Packaging element and medical consumable kit

Abstract

A packaging element (110) for packaging medical consumables (112) is disclosed. The packaging element (110) comprises: a. at least one carrier sheet component (114) having formed therein at least one cavity (116) and having at least one rim (118) at least partially surrounding the cavity (116); b. at least one barrier (120); and c. at least one sealing sheet material (122) configured for being coupled at least partially to the rim (118) of the at least one carrier sheet component (114) and for sealing the at least one cavity (116), - wherein the at least one cavity (116) comprises at least one consumable compartment (124) for receiving the medical consumable (112) and at least one desiccant compart- ment (126) for receiving at least one desiccant (128), and - wherein the consumable compartment (124) and the desiccant compartment (126) are separated via the at least one barrier (120), the barrier (120) preventing desiccant (128) from entering the consumable compartment (124) and the barrier (120) allowing for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment (124) to the desiccant compartment (126). Further disclosed are a medical consumable kit (140), a method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit (140) and a use of the packaging element (110).

Description

[0001] Packaging Element and Medical Consumable Kit

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a packaging element for packaging medical consumables and to a medical consumable kit. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit and to a use of the packaging element. The devices and methods of the present invention, as an example, may be applied in the field of medical technology and diagnostics, specifically in the field of packaging medical consumables. However, other applications are also feasible.

[0004] Background art

[0005] In the field of packaging medical consumables, in general, strict requirements regarding safety and sterilization have to be complied with. Specifically, the safety and integrity of the medical consumable cannot be compromised. Thus, typically, the design for medical packaging is complex and detailed, while materials are expensive. However, in order to conserve recourses and increase environmental compatibility further developments are needed. In particular, there is a continuing need for affordable, inexpensive and environmentally friendly packaging solutions without compromising the safety and integrity of the packaged medical consumables.

[0006] Problem to be solved

[0007] It is therefore desirable to provide devices, kits, methods and uses, which address the above mentioned technical challenges of packaging medical consumables. Specifically, devices and methods shall be proposed which are suited to improve environmental compatibility without compromising the safety of the packaged medical consumables.

[0008] Summary

[0009] This problem is addressed by a packaging element for packaging medical consumables, a medical consumable kit, a method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit and a use of the packaging element with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments which might be realized in an isolated fashion or in any arbitrary combinations are listed in the dependent claims as well as throughout the specification.

[0010] As used in the following, the terms “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions “A has B”, “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

[0011] Further, it shall be noted that the terms “at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically will be used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In the following, in most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” will not be repeated, non- withstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

[0012] Further, as used in the following, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

[0013] In a first aspect, a packaging element for packaging medical consumables is disclosed, Specifically, the packaging element may be configured for packaging medical test elements. The packaging element comprises at least one carrier sheet component having formed therein at least one cavity and having at least one rim at least partially surrounding the cavity. Further, the packaging element comprises at least one barrier and at least one sealing sheet material configured for being coupled at least partially to the rim of the at least one carrier sheet component and for sealing the at least one cavity. The at least one cavity comprises at least one consumable compartment for receiving the medical consumable and at least one desiccant compartment for receiving at least one desiccant. Further, the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are separated via the at least one barrier, the barrier being configured to prevent desiccant from entering the consumable compartment. Furthermore, the barrier is configured to allow for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment to the desiccant compartment.

[0014] The term “packaging element” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a device configured for enclosing one or more components and for providing protection for these one or more components, such as against mechanical influence and / or environmental influence like humidity and / or contamination. The packaging element may specifically be configured for enclosing the at least one medical consumable, such as at least one medical test element, and thus for providing protection for the at least one medical consumable.

[0015] The term “medical consumable” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary article and / or element being configured for use in the field of medical technology, exemplarily in the field of medical analytics or medical diagnostics. The medical consumable may be configured for performing at least one medical function and / or for being used in at least one medical process, such as one or more of a therapeutic process, a diagnostic process or another medical process. As an example, the medical consumable may be configured to be used by a user for testing purposes and / or for disease treatment. The medical consumable may comprise at least one article selected from the group consisting of: a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of a bodily fluid, specifically a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of blood, e.g. for detecting at least one detectable property in a sample of the user’s blood; a lab on a disc; a medical assay; an analyte sensor, e.g. a sensor configured for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid; a diagnostic device, e.g. an analytical diagnostic device for recording a measured value; an infusion device, specifically a drug infusion device used for infusing a liquid drug such as insulin or any other liquid drug into a tissue of the user; an electrical stimulating device, e.g. configured for stimulating a body tissue of the user.

