A sample holder equipped with a conduit for receiving a sample

Abstract

A sample holder for collecting a liquid sample such as blood. The holder can include a container, a conduit having a proximal end extending from the container and a distal end positioned within the container, and a cap configured to engage the container and generate a pressure that moves a liquid sample within the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end. The container can include a fluid path for discharging fluid from the container when the liquid sample moves from the conduit into the container, and the cap can seal the fluid path. A drying material can be used to support the conduit within the container and dry the blood sample during storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Background 1. Field of the Invention Methods and apparatus for a sample holder.

Background Art

[0002] 2. Related Art Sample holders that include individual tubes or vessels are widely used in laboratories and other applications to collect, hold, and / or process liquid samples, such as whole blood samples for diagnostic tests and research. Such containers are used to expose the sample to a variety of different processes, including exposure to acoustic energy, heating / cooling cycles such as those used in PCR processing, and others.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Summary In some embodiments, the sample holder includes a container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space. This container can be configured to receive and hold any suitable type of sample, such as a blood or other liquid sample. In some cases, the container can have immobilizing materials, such as chemicals and / or physical structures suitable for interacting with a blood or other liquid sample, for example, to help maintain the sample in a desired area of the container and / or to process the sample for storage or other processing. In some embodiments, the container can include a fluid path from the internal space to the external environment, for example, the container can include an opening or other vent extending through the wall of the container. A conduit, such as a capillary tube, can be configured to receive a sample and can have a distal end positioned within the internal space of the container and a proximal end extending from the internal space. In some cases, the conduit can be configured to draw a blood sample into the proximal end of the conduit, for example, by contacting the proximal end of the tube with a pool of blood drawn into the conduit by capillary action. In some embodiments, a conduit holder can be disposed to support the conduit within the internal space of the container. For example, a portion of the container can be configured to engage the conduit to hold the conduit in a predetermined position within the container, for example, such that the distal end of the conduit is held above the bottom of the container. In some cases, the conduit holder can include a drying material configured to receive moisture from the blood or other sample within the internal space and to dry the blood sample, for example, in a manner suitable for long-term storage. When the container includes a fluid path (e.g., an opening in the wall of the container), the internal space of the container can be sealed except for the fluid path and the conduit. That is, the container can be configured such that fluid can only flow into the internal space of the container through the fluid path or the conduit. A cap can be configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and can be configured to engage the container such that movement of the cap relative to the container from a first position to a second position generates a fluid pressure suitable for moving a blood sample from the conduit into the internal space.That is, the cap and the container function as a kind of pump and can force blood or other liquid material in the conduit to flow from the proximal end to the distal end and into the internal space of the container (e.g., the bottom of the container). In some cases, when the cap moves from a first position to a second position, the fluid may be forced to move from the internal space through the fluid path and, for example, discharged from the container. For example, when blood or other liquid in the conduit moves into the container, gas may be discharged from the internal space through the fluid path. This can avoid pressurizing the internal space of the container and prevent or otherwise resist the movement of the cap relative to the container. In some cases, the cap closes the fluid path when in the second position. For example, the cap can cover an opening in the container wall to seal the fluid path. Thereby, the cap can seal the internal space and prevent the outflow of gas and / or liquid from the internal space and / or the inflow of gas and / or liquid into the internal space. In some embodiments, the container can include a lower portion having a cavity for receiving the distal end of the conduit and an upper portion positioned around the conduit and configured to engage the cap. For example, the upper portion can have a larger diameter or size than the lower portion, whereby when the cap is moved relative to the container, the upper portion can provide an increased volume of gas flow through the conduit. By reducing the diameter or size of the lower portion of the container, the volume of the internal space of the container can be reduced, thereby improving the drying of blood or other samples.

[0004] In some embodiments, the cap includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of the container to engage the cap with the container. Thus, in response to a portion of the container moving into the cavity, the cap and the container can be configured to create a pressure higher than the ambient pressure. Optionally, the cavity can be configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit when the cap engages the container, and the pressure higher than the ambient pressure can be suitable for moving a blood sample in the conduit to the distal end and the interior space of the container (e.g., the bottom of the container). In some embodiments, with the cap disengaged from the container, the interior space of the container is sealed except for the path through the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end and the fluid path (which may be partially defined by an opening through the wall of the container). When the cap engages the container and is in a first position, the interior space can be sealed except for the fluid path (i.e., the path through the conduit can be closed by the cap), and when the cap engages the container and is in a second position, the interior space can be completely sealed (i.e., the path through the conduit and the fluid path of the container can be sealed).

[0005] Optionally, a drying material can be disposed in the interior space and configured to dry the blood sample enclosed in the interior space. For example, the drying material can be included in a conduit holder that supports the conduit within the container. The drying material can engage the inner surface of the wall of the container and at least partially support the conduit within the container, and for example, a portion of the container can contact the conduit and assist in supporting the conduit. In some embodiments, the drying material has a tubular shape and a portion of the conduit passes through the drying material. For example, the drying material can include first and second clam shell portions that sandwich the conduit. Each clam shell portion can include a groove for receiving the conduit and can include one or more standoffs that define a channel along the length of the drying material. The channel can provide a fluid path within the container and / or allow the user to visually identify a portion of the conduit and / or increase the surface area of the drying material exposed to the blood or other liquid sample within the container.

[0006] In some cases, the method of collecting a blood sample includes providing a conduit at least partially within the internal space of the container. The proximal end of the conduit can be brought into contact with the blood to draw the blood into the conduit. For example, the conduit can include a capillary tube configured to draw blood into the tube by capillary action, or the blood can also be moved into the conduit by negative or positive pressure within the conduit. By moving the cap from a first position to a second position relative to the container, a positive pressure can be created at the proximal end of the conduit to force the blood from the conduit into the internal space of the container. When the blood moves from the conduit into the internal space of the container, fluids such as gas can be discharged from the internal space of the container, and the cap can be positioned at the second position relative to the container to seal the internal space.

[0007] In some cases, discharging fluid from the container includes discharging the fluid from the internal space through a fluid path that is partially defined by an opening that penetrates the wall of the container. Positioning the cap at the second position can include positioning the cap to cover the opening, for example, to seal the internal space of the container.

