Towards Preventing Hemolysis Caused by Pneumatic Tube Systems Modular and Universal Internal Adapter Prototype

Abstract

The invention relates to an internal adapter device developed to prevent mechanical stress (hemolysis) caused by acceleration, vibration, and sudden stops during transport in pneumatic conveying systems (PTS) used in pre-analytical processes in laboratories. The device in question is manufactured using additive manufacturing (3D printing) from flexible polymer or viscoelastic materials that are fully compatible with standard PTS conveying capsules. The system offers a universal structure with 'removable modular layers' that allows sample tubes of different lengths and diameters (biochemistry, hemogram, etc.) to be fixed within the same capsule without colliding with each other. This modular geometry dampens high G-forces, preventing the lysis of erythrocytes and minimizing the occurrence of falsely high results in clinical parameters such as $K+$, $LDH$, and $AST$ caused by mechanical trauma.The invention provides an engineering solution aimed at improving patient safety, reducing sample rejection rates due to pre-analytical errors, and decreasing economic costs associated with unnecessary test repetitions.

Description

1 / 8 TARIFF SAMPLE USED IN PNEUMATIC CONVEYING SYSTEMS PROTECTING THE FALLOPIAN TUBES AGAINST HEMOLLYSIS A removable and attachable modular internal adapter. Technical Area The invention enables the rapid transmission of blood samples to biochemistry and hemogram laboratories in hospitals. This relates to pneumatic conveying systems (PTS) used for this purpose; in particular the aforementioned Samples of different lengths and diameters are placed inside the carrier capsules (1) of the systems. by damping the mechanical impact, acceleration and vibration to which the tubes (6) are subjected during transport A universal device with removable modular layers (4) that reduces hemolysis. It relates to the modular internal adapter (2). State of the Art The pre-analytical phase is the stage where clinical laboratory errors are most common, and the most significant error in this process is... One of the common problems is in-vitro hemolysis (breakdown of erythrocytes). Pneumatic transport. While sample transport systems (PTS) transport samples quickly, acceleration and sudden movements along the transport line can cause problems. Postures and vibrations can lead to hemolysis in the samples. Hemolysis is the process of intracellular cellular changes. high concentrations of potassium (K+), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate This involves artificially increasing the measurement results of analytes such as aminotransferase (AST), This leads to misdiagnosis in patients and unnecessary repeat testing. In some studies within the known state of the art, the use of PTS has been shown to reduce the hemolysis rate. It has been reported to significantly increase [the effect]. However, the tubes inside the carrier capsule... In systems with a protective internal structure that prevents movement and collision, PTS is used. It is also known that no statistically significant difference was found between manual and manual handling. This The situation is that the primary cause of hemolysis is not the transport action itself, but rather what is inside the carrier capsule. from sample tubes being left unprotected and colliding with each other or the capsule wall This reveals that it originates from... Furthermore, it shows that hemolysis due to mechanical trauma is known... It is also known that it cannot be prevented with pharmacological agents, indicating that the problem is not chemical. This shows that it requires a mechanical solution. 2 / 8 In the current state of the art, protective materials (foam, sponge, etc.) are generally of a single type. and is designed for single-size tubes, accommodating sample tubes of different lengths and diameters (e.g. It allows biochemistry tubes and hemogram tubes to be transported together safely in the same capsule. It is not recognized. These protectors are also of a fixed structure and vary according to different tube combinations. It cannot be reconstructed. Therefore, in the 10 known instances of the technique, different tube types were used. a universal and modular protective adapter with adaptable, removable and replaceable layers The existing need cannot be met. The presented invention addresses this need in the current state of the art. It is aimed at eliminating. Purpose of the Invention The main purpose of the invention is to transport samples inside pneumatic conveying system (PTS) capsules (1). by damping the mechanical acceleration, impact and vibration to which the tubes (6) are subjected during transport The aim is to provide a modular internal adapter (2) that reduces the occurrence of hemolysis. Another purpose of the invention is to make sample tubes of different lengths and diameters (6) (e.g. biochemistry and hemogram tubes), simultaneously in the same adapter (2), without touching each other universal with removable modular layers (4) that allow it to be transported safely It is about providing a structure. Another aim of the invention is to create three-dimensional capsules that are dimensionally compatible with standard PTS capsules (1). It aims to provide a low-cost engineering solution that can be produced using (3D) printing technology. Another aim of the invention is to reduce the rejection rates of samples due to hemolysis in hospitals. by reducing the risk of misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, thereby improving patient safety and preventing repeated occurrences. The goal is to reduce costs arising from the need for testing. Brief Description of the Figures The diagrams prepared to better understand the modular internal adapter, which is the subject of the invention, are briefly shown below. It has been explained. Figure 1. The modular internal adapter, the subject of the invention, fits inside a pneumatic conveying system capsule with a capacity of 30 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the installed unit. Figure 2. The modular internal adapter, the subject of the invention, with its modular layers separated from the body. This is a schematic view of the (exploded) state. 3 / 8 Explanation of Reference Symbols 1. Pneumatic conveying system (PTS) capsule 2. Modular internal adapter 3. Damping housing (flexible cage structure) 4. Removable and attachable modular layer 4a. Type 1 modular layer 4b. Second type of modular layer. 5. Tube holder 6. Sample tube 7. Locking tab 8. Flexible / viscoelastic body wall Description of the Invention The modular internal adapter (2) that is the subject of the invention is placed inside a pneumatic conveying system (PTS) capsule (1). It includes a removable and attachable body (3) (Figure 1). The body (3) is flexible or 20 produced using 3D printing technology from a polymer material exhibiting viscoelastic behavior. and has a flexible frame or spring mechanism that can absorb acceleration peaks generated during transport. It has a geometry that shows the outer surface of the fuselage (3) dimensionally similar to standard PTS capsules (1). It is designed with a compatible, universal geometry; so the adapter (2) can be used on different PTS lines It can be used without requiring any additional modifications. The body (3) is designed to accommodate sample tubes (6) of different lengths and diameters. There is at least one modular layer (4) that can be removed and attached independently (Figure 2). Modular layer (4), preferably at least one first type with different inner diameters and depths. It is structured as a modular layer (4a) and at least one second type of modular layer (4b). An example In practice, the first type modular layer (4a) is placed in a yellow-capped biochemistry tube (gel SST tube), the second The modular layer type (4b) is designed with internal dimensions suitable for the purple-capped hemogram 30 tube. Each a modular layer (4), with at least one tube holder (5) on which the sample tube (6) is located. It allows for its placement. Modular layers (4a, 4b) have at least one locking tab (7) on the fuselage (3) It is fixed to the body (3) by means of and can be removed and reattached manually when necessary. In this way, different numbers and types of modular layers (4a, 4b) can be placed inside the same adapter (2) as needed. 4 / 8 by placing 35, for example, at least one biochemistry tube and at least one complete blood count tube simultaneously, and It is possible to transport the body (3) and modular layers without them touching each other. (4) its flexible / viscoelastic body wall (8), placed inside the tube housings (5) sample tubes (6) were hardened against the capsule (1) wall or against each other during transport. It prevents the impact and absorbs the resulting impact energy. In the three-dimensional printing process, the body's (3) infill ratio and layer thickness parameters, It is experimentally adjusted to optimize the damping coefficient. In this way, the adapter (2) has both sufficient mechanical strength and shock / vibration damping capacity It is ensured that it has a modular and universal structure. The adapter's (2) modular and universal structure allows it to be used in the present. Unlike single-type protectors, they are redesigned according to different tube combinations. It can be configured, and thus different samples encountered in a real hospital workflow can be adapted. This allows it to adapt to various transportation scenarios. How the invention can be applied to industry. The modular internal adapter (2) that is the subject of the invention is used in the medical device and clinical laboratory equipment sector, as an additional component to the existing pneumatic conveying system (PTS) infrastructure of hospitals and industry. applicable. Production: Adapter (2), for low and medium scale production using three-dimensional printing technology. It can be produced directly; or, if the product is commercialized, flexible polymer injection molding can be used. High-volume mass production can also be achieved using these methods. Application Area: Adapter (2), pneumatic conveying system of hospitals, medical centers and laboratories. transporting different types of tubes (biochemistry, hemogram, etc.) on the lines while protecting them against hemolysis. It can be used for this purpose. Commercialization: The adapter (2) is compatible with standard PTS capsules, is universal and low cost. Its structure makes it an additional investment as a consumable / accessory component to the product's existing PTS infrastructure. It allows for the provision of these services to hospitals without requiring them.