[0016] In particular, the medical consumable may be a medical test element. The term “medical test element” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary article and / or element configured for performing at least one test and / or at least one analysis, e.g. an analysis of a sample of bodily fluid. As part of the analysis at least one analyte in the sample of bodily fluid and / or at least one parameter of the sample of bodily fluid, e.g. a diagnostic parameter, may be determined.

[0017] The term “user” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to a human being or an animal, independent from the fact that the human being or animal, respectively, may be in a healthy condition or may suffer from one or more diseases. The user may be a patient. As an example, the user may be a human being or an animal suffering from diabetes. The user may be a patient intending to monitor an analyte value, such as a glucose value, in the user’s body tissue and / or to deliver medication, such as insulin, into the user’s body tissue. However, in an embodiment, the user of the medical consumable may be different from the patient, such as for example helping personnel or hospital staff assisting the patient in making use of the medical consumable.

[0018] As used herein, the term “body fluid” is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically relates to an arbitrary fluid, which typically is present in a body or body tissue of a user or a patient and / or which may be produced by the body of the user or the patient. As an example for body tissue, blood and / or interstitial tissue may be named. However, additionally or alternatively, one or more other types of body fluids may be used, such as saliva, tear fluid, urine or other body fluids. The term “carrier sheet component” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a part of the packaging element configured for at least partially enclosing the medical consumable and for providing stability to the packaging element. The carrier sheet component may also simply be referred to as “carrier sheet”. In particular, the carrier sheet component may be or may comprise a tear-resistant and permanently deformable material for mechanically carrying and / or holding the medical consumable. As an example, the carrier sheet component may be shaped, e.g. in a cold deformation process, such as to have at least one convex shape on its one side, e.g. forming the at least one cavity, while having a flat and / or even shape on its opposing side, e.g. forming the at least one rim at least partially surrounding the cavity. The carrier sheet component may be or may comprise a material that is a least partially transparent, allowing a user to see through the carrier sheet component, i.e. into the cavity. Alternatively, the carrier sheet component may be or may comprise a fully opaque material.

[0019] The term “cavity” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an indentation and / or recess. In particular, the cavity may be an indentation and / or recess in another element, such as in the carrier sheet component. As an example, the cavity may be configured to have one or more components deposited within. In particular, the cavity may confine and / or enclose a space into which the one or more components may be partly or fully deposited, e.g. within which the one or more components may be received partly or completely. Specifically, the cavity formed in the carrier sheet component may be or may comprise an indentation and / or recess into which one or more components, such as one or more of the consumable compartment and the desiccant, may be depositable and / or placeable. For example, the shape of the cavity may correspond to a shape and / or size of the component which is to be placed and / or deposited within the cavity, e.g. to the shape of the one or more of the consumable compartment and the desiccant.

[0020] The term “rim” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an border and / or edge of at least one element. In particular, the rim may be or may comprise a border and / or edge of the carrier sheet component fully or partially surrounding the cavity, such as comprising an outline and / or brim of the cavity. The term “barrier” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an object and / or element configured for at least partially blocking passage and / or separating at least two areas and / or spaces. In particular, the barrier may be a semipermeable hindrance and / or obstacle, configured for obstructing movement of the desiccant from the desiccant compartment into the consumable compartment, while allowing for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment to the desiccant compartment. As an example, the barrier may be configured for allowing a fluidic connection between the at least two compartments. For this purpose, the barrier may specifically comprise at least one though holes and / or openings through which the water vapor may move. The barrier may specifically be configured for preventing the direct physical contact between one or more medical consumables and the desiccant, while at the same time allowing the exchange of gases between the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment, specifically via a fluidic connection between the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment being provided by the at least one barrier.