[0008] In some embodiments, moving the cap includes receiving a portion of the container within a cavity of the cap to engage the cap with the container, creating a positive pressure, and thereby causing blood to flow from the distal end of the conduit. For example, moving the cap can include moving a volume of gas greater than the volume of the conduit through the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method can include drying the blood within the sealed internal space by a drying material within the internal space. For example, providing a conduit at least partially within the internal space of the container can include using a drying material to support the conduit at least partially within the internal space. In some cases, discharging fluid from the container can include discharging the fluid from the internal space through a fluid path that is partially defined by the drying material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sample holder includes a container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space. The container may include a lower portion having a cavity and an upper portion that engages the lower portion, for example, by a screw connection, a press fit, a bayonet connection, or the like. A conduit, such as a capillary tube, may have a distal end positioned within the cavity of the lower portion of the container and a proximal end that extends from the internal space and is exposed, for example, to receive blood or other sample within the conduit. The conduit may extend through the upper portion of the container and may be configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end of the conduit, for example, by capillary action. The cap may be configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and engage the upper portion, for example, by receiving the upper portion within a cavity of the cap. The cap and the upper portion may each include complementary engagement features configured to engage with each other to resist rotation of the cap relative to the upper portion. For example, the complementary engagement features may include one or more ribs formed on the upper portion and / or the cap that engage with each other when the upper portion is received within the cavity of the cap. The cap may be movable relative to the upper portion from a first position where the upper portion is partially received within the cap to a second position where the upper portion is fully received within the cap, and the complementary engagement features may engage to resist rotation only when the cap is in the second position. The upper portion may be threadably engagable with the lower portion, and the lower portion may be configured to be removed from the upper portion by rotating the cap with the complementary engagement features engaged such that the upper portion is rotated relative to the lower portion. The cap and the container may include any additional features described hereinabove or otherwise, and may include such features in any combination, provided that such features are not mutually exclusive.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sample holder may include a container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space. Optionally, the container may include a lower portion and an upper portion. The conduit may have a distal end positioned within the internal space and a proximal end extending from the internal space. The conduit may extend through the upper portion and may be configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end of the conduit. The cap may be configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and engage the upper portion, for example, by inserting a portion of the upper portion into a cavity of the cap. The stand may be configured to removably receive the lower portion of the container and support the container on a surface in at least two different orientations, such that, for example, as a result, the conduit and / or the container are oriented with the longitudinal axis along the vertical and / or horizontal directions. Optionally, the stand may be configured to be grippable by a user and may be configured to enable the user to manipulate the container for collection of a blood sample by the conduit. In some examples, the stand and the container may be configured to engage to resist rotation of the container relative to the stand about the longitudinal axis of the container, such that, for example, a cap or other portion engaging a part of the container can be removed from the container by rotation. The sample holder may include any additional features described hereinabove or otherwise, and may include them in any combination, provided such features are not mutually exclusive.

[0012] Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the claims.

[0013] Brief Description of the Drawings Aspects of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, the numbers refer to like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Detailed Description Aspects of the present disclosure should be understood to be described herein with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and figures. The exemplary embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to represent all aspects of the present disclosure, but rather are used to describe some exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure can be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments in which a drying material is used to support a conduit within a container, embodiments in which an exhaust port employed to discharge gas from a sample holder is sealed or covered by a cap, and embodiments in which a cap engages a container to generate a pressure for causing a sample within a conduit to flow into the container are described. These features can also be employed together in a sample holder, or alternatively, can be used separately without using one or more of the others. This is merely an example, and other features described herein can be employed together or separately in various embodiments, so long as they are not mutually exclusive.

[0016] Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sample holder 1 that includes a container 2 and a cap 4 that can engage with the container 2 to close the interior space of the container 2, for example, for storing a sample within the container 2. In some embodiments, the cap 4 can be attached to the container 2 by a tether, for example, so that the cap 4 does not get lost when removed from the container 2. The tether can include a string, cord, elastic band, or other component having opposite ends attached to the container 2 and the cap 4, respectively. For example, the tether can have a pair of rings at opposite ends of a central elongate element, and the rings can engage (e.g., by friction fit) over portions of the container 2 and the cap 4, respectively. However, the tether is not essential, and in some cases, for example, it may be preferred to package the container 2 and the cap 4 separately or otherwise provide them. In some cases, the sample holder 1 includes a conduit 3 configured to receive a liquid sample into the tube 3, for example, by contacting a liquid material to the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3. In some embodiments, capillary action can draw the liquid material into the conduit 3, and the liquid material can flow into the tube 3 to fill the tube 3 from the proximal end 31 to the distal end 32. For example, the conduit 3 can include a capillary tube configured to draw a liquid sample, such as liquid blood, into the conduit 3 by contacting the proximal end 31. In some cases, the conduit 3 can include a wick or other component that can receive (e.g., by wetting, capillary action, etc.) the liquid sample. In some embodiments, the wick or other component can be contained within an outer tube or conduit. The conduit 3 is not necessarily configured to receive the sample by capillary action. Instead, the conduit 3 can receive the liquid sample by applying a negative pressure to the distal end 32 of the conduit 3 (e.g., using a pump valve or other vacuum source connected to the container or the conduit 3) or by applying a positive pressure to encourage the liquid sample to flow into the conduit 3 (e.g., by a pipette). For example, a liquid sample is provided to the cap 4, the cap 4 is engaged with the container 2, and the sample within the cap 4 is caused to flow into the conduit 3.In some cases, the conduit 3 can be configured to collect a specific type of sample, such as liquid blood or other materials, and the conduit 3 can be configured to collect a sample having a desired volume. For example, the conduit 3 can be configured to have a specific internal volume such that it is completely filled with the liquid sample material and the collected sample has the desired total volume. This arrangement can avoid the need for the user to measure the sample material or otherwise take measures to collect a specific sample volume. In some cases, the conduit 3 can be visualized by the user, for example, the upper and / or lower portions of the conduit 3 can be visualized so that the user can see the extent to which the conduit 3 is filled with the sample. Thereby, the user can confirm that a certain volume of the sample has been received by the conduit 3.

[0017] The conduit 3 can be supported or otherwise held within the container 2, for example, such that the user can hold and manipulate the container 2 to bring the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3 into contact with the sample material. This can facilitate the use of the sample holder 1 since the user no longer needs to handle the relatively small and delicate conduit 3. This can also help prevent sample contamination since the likelihood of the user touching or otherwise coming into contact with the conduit 3, such as the proximal end 31, can be reduced. A portion of the conduit 3 can protrude from the container 2, for example, protruding a length sufficient to allow proper contact between the proximal end 31 and the liquid sample material. In some cases, the conduit 3 can be supported within the container 2 by a conduit holder 5 which can be a part of the container 2 and / or a separate component that engages with the container 2. The conduit holder 5 can engage with the conduit 3 (for example, the conduit 3 can pass through an opening of the conduit holder 5), can engage with the container 2 (for example, the conduit holder 5 can engage with the inner wall of the container 2), and can fix the conduit holder 5 and the conduit 3 in a predetermined position. The conduit 3 can be supported such that the distal end 32 of the conduit 3 is positioned within the container 2 in a desired manner, for example, such that the distal end 32 is positioned above the bottom of the container 2. This can help prevent the conduit 3 from drawing liquid material into the conduit 3 from the distal end 32, for example, since the distal end 32 can be positioned above the liquid material within the container 2. In some embodiments, the container 2 and the conduit holder 5 can be configured such that the user can view the conduit 3, for example, while the conduit 3 is being supplied with a sample. For example, the conduit holder 5 can include a slot or other opening that allows the user to view the conduit 3 and / or the conduit holder 5, and the container 2 can include a transparent material or window that allows the user to view the conduit 3. This can help the user determine whether the conduit 3 is full or has an appropriate sample volume, for example, and can prevent the user from drawing in an excessive sample. In some cases, the conduit holder 5 can include, for example, a drying material suitable for drying blood or other liquid samples held within the container 2.The drying material can include a molecular sieve such as zeolite, silica gel, or other materials suitable for drying blood or other liquid samples. In some embodiments, the conduit holder 5 can be made entirely of the drying material. The conduit holder 5 containing the drying material can be positioned within the container 2, for example at the bottom of the container 2, such that the drying material is suitably proximate to the blood or other liquid sample held within the container 2. The sample holder 1 can include an immobilizing material 24 such as a chemical substance and / or structure that immobilizes or otherwise acts on the blood or other sample, for example to preserve or otherwise process the sample for drying or later use. The immobilizing material 24 can be included in the internal space of the container 2 (for example, the bottom of the container 2). For example, the immobilizing material 24 can increase the viscosity of the sample, enhance the ability of the sample to adhere to the surface of the container 2, capture a portion of the sample in voids or other spaces (for example, by surface tension, wettability, or absorption functions), and the like.

