Chhavi

Ce qu'il fait

Chhavi is a self-diagnostic screening kit designed to enable women to collect and test samples privately using a rapid, color-based detection method. It addresses challenges of accessibility, stigma, and early diagnosis, particularly in underserved regions.

Votre source d'inspiration

The idea for Chhavi was inspired by conversations with women in rural India, where cervical cancer screening remains limited due to stigmas, high costs, and lack of awareness. I was struck by the staggering number of preventable deaths, nearly 200 women die each day, simply due to late diagnosis of a highly preventable disease. Existing screening methods are often invasive, costly, and inaccessible. This motivated me to design a discreet, accessible, and user-friendly home-based solution that empowers women to take charge of their health through early detection.

Comment ça marche

Chhavi is a self-test kit for cervical cancer screening. To begin, users lay out the provided mat and wear gloves for hygiene. They then remove the device and extend the swab. In a comfortable position, the swab is inserted until the red line to collect the sample of the cells from the cervix by gently rotating it three times. The swab is then retracted and removed. Next, users take out the dropper which contains the solution from the kit and insert it into the device, locking it to avoid spillage. After shaking it lightly, they press the dropper 6–7 times, allowing the solution to react with the strip. Finally wait for three minutes for lines to appear. Once testing is complete, the used device is placed into the medical waste bag provided. Finally, the bag is sealed and either given to an ASHA worker or mailed to the lab for analysis. The step-by-step process ensures privacy, hygiene, and ease of use empowering women to screen themselves safely at home.

Processus de conception

The design journey of Chhavi began with thorough research into cervical cancer screening challenges faced by women in rural India. Interviews with healthcare professionals, rural women and government officials revealed key issues like lack of awareness, discomfort with invasive methods, and poor access to clinics. These insights shaped the goal of creating a self-use, dual-function device that combines both rapid results and lab testing in one compact kit. The first prototype explored form and usability using 3D printing. Feedback highlighted discomfort with the swab and concerns about hygiene. In response, I developed a second prototype using medical-grade silicone for a more comfortable swab and recycled plastic for the casing to reduce environmental impact. A high-sensitivity color-changing strip was added for accurate at-home detection. Further refinement came through usability testing with guidance from a gynecologist. I improved the swab’s shape for comfort and redesigned the sample storage chamber for better sealing and safe lab transport. Today, Chhavi stands as a first-of-its-kind two-in-one kit offering immediate home screening and a secure self-collection system for lab analysis combining medical reliability, user comfort, and sustainability in one affordable solution.

En quoi est-il différent ?

Chhavi is a unique two-in-one device that offers both a rapid at-home result and a self-collection kit that can be sent to a lab for a second opinion—an innovation currently unavailable in the market. Most existing kits either provide instant results or lab-based testing, but Chhavi integrates both in a single, user-friendly system. The kit is designed with high sensitivity, offering more accurate results compared to other rapid test kits available. It also prioritises environmental responsibility by using recycled plastic, which reduces the carbon footprint, making the product both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Additionally, the device features a specially designed thin swab that enhances user comfort, making the self-collection process less invasive and more accessible for first-time users. This thoughtful design empowers women, particularly in rural areas, to take control of their health through accessible, reliable, and sustainable screening.

Plans pour l'avenir

The next step for Chhavi is sourcing accurate test strips, after which it will undergo clinical testing. A gynecologist will test 10 women using both Chhavi and traditional Pap smears. If the device shows 80% or more accuracy, it becomes eligible for government approval. Once approved, I will upload research, test results, and certifications to the government health portal. This will allow Chhavi to be included in public health schemes, making it accessible to rural women at subsidised rates, promoting early detection and bridging healthcare gaps.

Récompenses

My Product has been selected to be shown on Lasalle College of the Arts' official website. It has also been nominated by my university for Red Dot Design Awards, results are still awaited.