[0021] The term “sealing sheet material” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary film like material configured for sealing at least one enclosed space, when attached to another component and / or element. In particular, the sealing sheet material may have a sheet like shape, wherein the sealing sheet material in a first extension direction may be at least ten times smaller than an extension of the sealing sheet material in another direction, extending orthogonally to the first direction. The sealing sheet material, due to one or both of its shape and material, may specifically be elastically bendable around at least one axis. The sealing sheet material, as an example, may have a thickness of 10 micrometers to 500 micrometers. The sealing sheet material may be or may comprise a material that is a least partially transparent, allowing a user to see through the sealing sheet material, i.e. into the cavity. In particular, the sealing sheet material may be or may comprise an uncolored transparent material, which specifically may allow a view inside the cavity, e.g. in order to allow visually monitoring a state of one or more of the medical consumable and the desiccant. Alternatively, the sealing sheet material may be or may comprise a fully opaque material. Herein, the term “attached” is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a state and / or condition in which a first object is permanently or temporarily fixed and / or coupled to at least one second object. Thus, the status and / or condition in which the first object attached to the second object may refer to a permanent status and / or condition, such as a fixed and / or permanently connected status, e.g. a connection only destructively reversible. Alternatively however, the status and / or condition in which the first object attached to the second object may refer to a temporarily and / or reversible, specifically to a non-destructively reversible, status and / or condition, wherein the first object may be merely coupled and / or hinged to the second object. As an example, herein, the term “attached” may refer to one of a coupled and a fixed condition.

[0022] The term “sealing” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process and / or state of enclosing a volume and / or area to block and / or prevent at least one element from entering and / or leaking from the enclosed volume and / or area. In particular, the at least one cavity might be sealed such as to prevent ambient air and / or any surrounding fluid from entering the cavity.

[0023] The term “consumable compartment” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a confined and / or enclosed space into which the medical consumable may be partly or fully depositable. In particular, the consumable compartment may be or may comprise a volume within the at least one cavity within which the medical consumable, specifically the medical test element, may be receivable, e.g. completely.

[0024] The term “desiccant compartment” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a confined and / or enclosed space into which the desiccant, specifically an agglomeration and / or aliquot of desiccant material, may be partly or fully depositable. In particular, the desiccant compartment may be or may comprise a volume within the at least one cavity within which the desiccant may be receivable. The term “desiccant” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary agglomeration and / or aliquot of adsorber material, such as of a draying agent and / or moisture drain. In particular, the desiccant may be or may comprise a granular material configured for absorb moisture from its ambiance, such as from ambient air. As an example, the desiccant may be or may comprise silica gel and / or an active coal and / or an oxygen adsorbent. As an example, the desiccant may be a silica gel with a color change at a certain moisture content, so that it is easily detectable whether a moisture content, e.g. inside the packaging element, meets predefined requirements or not, i.e. indicating that the conditions for the medical consumable are not ideal and therefore, for example, should not be used. The color change silica gel may specifically be used in conjunction with one or more of an at least partially transparent sealing sheet material and an at least partially transparent carrier sheet component.

[0025] A volume of the desiccant compartment may specifically be smaller than a volume of the consumable compartment. Alternatively, the volume of the desiccant compartment may be equal to the volume of the consumable compartment.

[0026] The sealing sheet material may for example comprise one or more of a metal material, specifically aluminum, and a plastic material, specifically polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recyclable PET, adhesive polyurethane (PU), polyamide (PA), bi-axial oriented polyamide (oPA), and vinyl copolymer. As an example, the sealing sheet material may additionally or alternatively comprise a high-barrier plastics, such as ACLAR® or the like, such as for example to increase a water vapor tightness of the sealing sheet material. In particular, the sealing sheet material may comprise more than one of the above-mentioned materials.

[0027] As an example, the sealing sheet material may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least two layers. In particular, the sealing sheet material may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least three layers. Specifically, the sealing sheet material may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least four layers. Particularly, the sealing sheet material may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least five layers. At least one first layer of the multilayer material may specifically comprise a metal material, wherein at least one second layer may comprise a plastic material. Thus, as an example, the sealing sheet material may comprise more than one of the materials mentioned in the previous paragraph. The term “multilayer material” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary material comprising at least two layers. The term "layer" as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an arbitrary aliquot of material forming a sheet or film, either as a standalone film or as a film deposited on a substrate. The layer may specifically be arranged in at least one bundle of a plurality of layers, such as in a stack and / or multilayered element, wherein at least one layer may be placed and / or laid upon or below at least one other layer.

[0028] Specifically, in case the sealing sheet material comprises a multilayer material, at least two of the layers of the sealing sheet material may comprise different materials, i.e. the first layer may comprise the metal material, wherein the second layer may comprise the plastic material. As an example, the metal material may be aluminum and the plastic material may be one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), vinyl copolymer and adhesive polyurethane (PU).