[0018] After blood or another sample is drawn into conduit 3 or supplied by other means, cap 4 engages container 2 and can move from a first position (e.g., the position where seal 42 of cap 4 first engages the upper end of container 2) to a second position (e.g., the position shown in FIG. 2 where a portion of container 2 is completely received within the cap). Optionally, cap 4 can have a cavity 41 configured to receive at least a portion of container 2 and the proximal end 31 of conduit 3. When engaging cap 4 with container 2, container 2 can be oriented vertically such that, for example, the proximal end 31 of conduit 3 is positioned above the distal end 32 and the bottom of container 2. Cap 4 and container 2 can be configured such that a positive pressure is created within cavity 41 when cap 4 is moved from the first position toward the second position. For example, seal 42 (such as an O-ring) of cap 4 engages container 2 and can form an airtight seal between cap 4 and container 2. As container 2 moves into cavity 41 of cap 4, the gas volume of cavity 41 decreases, so the gas (such as air) within cavity 41 is placed under pressure. Due to the positive pressure within cavity 41, gas can flow from cavity 41 into the proximal end 31 of conduit 3, thereby forcing the blood or other sample within tube 3 to flow toward distal end 32 and into the bottom of container 2. In some embodiments, cap 4 includes a seal 42 that engages container 2, although other arrangements are possible. For example, cap 4 and container 2 can engage in a tight fit or interference fit, and container 2 can have one or more seals that engage the inner wall of cavity 41 of cap 4, etc. Optionally, container 2 and cap 4 can be configured such that a volume of gas greater than the volume of conduit 3 flows through conduit 3 when cap 4 is moved from the first position toward the second position. Thereby, the sample within conduit 3 can be completely discharged into container 2. Optionally, the volume of gas moving through conduit 3 can be two times or more the volume of the conduit, for example, three times, four times, five times, ten times or more the volume of conduit 3.If the conduit 3 includes a wettable core or other element that receives the sample by capillary action within an outer tube or conduit, a relatively large volume of gas that is moved through the conduit 3 by the cap 4 can help ensure that an appropriate amount of the sample is discharged from the conduit 3.

[0019] The movement of blood or other samples exiting the distal end 32 of the conduit 3 and / or gas from the cavity 41 tends to increase the pressure within the internal space of the container 2. In some embodiments, the sample holder 1 includes a fluid path through which fluid can exit the internal space of the container 2 when the cap 4 is moved from the first position towards the second position. For example, the container 2 can include an opening 23 extending through the wall of the container 2 through which fluid can exit the internal space of the container 2. When a sample is drawn into the conduit 3, the pressure created in the internal space of the container 2 for the liquid sample to move within the conduit 3 can be discharged through the opening 23. Additionally, when the cap 4 engages the container 2 and is moved to urge the liquid sample within the conduit 2 into the internal space of the container 2, any gas pressure within the container 2, such as gas from the cavity 41 used to purge or otherwise move the sample from the conduit 3, can be discharged through the opening 23. Thus, the cap 4 can be employed to move blood or other samples from the conduit 3 without overpressurizing the internal space of the container 2. This can, for example, help facilitate the movement of the cap 4 from the first position to the second position relative to the container 2 since the internal pressure within the container 2 generally does not resist the movement of the cap 4 relative to the container 2. Similarly, the opening 23 and / or other vents can help facilitate the removal of the cap 4 from the container 2. In some cases, the fluid within the container 2, such as the fluid near the distal end 32 of the conduit 3, can flow towards the opening 23 through a portion of the fluid path defined by the conduit holder 5, the container 2, or other components. For example, in some embodiments, the conduit holder 5 can include a channel 51 that can define a fluid path in communication with the opening 23. Air or other gas can flow along the channel 51 to the opening 23 for discharge from the internal space of the container 2. In some embodiments, blood or other liquid sample material may not flow along the fluid path to the opening 23 or other vents, for example, because the blood or other liquid sample is held in place by the immobilizing material 24.The immobilization material 24 can include, for example, chemical substances for increasing the viscosity of blood, and / or cages, filter papers, or other mechanical elements such as other components that can hold blood or other liquids, and / or promote drying, and / or increase the exposed surface area of the sample to assist in stabilizing the sample within the container 2. In some embodiments, the sample holder 1 can include a membrane or other component that allows gas to pass through but not liquid. For example, in the fluid path within the container 2 (e.g., in the vicinity of the channel 51 or the opening 23), a hydrophobic membrane or other membrane that prevents liquid material from exiting the interior space of the container 2 but allows gas to exit can be included.

[0020] In some embodiments, after blood or other sample is discharged from conduit 3, the opening 23 or other vent may be sealed so that blood or other sample can be contained in the sealed internal space of container 2, for example, so that blood or other sample is isolated from external environmental conditions such as humidity, oxygen, air, etc. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when cap 4 is moved towards the second position relative to container 2, the seal 42 or other portion of cap 4 covers opening 23, thereby sealing the internal space of container 2. In some embodiments, opening 23 or other vent can be closed in other ways, such as a plug, sticker or door attached to container 2. In some cases, cap 4 can include a recess 43 configured to receive the proximal end 31 of conduit 3. The reception of proximal end 31 by recess 43 may help support conduit 3 within sample holder 1 and / or may help seal proximal end 31, for example, to prevent blood or other sample from exiting proximal end 31. Recess 43 can seal proximal end 31 of conduit 3 only when cap 4 is fully seated on container 2, for example, when in the position shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the internal space of container 2 can be sealed except for fluid paths such as conduit 3 and opening 23 when cap 4 is removed from container 2. For example, when cap 4 is removed from container 2, the internal space of container 2 can be sealed except for conduit 3 and the fluid path (e.g., opening 23). When cap 4 is engaged with container 4, for example, when seal 42 is engaged to engage the upper end of container 2, the internal space can be sealed except for opening 23 or other fluid path that allows fluid to exit container 2 when cap 4 is moved towards the second position. When cap 4 is in the second position, for example, when cap 4 covers opening 23, the internal space can be completely sealed. These arrangements may help ensure that blood or other sample is exposed to potential contaminants or other conditions to a minimum extent.

