Mouse Pregnancy Test

A significant need in academic research in the field of obstetrics and gynecology involves the development of an easy to use, non-invasive pregnancy test device for mice that would allow for early detection of pregnancy. In the process of acquiring pregnant mice for various research needs, current methods of detecting pregnancy are inaccurate and often result in the loss of animal life and extensive resources. These methods include a visual copulation plug, weight differences before and after mating, and surgical detection. Ideally the time-window for detection is four or less days upon initial mating. Parameters for this device includes the following:

• High accuracy

• Rapid assessment

• Portable or handheld

• Light-weight

• Reusable

• Low-cost (Range of $2-5 per test in manufacturing)

After conducting a narrowed client search, as well as reviewing the talents and skills provided by all members of our team, we successfully identified Dr. Sarah England—professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology—as our client for our senior design project. The goals of the England lab include utilizing mice to study abnormal pregnancy processes, as well as clinical and translational studies involving proteins controlling the properties of uterine muscle cells, among other physiological phenomena affecting the uterus.

Considering the deadlines and timeline, the first step to designing a successful test involves research of important pregnancy markers and detectable compounds in non-invasively acquired biological samples. Sensor development for these substances would likely follow once an appropriate fabrication method for the device is selected. With the project development coordinated over a period of 30 weeks, or two semesters, the first semester will involve heavily researching the various aspects of mice pregnancy, as well as acquiring the necessary materials for prototyping in the second semester. All training to be able to begin prototyping in the spring semester ideally should occur in this first semester.

Regarding the impact of this project, Dr. England’s lab utilizes mice for their many of their animal studies, and would greatly benefit from this novel device if successfully prototyped. On a broader significance, this could also assist many other academic research laboratories requiring pregnant mice for their research as well.