[0029] As an example, the sealing sheet material may be or may comprise at least two layers, wherein one of the at least two layers may comprise PET and wherein one other one of the at least two layers may comprise aluminum. The at least two layers may be connected and / or attached to each other by adhesive PU. Furthermore, on an outer side of the sealing sheet material, specifically on a side facing outwards from the sealing sheet material, such as on an outside facing surface of one of the at least two layers, a heat-sealing lacquer may be deposited, such as a heat-sealing lacquer comprising vinyl copolymer. In particular, the heatsealing lacquer, specifically the heat-sealing lacquer comprising vinyl copolymer, may be configured for melting, when heat is applied to it, onto and / or with a surface material of the carrier sheet component, such as a material arranged on a surface of the carrier sheet component, specifically a material arranged on a rim side of the carrier sheet component, for example PVC or PVDC coated PVC arranged and / or deposited on the rim side of the carrier sheet component as outlined further below.

[0030] The carrier sheet component may comprise one or more of a metal material and a plastic material. In particular, the metal material may be aluminum, wherein the plastic material may specifically be one or more of PVC, PVDC coated PVC, PA, oPA, and / or adhesive PU. Specifically, the carrier sheet component may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least two layers. In particular, the carrier sheet component may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least three layers. Particularly, the carrier sheet component may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least four layers. Specifically, the carrier sheet component may comprise a multilayer material comprising at least five layers. At least one first layer of the multilayer material may specifically comprise a metal material, wherein at least one second layer may comprise a plastic material. Thus, as an example, the carrier sheet component may comprise more than one of the above-mentioned materials.

[0031] As an example, the carrier sheet component may comprise at least two layers, wherein one of the at least two layers may comprise PE and wherein one other one of the at least two layers may comprise aluminum. The at least two layers may be connected and / or attached to each other by adhesive PU. Furthermore, on an outer side of the carrier sheet component, specifically on a side facing outwards from the carrier sheet component, such as on an outside facing surface of one of the at least two layers of the carrier sheet component, one or more of PVC and PVDC coated PVC may be deposited. Specifically, the PVC and / or PVDC coated PVC may be configured for being connected, e.g. by one or more melting processes, with the heat-sealing lacquer of the sealing sheet material.

[0032] Specifically, e.g. by melting onto and / or with the PVC of the carrier sheet component, the heat-sealing lacquer, such as the heat-sealing lacquer comprising vinyl copolymer, of the sealing sheet material may in conjunction with the carrier sheet component form an airtight sealing of the at least one cavity. In particular, the airtight sealing may be formed by coupling the sealing sheet material to the rim of the carrier sheet component, e.g. by melting the heatsealing lacquer onto the PVC comprising rim of the carrier sheet component.

[0033] The barrier may comprise one or more of at least one channel formed in the carrier sheet component and at least one water vapor permeable membrane.

[0034] The term “channel” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a passage and / or opening provided and / or created in and / or through at least one object and configured for allowing transmission and / or exchange of at least one medium. In particular, the channel may be configured for allowing the transmission and / or exchange of at least one medium showing fluidic behavior, such as gases, aerosols and fluids. Thus, the channel may be configured for, in at least one direction, allowing the transmission of one or more of water vapor, aerosols and liquids from one entity to another entity. Specifically, in case the barrier comprises the at least one channel formed in the carrier sheet component, the carrier sheet component may for example further have formed therein at least two cavities. In particular, the consumable compartment may be formed by at least one first cavity of the at least two cavities and the desiccant compartment may be formed by at least one second cavity of the at least two cavities. Specifically, the at least two cavities may be formed spatially separated within the carrier sheet component, wherein the channel may fluidically connect the first cavity and the second cavity. As an example, the channel may be configured for, in at least one direction, allowing the transmission of one or more of water vapor, aerosols and liquids from one entity, e.g. the consumable compartment, to another entity, e.g. the desiccant compartment. Thus, as an example, the channel may be configured for fluidically connecting the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment.