[0021] In some embodiments, the container 2 can have an upper portion 22 having a diameter or size different from that of the lower portion of the container 2. For example, the upper portion 22 can be tubular and can have a diameter or other size larger than that of the lower portion 21. The larger size of the upper portion 22 can interact with the larger cavity 41 of the cap 4, thereby increasing the volume of air or other gas that is moved through the conduit 3 when the cap 4 is moved from the first position to the second position. The smaller size of the lower portion 21 can serve to contain blood or other samples in a relatively small volume of the internal space of the container 2, which can thereby help to improve the interaction with the immobilizing material 24 or other material and / or the drying material within the internal space. For example, a smaller internal volume of the container 2 can serve to help the blood sample dry faster and / or more rapidly in the presence of the drying material. In some embodiments, the container 2 can be made from two or more parts joined together. For example, as seen in FIG. 3, the upper portion 22 of the container 2 can be made from a tubular portion joined to a lower portion 21 made from a separate tubular portion (e.g., by the threaded connection 201 shown, or by an adhesive, interference fit or other connection). This type of arrangement can help with the assembly of the sample holder 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the conduit holder 5 and the conduit 3 can first be inserted into the internal space of the lower portion 21, and then the upper portion 22 can be engaged with the lower portion 21 to fix the conduit holder 5 and the conduit 3 in place. In some cases, the conduit 3 and the conduit holder 5 (if used) can be engaged with the upper portion 22, and then the assembled upper portion 22 and the conduit 3 can be engaged with the lower portion 21. In some cases, the upper portion 22 can include an opening 25 through which the proximal end of the conduit 3 can extend. The conduit 3 can be sealingly engaged with or otherwise engaged with the upper portion 22 at the opening 25, for example, by an adhesive, gasket, friction fit, etc. Thus, the upper portion 22 can include or be part of a conduit holder 5 that supports the conduit 3 within the container 2. For example, the upper portion 22 can engage with the conduit 3 at the opening 25 to help support the conduit 3.In some cases, the conduit 3 can fit relatively loosely into the opening 25.

[0022] The conduit holder 5 can be configured in various ways. For example, the conduit holder 5 can be arranged such that the conduit 3 passes through the central opening or passage of the conduit holder 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the conduit holder 5 can include first and second clam shell portions 52, 53 that sandwich the conduit 3. FIG. 5 shows only the first clam shell portion 52 and the conduit 3 with the second clam shell portion 53 removed. The first clam shell portion 52 includes a groove for receiving the conduit 3 and a pair of standoffs 54. The second clam shell portion 53 is configured similarly to the first clam shell portion 52 and can be placed over the conduit 3 so as to sandwich the conduit 3 between the clam shell portions 52, 53. The standoffs 54 may help prevent the clam shell portions 52, 53 from contacting each other except in the area of the standoffs 54. This can ensure that the channel 51 is reliably defined along the length of the conduit holder 5. The channel 51 can provide different functions such that the user can visualize the conduit 3 so as to identify whether the conduit 3 is holding blood or other sample and / or to confirm that the sample is being drawn into the conduit 3 (e.g., when the container 2 is made of a transparent material). The channel 51 can also, or alternatively, provide a flow path for gas or other fluid to flow to or from the opening 23 or other vent, for example, when the cap 4 is being moved relative to the container 2. The channel 51 can also, or alternatively, increase the surface area of the conduit holder 5 that is exposed to the internal space of the container 2. For example, if the conduit holder 5 is made of a drying material or contains a drying material, the increased surface area exposed to the internal space can help with more rapid or complete drying of blood or other sample. The first and second clam shell portions 52, 53 can be fitted into the container 2 to support the conduit 3 within the container 2. For example, the assembled clam shell portions 52, 53 and the conduit 3 can be fitted into the lower portion 21 or the upper portion 22 of the container 2 such that the clam shell portions 52, 53 engage with the inner wall of the lower portion 21 or the upper portion 22 by an interference fit or other friction fit to properly hold the conduit 3 in place.The relatively tight fitting of the clam shell portions 52, 53 within the container 2 can also apply a clamping force to the conduit 3, thereby assisting in ensuring that the conduit 3 is securely held between the clam shell portions 52, 53. The clam shell portions 52, 53 can generally be cylindrical in shape or can define a lower section that fits into the lower portion 21 in another suitable shape. The clam shell portions 52, 53 can define an upper section that provides, for example, a stopper for engaging with the rim of the lower portion 21 so that the insertion of the clam shell portions 52, 53 into the lower portion 21 is restricted to a desired range. This can help to ensure that the distal end 32 of the conduit is properly positioned within the container 2. The upper section of the clam shell portions 52, 53 can define a tapered shape, for example, being tapered such that it is smaller in size closer to the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3 than the area that further forms the proximal end. This can sometimes help to guide the engagement between the upper portion 22 and the lower portion 21. In some cases, the conduit holder 5 can be configured to fill the internal space of the container 2 to a desired extent, for example, occupying 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or more of the internal space of the container 2. Thereby, the volume of the internal space can be reduced, which can help in the drying of the blood sample.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more portions of the sample holder can have engagement features, for example, to assist a user in rotating one or more portions of the sample holder, or resisting rotation of one or more portions, or otherwise gripping and manipulating the sample holder. In some cases, the engagement features can be complementary engagement features configured to engage corresponding complementary engagement features on another component, for example, to assist in resisting rotation of a portion of the sample holder relative to another portion of the sample holder or relative to a separate structure. For example, FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment where the cap 4 includes engagement features 44 to assist a user in gripping, rotating, or otherwise manipulating the cap 4 in a desired manner. The engagement features 44 can take various forms, such as ribs, fins, knurling, surface roughness, or other structures that assist a user in gripping the cap 4. In some cases, the engagement features 44 can include radially extending elements, such as fins or ribs, that extend along all or a portion of the length of the cap 4. In some examples, the fins or ribs can extend across a portion of the sidewall and / or upper part of the cap 4 as shown in FIG. 6. Any suitable number of fins, ribs, tabs, or other engagement features 44 can be provided. As another example, the container 2 can include one or more engagement features 26, such as fins, ribs, knurling, surface roughness, or other structures, to assist a user in gripping the container 2. In some cases, such engagement features 26 can be provided on the upper and / or lower portions 22, 21 of the container 2. Similar to the engagement features on the cap, the engagement features 26 can extend across a portion of the sidewall, upper part, and / or lower part of the container 2 as shown in FIG. 6, for example, the engagement features 26 can extend circumferentially around the container 2 along the longitudinal axis of the container 2 and / or in other ways. The engagement features 44, 26 can be useful when a user rotates, slides, or otherwise moves the cap 4 relative to the container 2.