Claims

5 / 8 REQUIREMENTS 5 1. Sample tubes (6) carried inside pneumatic conveying system (PTS) capsules (1) It is a modular internal adapter (2) which provides protection against hemolysis; its feature is PTS flexible / viscoelastic capsule (1) that can be placed inside the capsule in a removable / removable manner. produced using 3D printing technology from a material that exhibits transport behavior a body (3) that dampens the acceleration and vibration that occurs during; the body in question (3) 10 on it, to accommodate sample tubes of different lengths and diameters (6) at least one modular layer that can be removed and attached independently (4); and word The subject is located on the modular layer (4) where the sample tubes (6) are placed. It contains a small tube slot (5).

2. According to claim 1, the adapter (2) has the feature that the modular layer (4) has 15 different tube types. at least one modifiable type 1 modular layer (4a) and at least one type 2 modular It is structured as a layer (4b).

3. Adapter (2) according to claim 1, its feature is; the body (3), the acceleration peaks that occur during transport It has a flexible frame or a geometry exhibiting springiness that can dampen the moisture. that is. 20 4. The adapter (2) is in accordance with claim 1 and its feature is that it determines the damping coefficient of the body (3). Three-dimensional printing by adjusting the infill ratio and layer thickness parameters. It is the fact that it has been produced.

5. According to claim 1, the adapter (2) has the feature that the modular layer (4) has at least one locking mechanism on the body (3). It is fixed by means of its protrusion (7). 25 6. According to claim 2, the adapter (2) has the feature of being; first type modular layer (4a) and second type modular layer (4b), at least one biochemistry tube and at least one hemogram tube, on the same adapter (2) in such a way that they can be transported simultaneously and without touching each other. It is structured.

7. Adapter (2) according to claim 1, its feature is that the body (3) is externally connected to standard PTS capsules (1) 30 It has a universal external geometry that is compatible in terms of its dimensions.

8. The adapter (2) according to claim 1 has the characteristic that the body (3) and the modular layer (4) have at least one It contains a flexible / viscoelastic body wall (8).

Images