[0035] In particular, the channel may comprise a closed cross section. In particular, the channel may be fully enclosed within at least one wall of the carrier sheet component. Thus, for example, the channel’s cross section may be fully enclosed by the carrier sheet component. Alternatively, however, the channel may comprise an open cross section. Thus, the channel’s cross section may only partially be enclosed by the carrier sheet component, e.g. leaving at least one gap, which does not border with at least one wall of the carrier sheet component. As an example, the channel may comprise an open cross section, in case at least one part of the channel, e.g. a lower side of the channel’s cross section, may be formed by the carrier sheet component and at least one other part of the channel, e.g. of the channel’s cross section, may be formed by the sealing sheet material. Thus, one part of the channel may be or may comprise an indentation in the carrier sheet component, specifically connecting the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment, wherein another part of the channel, specifically an upper part and / or lid part of the channel may be formed by the sealing sheet material arranged and / or coupled to the rim of the carrier sheet component. As an example, the channel may be an open channel that only becomes a closed channel after the sealing sheet material is coupled to the rim of the carrier sheet component.

[0036] The channel may have at least one cross section in the form and / or shape of one or more of a round shape, an angular shape, a regular shape and an irregular shape, each with or without at least one reinforcement, e.g. in the form of a strut and / or brace. In particular, the at least one cross section may have the form and / or shape of one or more of a half circle, a triangle, a rectangle, and a trapezoid. Specifically, the channel’s cross section may have the form and / or shape of a trapezoid. As an example, the channel’s cross section may have the form and / or shape of a symmetric trapezoid, e.g. a trapezoid having symmetrical legs, wherein particularly the trapezoids legs may be inclined by an angle in the range of from 3° to 40°, specifically of from 5° to 30°.

[0037] A width of a minimum cross section of the channel may for example be in the range of from 5% to 90% of a width of the desiccant compartment, i.e. of the second cavity. Specifically, the width of the minimum cross section of the channel may be in the range of from 5% to 50% of the width of the desiccant compartment.

[0038] As an example, a length of the channel may exceed the width of the channel. In particular, the term “length of the channel” as used herein may specifically refer to a shortest path along the channel from the consumable compartment to the desiccant compartment. Thus, as an example, the channel’s length may be or may comprise the shortest connection between the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment.

[0039] A depth of the desiccant compartment, i.e. of the second cavity, may be smaller than a depth of the consumable compartment, i.e. of the first cavity. Alternatively, the depth of the desiccant compartment may be equal to the depth of the consumable compartment. The term “depth of the compartment” as used herein may specifically refer to a maximum extension of the respective compartment in a normal direction of a plane arranged flatly and / or flush with the rim side of the carrier sheet component.

[0040] The barrier may further comprise the at least one water vapor permeable membrane, wherein the membrane may be arranged on a desiccant compartment side of the channel. As an example, the membrane may be attached to the sealing sheet material.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively to the carrier sheet component having formed therein at least two cavities, the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment may be formed within the same cavity.

[0042] As an example, in case the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are formed within the same cavity, the consumable compartment may be formed on a side of the cavity facing the carrier sheet component and the desiccant compartment may be on a side of the cavity facing the sealing sheet material. In particular, the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment may be stacked on top of each other, specifically with the consumable compartment being on a lower side, e.g. closer to the convex side of the carrier sheet component, and the desiccant compartment being on an upper side, e.g. closer to the rim side of the carrier sheet component and / or closer to the sealing sheet material. The barrier may comprise the at least one water vapor permeable membrane, wherein the membrane may be arranged such as to separate the desiccant compartment from the consumable compartment. Specifically in case the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are formed within the same cavity, the barrier may comprises the at least one water vapor permeable membrane separating the desiccant compartment from the consumable compartment. As an example, the membrane may be attached to the sealing sheet material, with the desiccant compartment formed between the membrane and the sealing sheet material. Thus, specifically in case the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are formed within the same cavity, the desiccant compartment may be formed between the membrane, e.g. the barrier, and the sealing sheet material.

[0043] In a further aspect of the present invention, a medical consumable kit is disclosed. The medical consumable kit comprises at least one packaging element as disclosed herein, specifically in one or more of the embodiments as described above or as further outlined below. Further, the medical consumable kit comprises at least one desiccant disposed within the desiccant compartment.

[0044] Specifically, the medical consumable kit may further comprise at least one medical consumable disposed within the consumable compartment.

[0045] For possible definitions of terms and possible embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the packaging element as given above or as described in further detail below.