[0024] In some cases, the engagement features on the sample holder may be complementary to other parts of the sample holder and / or other engagement features on other structures. For example, in some embodiments, the container 2 and the cap 4 can each include complementary engagement features to assist in resisting rotation or other movement of one or more parts of the container 2 relative to the cap 4. FIG. 7 shows an arrangement in which the cap 4 of FIG. 6 is removed and the upper portion 22 of the container 2 includes engagement features 27 in the form of, for example, radially extending ribs, fins, tabs, or other suitable features. The engagement features 27 of the upper portion 22 may be complementary to the engagement features of the cap 4. For example, FIG. 8 shows a view within the cavity 41 of the cap 4 and shows engagement features 45 within the cavity 41 configured to engage the engagement features 27 on the upper portion 22 to assist in resisting rotation of the cap 4 relative to the upper portion 22. In some cases, the engagement features 27, 45 can engage only when the upper portion 22 is fully received within the cavity 41 or at least received by the cap 4 to within a threshold range. In some cases, the engagement features 27, 45 may be configured to engage when any part of the upper portion 22 is received within the cavity 41. For example, the engagement features can include corresponding splines and grooves on the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 that extend longitudinally along the cap 4 and the upper portion 22. In some cases, the engagement of the engagement features 27, 45 with each other may assist in removing the upper portion 22 from the lower portion 21. For example, in an embodiment where the upper and lower portions 22, 21 are threadedly engaged, the engagement of the engagement features 27, 45 allows the user to rotate the cap 4 and thereby rotate the upper portion 22 with the cap 4. If the lower portion 21 is held stationary relative to the upper portion 22, for example, the user can grip the engagement feature 26 on the lower portion 21 to relatively rotate the upper and lower portions 22, 21 to disengage their threaded connection and enable the upper portion 22 to be removed from the lower portion 21.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cap may be configured to allow a user to manipulate the container for sample collection and / or support the container on a surface. For example, FIG. 9 shows the sample holder 1 of FIGS. 6 - 8 arranged to receive the lower portion 21 such that the cap 4 is removed from the upper portion 22 and the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3 is exposed. The cap 4 may be sized larger than the lower portion 21, for example, to provide the user with a larger or otherwise more effective gripping area than the lower portion 21 so that the user can more easily grip and manipulate the container 2 for blood sample collection. In some cases, the cap 4 may be configured to support the container 2 on a surface, such as a countertop, such that the upper portion 22 and proximal end 31 of the container 2, particularly the conduit 3, are positioned above the surface on which the cap 4 is placed. As an example, the cap 4 and the engaged container 2 can be placed on the surface in a horizontal orientation, for example, such that the conduit 3 is horizontal. Thereby, the user can prepare the sample holder 1 for sample collection, place the sample holder 1 on the surface, and perform other actions such as puncturing the subject's skin to generate a blood droplet for collection. The engagement feature 44 of the cap 4 may serve to resist rolling or other movement of the sample holder 1 on the surface. In some cases, the cap 4 may be configured to support the container 2 in other orientations, such as a vertical orientation where the conduit 3 is vertically oriented with the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3 disposed above the distal end 32 of the conduit 3. For example, the end of the cap 4 can have a flat or otherwise configured surface that allows the cap 4 and the container 2 to be placed on the surface such that the cap 4 extends upward from the surface without assistance from the user or another support. After collecting a sample into the conduit 3, the user can remove the cap 4 from the lower portion 21 and place the cap 4 on the upper portion 22 to, for example, move the sample from the conduit 3 to the lower portion 21 and seal the interior space of the container 2.It should be noted that the container 2 and the cap 4 may include, for example, any suitable features described herein, such as those shown in FIGS. 6-9, combined so that movement of the cap relative to the container from a first position to a second position causes movement of a blood sample from the conduit into the container. As a further example in this regard, the container 2 may or may not include a conduit holder 5 (e.g., the conduit 3 itself may be supported), may or may not include a drying material, and so on.

[0026] In some cases, the sample holder may include, for example, a stand that can support the container in two or more orientations or other support means for the container. Such a stand may be useful when the user is operating, fixing, or otherwise holding or using the sample holder during use. For example, FIG. 10 shows an embodiment in which the container 2 is received and held by the stand 6. The stand 6 can be configured in various ways to receive and hold the container 2. For example, it has an opening or cavity 61 for receiving at least a part of the container 2. For example, the lower part 21 of the container 2 can be received in the opening 61, and for example, the container 2 can be held in an upright orientation on the surface without the assistance of the user. In such a case, the base 63 of the stand 6 can be placed on the surface and the stand 6 and the container 2 can be configured to be held in an upright orientation on the surface. In some cases, the stand 6 can engage with the container 2, for example, such that movement of the container 2 in one or more directions relative to the stand 6 is resisted. For example, in some cases, the stand 6 can engage with the engagement feature 26 on the container 2 and help resist rotation and / or longitudinal movement of the container 2 relative to the stand 6. FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the stand 6 is configured to engage with the engagement feature 26 on the lower part of the container 2, for example, including one or more recesses 62 configured to resist rotation of the lower part 26 relative to the stand 6. The engagement feature on the stand 6 can take any suitable form and may be complementary to the engagement feature on the container 2. For example, in FIG. 10, the lower part 21 includes an engagement feature 26 in the form of a radially extending rib near the bottom of the container 2. Accordingly, the engagement feature on the stand 6 may include one or more recesses for receiving and engaging the rib on the container 2. However, the engagement feature may be configured in other ways. For example, the recess on the container 2 may be engaged by a rib or tab on the stand 6. In some cases, the stand 6 can engage with the container 2 by friction and, for example, resist rotation and / or longitudinal movement of the container 2 relative to the stand 6.For example, a part of the stand 6 in the opening 61 or another area may frictionally engage with the container 2 such that the container 2 cannot be easily inserted into the opening 61 and / or removed from the opening 61. Thereby, the container 2 and the stand 6 can be prevented from separating in an undesired or unintended manner.

