Flosense
A wearable device for early endometriosis detection
A wearable device for early endometriosis detection
A debilitating medical condition where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. It can cause painful cramps, pelvic pain, and infertility, and can currently only be diagnosed through surgery.
A recent breakthrough has shown that menstrual effluent- a combination of blood, vaginal secretions, and endometrial tissue- can be used as a diagnostic tool for endometriosis.
Pads and tampons contain harmful chemicals that can lyse the cells, and diva cups are sterile but painful for those with pelvic pain- which many people with endometriosis experience. Our mission was to create a wearable collection device that was non invasive, made of medical grade silicone, not messy, and easily sent to a lab for analysis.
We began with the singular idea that menstrual blood is wasted each month, and we wanted to find a way for it to be useful for women. We conducted research through literature review, interviews with women, "Buy a Feature", and speaking with experts in the field.
We began by sketching and building cardboard prototypes in order to better visualize solutions at home blood collection solutions.
Our first round of testing consisted of users looking at, touching, and holding our rough prototypes, and giving us their feedback and feelings.
After incorporating user feedback, high fidelity prototyping consisted of iterating on form and material using PLA, TPU, and silicone.
The base and funnel have an organic shape that easily fits together and molds to the body. The base is made of a harder material to easily store fluid without leaking, and the top is flexible for comfort against the skin of the user. After the user is done collecting, they can easily remove the base, cap it, and place it in an envelope to send to the lab.
Once the main product was developed, it became crucial to envision how it would be delivered to users and efficiently returned to the lab. The packaging was designed to incorporate a clear, intuitive four-step process, ensuring ease of use and seamless guidance for users.
This device has the potential to transform women’s health diagnostics by making routine testing more accessible. We are currently collaborating with Dr. Metz to continue testing our product in the lab and with users.