[0046] The desiccant may be attached to the sealing sheet material of the packaging element. In particular, the desiccant may be attached, e.g. coupled and / or fixed, to a side of the sealing sheet material of the packaging element facing the carrier sheet component. Thus, the desiccant may specifically be glued to the sealing sheet material directly or indirectly. As an example, the desiccant may be indirectly attached to the sealing sheet material by being enclosed within at least one element comprising a water vapor permeable membrane of the barrier, wherein the element may be glued to the sealing sheet material, thereby attaching the desiccant held within the element to the sealing sheet material. In particular, the desiccant, which may be enclosed at least partially within the at least one water vapor permeable membrane of the barrier, may be attached to the sealing sheet material indirectly by the membrane being attached to the sealing sheet material. For example, the water vapor permeable membrane may be arranged and attached to the sealing sheet material, such that the water vapor permeable membrane and the sealing sheet material enclose the desiccant. In a further aspect of the present invention a method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit as described herein is disclosed. For possible definitions of terms and possible embodiments, reference may be made to the description of the packaging element and / or of the medical consumable kit as given above or as described in further detail below. The method comprises the following steps, which, as an example, may be performed in the given order. It shall be noted, however, that a different order is also possible. Further, it is also possible to perform one or more of the method steps once or repeatedly. Further, it is possible to perform two or more of the method steps simultaneously or in a timely overlapping fashion. The method may comprise further method steps, which are not listed.

[0047] The method comprises the following steps: i. providing at least one a carrier sheet component having formed therein at least one cavity and having at least one rim at least partially surrounding the cavity; ii. providing at least one sealing sheet material; iii. receiving at least one medical consumable in at least one consumable compartment of the packaging element; iv. receiving at least one desiccant in at least one desiccant compartment of the packaging element; and v. sealing the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment from a surrounding environment by coupling the sealing sheet material to the rim of the carrier sheet component, wherein the method further comprises: vi. providing at least one barrier, wherein the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are separated via the at least one barrier, the barrier preventing desiccant from entering the consumable compartment and the barrier allowing for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment to the desiccant compartment.

[0048] In a further aspect of the present invention a use of the packaging element as described herein is disclosed for packaging at least one medical consumable selected from the group consisting of: a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of a bodily fluid, specifically a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of blood; a medical assay, specifically comprising a test strip. The devices and methods according to the present invention provide a large number of advantages of known devices and methods. The disclosed devices and methods may specifically allow for sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing by reducing waste and material usage. Specifically by using recyclable PET.

[0049] Further, the disclosed packaging element may reduce the risk of damage to the medical consumable. In particular, mechanical damage to the medical consumable may be prevented by the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment being separated via the barrier. Furthermore, material damage or damage due to excess desiccation of the medical consumable may be prevented by the configuration of the barrier, specifically by one or more of the dimensions and the arrangement and / or location of the channel and / or the water vapor permeable membrane. In particular, the dimensioning of the channel may allow for a precise control of the desiccation and / or drying process, thereby preventing damage to the medical consumable otherwise caused by drying too much, too fast. Specifically, the disclosed devices and methods, by preventing damage to the medical consumable, may allow for a safer usage of the medical consumable. In addition, the disclosed devices and methods may increase the safety of using the medical consumable, such as by allowing to check a condition of the medical consumable to be identifiable from outside of the packages, e.g. by the packaging element optionally being at least partially transparent. As an example, the proposed packaging element may allow for an increased safety for the user by allowing expired and / or damaged medical consumables, e.g. via a quick response (QR) code, a temperature strip or the like, to be identified easily and quickly.

[0050] Furthermore, the disclosed packaging element may increase user convenience compared to known packages for medical consumables. In particular, the user convenience may be increased by allowing to remove the medical consumable without the desiccant falling out. For example, the desiccant, by being in a separate compartment and / or by being attached to the sealing sheet material, may be prevented from falling out, when separating the sealing sheet material from the carrier sheet component, specifically from at least the consumable compartment of the cavity of the carrier sheet component, for removing the medical consumable.

[0051] Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

[0052] Embodiment 1. A packaging element for packaging medical consumables, specifically for packaging medical test elements, the packaging element comprising: a. at least one carrier sheet component having formed therein at least one cavity and having at least one rim at least partially surrounding the cavity; b. at least one barrier; and c. at least one sealing sheet material configured for being coupled at least partially to the rim of the at least one carrier sheet component and for sealing the at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity comprises at least one consumable compartment for receiving the medical consumable and at least one desiccant compartment for receiving at least one desiccant, and wherein the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are separated via the at least one barrier, the barrier being configured to prevent desiccant from entering the consumable compartment and the barrier being configured to allow for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment to the desiccant compartment.