[0027] The engagement between the stand 6 and the container 2 can assist in disassembling and / or assembling the sample holder, collecting the sample material, processing the sample material in the container, etc. For example, in some cases, the stand 6 engages with the lower portion 21 of the container, and can resist the relative rotation of the lower portion 21 with respect to the stand 6, for example, by engaging the engaging feature 26 with the recess 62. However, the upper portion 22 of the container 2 and / or the cap 4 may not be directly engaged with the stand, for example, such that the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 can rotate relative to the lower portion 21 and the stand. As a result, the user can rotate the cap 4, thereby rotating the upper portion 22 relative to the lower portion 21 and the stand. For example, the user can separate and / or engage the upper portion 22 and the lower portion 21 from each other. FIG. 11 shows an example where the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 are removed from the lower portion 21, which is done, for example, by rotating the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 to disengage the threaded joint 201 of the lower portion 21 from the upper portion 22. This can expose the internal space of the lower portion 21, for example, allowing the user to access the sample in the lower portion and / or add materials such as processing reagents into the lower portion. As described above, the stand 6 can support the lower portion 21 on the surface without the assistance of the user, for example, by placing the base 63 on the surface. In some cases, when the upper portion 22 is removed from the lower portion 21, the conduit 3 and / or the holder 5 (if present) can be removed, as seen in FIG. 11. For example, the conduit 3 and / or the holder 5 may be fixed to the upper portion 22. Alternatively, the removal of the upper portion 22 from the lower portion 21 can leave the conduit 3 and / or the holder 5 at a predetermined position of the lower portion 21, as can be seen, for example, in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 also shows the position of the seal 42 when the cap 4 is positioned to completely receive the upper portion 22 within the cavity 41. That is, the seal 42 is positioned below the opening 23 so as to be able to seal the internal space of the container 2, as described above.Seal 42 is typically carried by cap 4, but note that in some cases, a seal 42 may be provided as shown in FIG. 12 to assist in properly sealing cap 4 and container 2, for example, to close the internal space when cap 4 is fully engaged on container 2.

[0028] In some cases, stand 6 may be configured to allow visualization or other observation of at least a portion of container 2 when container 2 is held by stand 6. Thereby, for example, after cap 4 is attached to container 2 and moved to feed a sample from conduit 3 into container 2, the user can confirm that the sample has been properly received in container 2. For example, stand 6 can be transparent and / or can include a window 66 such that a portion of the lower part 21 can be observed by the user and / or an optical detector. Window 66 may be formed as a cavity or opening between a part of stand 6, for example base 63, and a collar 65 that includes a part of the opening 61 in which container 2 is received. In some cases, collar 65 can have a tapered portion or recess around opening 61 to help guide the movement of container 2 into opening 61.

[0029] In some embodiments, the stand may be configured to assist the user in gripping and manipulating the stand 6 and the attached sample holder 1. For example, the stand 6 may be of a size and shape that can be comfortably and accurately manipulated by the user's hand. The features of the stand 6 for assisting manipulation can be varied as desired; in some cases, the stand 6 may include finger grips 67, e.g., one or more concave portions sized and shaped such that the user's fingers can hold the stand 6. In some cases, the finger grips 67 can be configured to be pinched between the index finger and the thumb; in some cases, the finger grips 67 can be configured to be positioned between adjacent fingers, e.g., configured such that a part of the index finger and the middle finger engage the finger grips 67. Thereby, the user may be able to position the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3 to a sample source and supply the sample to the conduit 3, e.g., by capillary action. As described above, the stand 6 can be configured to support the container 2 in multiple orientations, whether the stand 6 is being held by the user or is placed on a surface. One such orientation (e.g., a vertical orientation in which the conduit 3 is oriented vertically) is shown in FIG. 12, where the base 63 of the stand 6 can be placed on a surface such as a countertop to support the container 2 without user or other assistance. Another possible orientation (e.g., a horizontal orientation in which the conduit 3 is oriented horizontally) is shown in FIG. 13, where the stand 6 can then place its rear wall 64 on a surface such as a countertop to support the container 2 without user or other assistance. Both orientations can be useful for different purposes, such as sample collection, removal or attachment of caps from the container, or others.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cap can be configured to lock to the container, for example, such that the cap cannot be removed from the container or a part of the container. Such a configuration can help reduce contamination of the sample after sample collection and / or can help confirm that the sample has not been exposed to the external environment after sample collection. FIGS. 14 and 15 show an arrangement configured such that the cap 4 is lockable to the container 2 removably or non-removably. In some embodiments, the cap 4 can include one or more latches 46 configured to engage a part of the container 2. For example, as a result, once the latch 46 engages the container 2, the cap 4 cannot be removed unless the engagement of the latch 46 is released. In some cases, the latch 46 can be configured as a hook that extends downward along one or more sides of the cap 4, for example, downward from the bottom edge of the cap 4. The latch 46 can be configured to elastically bend outwardly, for example, such that the lower hook portion of the latch 46 is radially away from the longitudinal axis of the container 2. In some cases, such outward movement of the hook portion can be caused by the hook portion contacting a surface of a part of the container 2 that flares or extends downwardly and outwardly, for example, a ledge 28 on the upper portion 22 of the container 2. Thus, when the cap 4 is pressed downwardly against the upper portion 22 of the container 2, for example, to move a sample in the conduit 3 into the lower portion 21, the lowermost surface of the hook on the latch 46 contacts the ledge 28 and the hook may bend or flex outwardly until the hook is positioned below the ledge 28. With the hook positioned below the ledge 28, the latch 46 can bend inwardly, for example, by elasticity or elastic recovery, so that the hook engages the ledge 28. With the hook engaged with the ledge 28, the cap 4 cannot be removed without disengaging the latch 46 from the ledge 28, for example, by applying an appropriate upward force to the cap 4 and / or by bending the latch to disengage the hook from the ledge 28. As described above, the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 can include complementary engagement features 27, 45, for example, so that the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 can rotate relative to the lower portion 21.In some cases, the upper portion 22 may engage with the lower portion 21 in a manner similar to the engagement between the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 of FIGS. 14 and 15. For example, the upper portion 22 may include one or more latches 29 (see FIG. 15) configured to engage with a corresponding ledge or other portion of the lower portion 21 to secure the upper and lower portions 22, 21 together. The upper and lower portions 22, 21, and / or the cap 4 and the upper portion 22 can be disengaged by using a suitable tool, for example, by disengaging the latches from the corresponding ledge features, applying an appropriately large force, and / or by cutting or otherwise damaging the latches. Thus, anti-tampering fixation between the upper and lower portions, and / or between the cap and the container, can be provided.

[0031] While the stand shown in the drawings has a specific configuration, any suitable arrangement can be employed for the stand for the sample holder or other support. For example, the stand can be configured as a rectangular plate or structure including one or more recesses for receiving and holding a tray, such as a container and / or a cap, in one or more orientations such as vertical and horizontal orientations. FIG. 16 shows an exemplary arrangement of a stand 6 configured to support one or more portions of a sample holder 1, such as the sample holder arranged as shown in FIGS. 1 - 15. For example, the stand 6 can be configured as a tray having one or more cavities or other support features 68 (such as clips, clamps, friction elements, etc.) for supporting a portion of the sample holder 1. In some cases, the stand 6 can include a cavity 68a configured to support the container 2 in a horizontal orientation. In some arrangements, the container 2 can be supported by the cavity 68a such that the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3 is exposed, for example, so that blood or other samples can be positioned in the vicinity of the proximal end 31 for sample collection. In some cases, the cap 4 can be positioned on the upper portion 22 of the container 2 while the container 2 is held within the cavity 68a, for example, by frictional engagement between the cavity 68a and the container 2. The cap 4 can be removable, for example, and placed in another cavity or other support feature 68c for the cap 4, exposing the proximal end 31 of the conduit 3. After sample collection, the cap 4 can be repositioned on the upper portion 22, and the container 2 can remain within the cavity 68a. In some cases, the stand 6 can include another cavity or other support feature 68b configured to support the container 2 in an upright position, for example, such that the proximal end 31 is exposed at the topmost portion of the container 2. For example, the container 2 can be removed from the cavity 68a and placed in the cavity 68b for sample collection or preparation for sample collection. After sample collection, the container 2 can be supported within the cavity 6b, and the cap 4 can be placed on the upper portion 22 of the container (for example, after being retrieved from the cavity 68c). Thereafter, the container 2 and the cap 4 can be placed in the cavity 68a, for example, for delivery to a laboratory for processing, or can be completely removed from the stand 6.Embodiments are described where the sample holder 1 is combined with or used with the stand 6, but other supports for the stand 6 or the sample holder 1 are not essential. Thus, the sample holder 1 can be used in one or more aspects such as sample collection, processing, analysis, etc., regardless of the presence or absence of the stand 6 or other supports.

