidelines, but also actually improves the overall performance and speed of the test.

Design Challenge:
During the development of a saliva based HIV test, Porex was called upon to produce a sample collection pad that facilitated transfer of patient’s sample to an assay test strip. Porex’s goal was to produce a saliva collection wick that met both wick rate and wick volume requirements. Additionally, the shape of the collection device needed to be comfortable in the mouth and approvable under government guidelines.

Solution:
Porex chose to use it’s flat fiber technology to produce a fiberous sheet characterized by pores (or wicking channels) with a high degree of axial orientation. By selecting the appropriate fiber denier, material type, and part density - the part’s pore morphology was controlled. Material scientist and development engineers at Porex also devised a fiber solution that resulted in a FDA compliant, hydrophilic (wicking) solution.

Result:
By adjusting the pore size and the hydrophilic treatment process Porex was able to not only match the performance required but also provide a more consistent product the benefit of which improved the overall performance and speed of the test.

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