[0053] Embodiment 2. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein a volume of the desiccant compartment is smaller than or equal to a volume of the consumable compartment.

[0054] Embodiment 3. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing sheet material comprises one or more of a metal material, specifically aluminum, and a plastic material, specifically polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), adhesive polyurethane (PU), polyamide (PA), bi-axial oriented polyamide (oPA), and vinyl copolymer.

[0055] Embodiment 4. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing sheet material comprises a multilayer material comprising at least two layers, specifically at least three layers, specifically at least four layers, specifically at least five layers, wherein at least one first layer comprises a metal material and wherein at least one second layer comprises a plastic material.

[0056] Embodiment s. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the metal material is aluminum and wherein the plastic material is one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), vinyl copolymer and adhesive polyurethane (PU).

[0057] Embodiment 6. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the carrier sheet component comprises one or more of a metal material, spe- cifically aluminum, and a plastic material, specifically polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyvinylidene dichloride (PVDC) coated PVC, polyamide (PA), bi-axial oriented polyamide (oPA), and / or adhesive polyurethane (PU), specifically wherein the carrier sheet component comprises a multilayer material comprising at least two layers, specifically at least three layers, specifically at least four layers, specifically at least five layers, wherein at least one first layer comprises the metal material and wherein at least one second layer comprises the plastic material.

[0058] Embodiment 7. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the barrier comprises one or more of at least one channel formed in the carrier sheet component and at least one water vapor permeable membrane.

[0059] Embodiment 8. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the barrier comprises the at least one channel formed in the carrier sheet component, wherein the carrier sheet component has further formed therein at least two cavities, wherein the consumable compartment is formed by at least one first cavity of the at least two cavities and wherein the desiccant compartment is formed by at least one second cavity of the at least two cavities, wherein the at least two cavities are formed spatially separated within the carrier sheet component, and wherein the channel fluidically connects the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0060] Embodiment 9. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the channel has at least one cross section in the shape of one or more of a round shape, an angular shape, a regular shape and an irregular shape, each with or without at least one reinforcement, e.g. in the form of a strut and / or brace, specifically the at least one cross section has the shape of one or more of a half circle, a triangle, a rectangle, and a trapezoid.

[0061] Embodiment 10. The packaging element according to any one of the two preceding embodiments, wherein a width of a minimum cross section of the channel is in the range of from 5% to 90%, specifically from 5% to 50%, of a width of the desiccant compartment, i.e. of the second cavity.

[0062] Embodiment 11. The packaging element according to any one of the three preceding embodiments, wherein a length of the channel exceeds a width of the channel. Embodiment 12. The packaging element according to any one of the four preceding embodiments, wherein a depth of the desiccant compartment, i.e. of the second cavity, is smaller than or equal to a depth of the consumable compartment, i.e. of the first cavity.

[0063] Embodiment 13. The packaging element according to any one of the five preceding embodiments, wherein the barrier further comprises the at least one water vapor permeable membrane, wherein the membrane is arranged on a desiccant compartment side of the channel.

[0064] Embodiment 14. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the membrane is attached to the sealing sheet material.

[0065] Embodiment 15. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are formed within the same cavity.

[0066] Embodiment 16. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the consumable compartment is formed on a side of the cavity facing the carrier sheet component and wherein the desiccant compartment is on a side of the cavity facing the sealing sheet material.

[0067] Embodiment 17. The packaging element according to any one of the two preceding embodiments and according to any one of embodiments 7 to 14, wherein the barrier comprises the at least one water vapor permeable membrane and wherein the membrane is arranged such as to separate the desiccant compartment from the consumable compartment.

[0068] Embodiment 18. The packaging element according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the membrane is attached to the sealing sheet material, with the desiccant compartment formed between the membrane and the sealing sheet material.

[0069] Embodiment 19. A medical consumable kit, comprising

[0070] A. at least one packaging element according to any one of the preceding embodiments; and

[0071] B. at least one desiccant disposed within the desiccant compartment. Embodiment 20. The medical consumable kit according to the preceding embodiment, further comprising at least one medical consumable disposed within the consumable compartment.

[0072] Embodiment 21. The medical consumable kit according to any one of the two preceding embodiment, wherein the desiccant is attached to the sealing sheet material of the packaging element.