[0032] It should be noted that the user of the sample holder can use the sample holder for one or more different functions. For example, in some cases, the user can only use the sample holder for sample collection. Such a user can collect a sample from the user, for example, a person can express a blood droplet and collect this sample using the sample holder, or a person can use the sample holder to collect a sample from another person or other object. After collection, this user can close the sample holder, for example, by putting a cap on the container, and will not interact with the sample holder any further. In some cases, the user can use the sample holder, for example, for the processing and / or analysis of a sample previously collected by another person. Thus, the user for processing and / or analysis does not need to use the sample holder for sample collection and can interact with the sample holder in other ways, for example, by opening the container, for example, by removing the upper part 22 from the lower part 21 using the engaging features of the cap 4, the lower part 21, and / or the upper part 22. For example, for the processing of a sample in the container 2, reagents or other materials may be added to the container 2, and / or the sample material in the container 2 may be taken out for processing and / or analysis, and / or the sample in the container may be processed without opening the container 2. Such a user may or may not use one or more features of the sample holder and / or the stand.

[0033] The container 2 can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the lower portion 21 of the container can be made of a different material than the upper portion 22 of the container 2. Different materials can be employed to assist the different container portions in performing their respective functions. For example, the lower portion 21 can be made of a material suitable for exposing a sample within the holder 1 to focused acoustic energy, heat, or other processing conditions, such as shearing of blood cells and / or nucleic acids, PCR amplification, etc. The upper portion 22 can be made of a material that provides a suitable sealing surface with the cap 4 without imparting excessive friction that would resist the movement of the cap 4 relative to the container 2. Examples of materials for the container components include polyethylene, polypropylene, glass, metal, and the like.

[0034] Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, such aspects are not limited to the described embodiments. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the described embodiments will be apparent. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. Various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. A container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space, the container including a fluid path from the internal space to an external environment, a conduit having a distal end positioned within the internal space and a proximal end extending from the internal space, the conduit configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end thereof, a cap configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and engage the container, movement of the cap relative to the container from a first position to a second position causing a fluid pressure suitable to move a blood sample from the conduit into the internal space and to move fluid from the internal space through the fluid path to the external environment, and the cap and container cooperating at the second position to close the fluid path comprising a sample holder.

2. The sample holder of claim 1, wherein the fluid path is at least partially defined by an opening through the wall.

3. The sample holder of claim 2, wherein the cap covers the opening at the second position.

4. The sample holder of claim 1, wherein the cap includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of the container to engage the cap with the container.

5. The sample holder of claim 4, wherein the cap and the container are configured to generate a pressure exceeding ambient pressure in response to movement of the portion of the container into the cavity of the cap.

6. The sample holder of claim 5, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit when the cap is engaged with the container, and the pressure exceeding ambient pressure is suitable to move a blood sample within the conduit through the distal end into the internal space.

7. The sample holder of claim 1, wherein with the cap disengaged from the container, the internal space is sealed except for the path through the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end and the fluid path.

8. The sample holder of claim 7, wherein with the cap engaged with the container and in the first position, the internal space is sealed except for the fluid path.

9. The sample holder of claim 1, wherein the conduit includes a capillary tube configured to draw a blood sample into the capillary tube by contacting blood at the proximal end.

10. The sample holder according to claim 1, further comprising a drying material in the internal space configured to dry the blood sample enclosed in the internal space.

11. The sample holder according to claim 10, wherein the drying material has a tubular shape and a part of the conduit passes through the drying material.

12. The sample holder according to claim 11, wherein the drying material engages with the inner surface of the wall of the container and supports the conduit within the container.

13. A method for collecting a blood sample, comprising: providing at least partially a conduit in an internal space of a container; contacting blood with a proximal end of the conduit and drawing the blood into the conduit; moving a cap from a first position to a second position relative to the container to generate a positive pressure at the proximal end of the conduit and force the blood to move from the conduit into the internal space of the container; discharging fluid from the internal space of the container when the blood moves into the internal space of the container; positioning the cap at the second position relative to the container to seal the internal space and including a method.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein discharging the fluid includes discharging the fluid from the internal space through a fluid path partially defined by an opening penetrating the wall of the container.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein positioning the cap includes positioning the cap to cover the opening.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein moving the cap includes receiving a part of the container into a cavity of the cap to engage the cap with the container and generating the positive pressure.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein moving the cap includes moving a volume of gas exceeding the volume of the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end through the conduit.

18. The method according to claim 13, further comprising drying the blood in the sealed internal space by a drying material in the internal space.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein providing at least partially a conduit in the internal space of the container includes using a drying material to support the conduit in the internal space.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein discharging the fluid comprises discharging fluid from the internal space through a fluid path partially defined by the drying material.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein moving the cap comprises engaging a seal between the container and the cap and moving at least a portion of the container into the cap to generate the positive pressure.

22. A container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space, a conduit having a distal end positioned in the internal space and a proximal end extending from the internal space, the conduit being configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end thereof, a holder disposed to support the conduit within the internal space of the container, a cap configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and engage the container, wherein movement of the cap relative to the container from a first position to a second position causes a fluid pressure suitable to move a blood sample from the conduit into the internal space. A sample holder comprising.

23. The sample holder of claim 22, wherein the container includes a fluid path from the internal space to the external environment partially defined by an opening through the wall, and movement of the cap from the first position to the second position causes fluid to exit the internal space through the opening.

24. The sample holder of claim 23, wherein in the second position, the cap covers the opening and seals the internal space.

25. The sample holder of claim 22, wherein the cap includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of the container to engage the cap with the container.

26. The sample holder of claim 25, wherein the cap and the container are configured to generate a pressure exceeding ambient pressure in response to movement of the portion of the container into the cavity of the cap.

27. The sample holder of claim 26, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit when the cap is engaged with the container, and the pressure exceeding ambient pressure is suitable to move a blood sample in the conduit through the distal end into the internal space.

