ASA 2023 STEAM EXPO

The Judges Committee has awarded this submission Excellence in innovation

PROJECT SUMMARY

When a child is born, approximately a week after birth, tests are run to ensure they are completely healthy. Infants are typically screened for a variety of disorders, including fatty acid oxidation disorders, amino acid and metabolism disorders, endocrine disorders, and hemoglobin disorders. Currently, there are numerous methods available for these tests in addition to genetic and viral testing. Methods for obtaining samples include saliva samples, urine samples, blood samples, tissue samples, and oral and throat swabs. While these methods are reliable, they are invasive and uncomfortable for infants to undergo.

WHY?

It was not only because babies are the future, but it was also because no one likes seeing babies in pain. This creation would allow doctors to run tests on babies without making them uncomfortable, instead soothing them.

HOW?

It was a long process to get to my perfect, complete prototype. I first started off with trying to figure out how to make my idea work. First I worked on making the valve functional, and once I did, I worked on making it pretty. Throughout my entire journey I documented it with photos and sketches. It took a lot of trial and error, but I ended up with the perfect final prototype.

WHAT?

My product still hasn't been used on babies, but it is in the process of being patented. The pacifier, in the end was able to collect saliva and store it without any leaks. The liquid that was already in the compartment which held the saliva was able to keep the saliva intact for over 12 hours.

SO WHAT?

The functionality of this device makes it possible for doctors to run tests on babies and not cause them any sort of discomfort or pain. This device can work, it just has to be perfected a little bit more.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The current project just collects the saliva and preserves it. To further extend this idea, I could already include the test in it so your results are much faster and it works more efficiently.

REFERENCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

HealthPartners. ""From newborn to 1-year-old, here's your new baby's checkupschedule. HEALTH PARTNERS, 2022,

https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/well-baby-visits-schedule/.

Laboratory Alliance. ""Virology Specimen Collection Guidelines."" Laboratory Alliance, 2022,

www.laboratoryalliance.com/healthcare-providers/laboratory-services/specimen-collection-documents/virology-specimen-collection-guidelines/. Accessed 25 May 2022. MARCH OF DIMES. ""NEWBORN SCREENING TESTS FOR YOUR BABY.""

MARCH OF DIMES, July2020,

www.marchofdimes.org/baby/newborn-screening-tests-for-your-baby.asox

MAYO CLINIC. ""COVID-19 in babies and children."" Mayo Clinic, 3 Mar. 2022,

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-in-babies-and-children/art-20484405. Accessed 25 May 2022.

Morelli, Jim. ""Pacifiers May Help Babies With Acid Reflux."" Wed MD, 19 June2000,

www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/news/20000619/pacifiers-baby-acid-reflux

Murez, Cara. ""Saliva Equals Nasal Swab for COVID Test Accuracy."" WebMD, 11 Dec. 2020,

www.webmd.com/lung/news/20201211/saliva-equals-nasal-swab-for-covid-test-accuracy #:~text=4%20self-collected%20saliva.while%20collecting%20the%20sample. Accessed 25 May 2022.

JUDGES FEEDBACK

Incredible job! I love how you documented your journey while creating this pacifier, it shows that you worked back and forth through the ASA design cycle to plan, create and improve your design. It is such a practical idea and I am curious where you came up with idea? The hard work you put into this project shows in the 3D prototype you created. Have you thought about taking this to a pharmacuetical or medical company and ptiching your idea? Keep inventing!

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