28. In a state where the cap is disengaged from the container, the internal space is sealed except for a capillary path passing through the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end and a fluid path from the internal space, which is partially defined by an opening penetrating the wall, to the external environment. The sample holder according to claim 22.

29. In a state where the cap is engaged with the container and is in the first position, the internal space is sealed except for the fluid path. The sample holder according to claim 28.

30. The conduit includes a capillary tube configured to draw a blood sample into the capillary tube by bringing blood into contact with the proximal end. The sample holder according to claim 22.

31. The holder includes a drying material configured to dry a blood sample enclosed in the internal space. The sample holder according to claim 22.

32. The drying material has a tubular shape, and a part of the conduit passes through the drying material. The sample holder according to claim 31.

33. The drying material engages with the inner surface of the wall of the container and supports the conduit within the container. The sample holder according to claim 32.

34. The container includes a lower portion having a cavity for receiving the distal end of the conduit and an upper portion positioned around the conduit and configured to engage with the cap. The sample holder according to claim 22.

35. A container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space, A conduit having a distal end positioned in the internal space and a proximal end extending from the internal space, the conduit being configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end of the conduit, A drying material disposed within the internal space of the container to support the conduit within the internal space and to dry a blood sample enclosed within the internal space, A cap configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and to engage with the container, wherein movement of the cap relative to the container from a first position to a second position causes a fluid pressure suitable for moving a blood sample from the conduit into the internal space A sample holder comprising.

36. The container includes a fluid path from the internal space, which is partially defined by an opening penetrating the wall, to the external environment, and movement of the cap from the first position to the second position causes fluid to exit the internal space through the opening. The sample holder according to claim 35.

37. The sample holder according to claim 36, wherein at the second position, the cap covers the opening and seals the internal space.

38. The sample holder according to claim 35, wherein the cap includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of the container for engaging the cap with the container.

39. The sample holder according to claim 38, wherein the cap and the container are configured to generate a pressure exceeding ambient pressure in response to movement of the portion of the container into the cavity of the cap.

40. The cavity is configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit when the cap is engaged with the container, and the pressure exceeding ambient pressure is suitable for moving a blood sample in the conduit through the distal end into the internal space, according to claim 39.

41. With the cap disengaged from the container, the internal space is sealed except for a capillary path through the conduit from the proximal end to the distal end and a fluid path from the internal space partially defined by an opening through the wall to the external environment. With the cap engaged with the container and in the first position, the internal space is sealed except for the fluid path, according to claim 35.

42. The sample holder according to claim 35, wherein the conduit holder and the container are configured to enable visualization of the conduit along its length.

43. The sample holder according to claim 35, wherein the conduit includes a capillary tube configured to draw a blood sample into the capillary tube by contacting blood at the proximal end.

44. The sample holder according to claim 35, wherein the drying material has a tubular shape and a portion of the conduit passes through the drying material.

45. The sample holder according to claim 44, wherein the drying material engages an inner surface of the wall of the container to support the conduit within the container.

46. The sample holder according to claim 35, wherein the container includes a lower portion having a cavity for receiving the distal end of the conduit and an upper portion positioned around the conduit and configured to engage with the cap.

47. The sample holder according to claim 35, wherein the drying material partially defines the fluid path.

48. A container having a wall on the outside and defining an internal space, the container including a lower portion having a cavity and an upper portion engaging with the lower portion, A conduit having a distal end positioned within the cavity of the lower portion and a proximal end extending from the internal space, the conduit extending through the upper portion and configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end of the conduit, A cap configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and engage with the upper portion, A sample holder, wherein the cap and the upper portion include complementary engagement features configured to engage with each other to resist rotation of the cap relative to the upper portion.

49. The sample holder according to claim 48, wherein the complementary engagement features include one or more ribs formed on the upper portion or the cap.

50. The sample holder according to claim 48, wherein the cap is movable relative to the upper portion from a first position where the upper portion is partially received within the cap to a second position where the upper portion is fully received within the cap, and the complementary engagement features engage to resist rotation only when the cap is in the second position.

51. The sample holder according to claim 48, wherein the upper portion is threadedly engaged with the lower portion, and the lower portion is configured to be removed from the upper portion by rotating the cap while the complementary engagement features engage to rotate the upper portion relative to the lower portion.

52. The sample holder according to claim 48, wherein the cap is configured to engage with the upper portion such that movement of the cap relative to the container from a first position to a second position causes a fluid pressure suitable for moving a blood sample from the conduit into the internal space.

53. The sample holder according to claim 52, wherein the container includes a fluid path from the internal space, which is partially defined by an opening penetrating the wall, to the external environment, and movement of the cap from the first position to the second position causes fluid to exit the internal space through the opening.

54. The sample holder according to claim 53, wherein at the second position, the cap covers the opening and seals the internal space.

55. The sample holder according to claim 48, wherein the cap includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of the upper portion for engaging the cap with the container.

56. The sample holder according to claim 55, wherein the cap and the container are configured to generate a pressure exceeding ambient pressure in response to movement of the upper portion of the container into the cavity.

57. The sample holder according to claim 56, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit when the cap is engaged with the container, and the pressure exceeding ambient pressure is suitable for moving a blood sample in the conduit into the internal space through the distal end.

58. The sample holder according to claim 48, wherein the conduit includes a capillary tube configured to draw a blood sample into the capillary tube by contacting blood at the proximal end.

59. The sample holder according to claim 48, further comprising a holder configured to hold the conduit within the container, the holder including a drying material configured to dry a blood sample enclosed in the internal space.

60. A container having a wall with an outer surface and defining an internal space, the container including a lower portion and an upper portion, A conduit having a distal end positioned in the internal space and a proximal end extending from the internal space, the conduit extending through the upper portion and configured to receive a blood sample at the proximal end of the conduit, A cap configured to receive the proximal end of the conduit and engage with the upper portion, And a stand configured to removably receive the lower portion of the container and support the container on a surface in at least two different orientations Comprising a sample holder.

61. The sample holder according to claim 60, wherein the two different orientations include a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation.

62. The sample holder according to claim 60, wherein the stand is gripped by a user and the user can manipulate the container for collection of a blood sample by the conduit.

63. The sample holder according to claim 60, wherein the stand and the container are configured to engage to resist rotation of the container relative to the stand about the longitudinal axis of the container.

64. The upper portion is threadedly engaged with the lower portion, and the stand and the lower portion are configured to resist rotation of the lower portion relative to the stand so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion by rotating the upper portion relative to the stand. The sample holder according to claim 63.

65. The cap and the upper portion are configured to engage with each other so as to resist rotation of the cap relative to the upper portion so that the upper portion can be removed from the lower portion by rotating the cap relative to the stand. The sample holder according to claim 64.

66. The conduit includes a capillary tube configured to draw a blood sample into the capillary tube by contacting blood at the proximal end. The sample holder according to claim 60.

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