[0073] Embodiment 22. A method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit according any one of the preceding embodiments referring to a medical consumable kit, the method comprising: i. providing at least one a carrier sheet component having formed therein at least one cavity and having at least one rim at least partially surrounding the cavity; ii. providing at least one sealing sheet material; iii. receiving at least one medical consumable in at least one consumable compartment of the packaging element; iv. receiving at least one desiccant in at least one desiccant compartment of the packaging element; and v. sealing the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment from a surrounding environment by coupling the sealing sheet material to the rim of the carrier sheet component, wherein the method further comprises: vi. providing at least one barrier, wherein the consumable compartment and the desiccant compartment are separated via the at least one barrier, the barrier preventing desiccant from entering the consumable compartment and the barrier allowing for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment to the desiccant compartment.

[0074] Embodiment 23. A use of the packaging element according to anyone of the preceding embodiments referring to a packaging element, for packaging at least one medical consumable selected from the group consisting of: a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of a bodily fluid, specifically a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of blood; a medical assay, specifically comprising a test strip.

[0075] Short description of the Figures Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, the respective optional features may be realized in an isolated fashion as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as the skilled person will realize. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the Figures. Therein, identical reference numbers in these Figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.

[0076] In the Figures:

[0077] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a packaging element in a bottom plan view;

[0078] Figures 2 to 4 shows different embodiments of a packaging element in sectional views;

[0079] Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment of a medical consumable kit in a closed state (Figure 5) and in an opened state for removing the medical consumable (Figure 6);

[0080] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of a medical consumable kit in a closed state (Figure 7) and in a state after opening by a user for removing the medical consumable (Figure 8);

[0081] Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a medical consumable kit.

[0082] Detailed description of the embodiments

[0083] In Figures 1 to 5, different embodiments of a packaging element 110 for packaging medical consumables 112 are illustrated. The packaging element 110 comprises a. at least one carrier sheet component 114 having formed therein at least one cavity 116 and having at least one rim 118 at least partially surrounding the cavity 116; b. at least one barrier 120; and c. at least one sealing sheet material 122 configured for being coupled at least partially to the rim 118 of the at least one carrier sheet component 114 and for sealing the at least one cavity 116, wherein the at least one cavity 116 comprises at least one consumable compartment 124 for receiving the medical consumable 112 and at least one desiccant compartment 126 for receiving at least one desiccant 128, and wherein the consumable compartment 124 and the desiccant compartment 126 are separated via the at least one barrier 120, the barrier 120 being configured to prevent desiccant 128 from entering the consumable compartment 124 and the barrier 120 being configured to allow for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment 124 to the desiccant compartment 126.

[0084] The carrier sheet component 114 may have formed therein at least two cavities 116, wherein the consumable compartment 124 may for example be formed by at least one first cavity 130 and the desiccant compartment 126 may be formed by at least one second cavity 132. Such embodiments of the packaging element 110 are exemplarily illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. As an example, the at least two cavities 116 may be formed spatially separated within the carrier sheet component 114 and the barrier may comprise at least one channel 134 formed in the carrier sheet component 114, wherein the channel 134 may be configured for fluidi- cally connecting the first cavity 130 and the second cavity 132. A water vapor moving direction is exemplarily illustrated by arrow 136.

[0085] The channel 134 may have at least one cross section, specifically in a viewing direction along the water vapor moving direction illustrated by the arrow 136, in the shape of a trapezoid. However, other shapes of the cross section may also be possible, such as one or more of a round shape, an angular shape, a regular shape and an irregular shape, each with or without at least one reinforcement, e.g. in the form of a strut and / or brace. Specifically, the at least one cross section may have the shape of one or more of a half circle, a triangle, a rectangle and the like.

[0086] In particular, and as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 2, the depth of the desiccant compartment 126 may be smaller than the depth of the consumable compartment 124. Alternatively, and as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3, the depth of the desiccant compartment 126 may be equal to the depth of the consumable compartment 124. Still, the volume of the desiccant compartment 126 may be smaller than the volume of the consumable compartment 124.

[0087] The barrier 120 may further comprise at least one water vapor permeable membrane 138 arranged on a desiccant compartment side of the channel 134, as exemplarily illustrated in Figure 3. Specifically, the membrane 13 may be attached to the sealing sheet material 122. The consumable compartment 124 and the desiccant compartment 126 may be formed within the same cavity 116. Thus, the carrier sheet component 114 may have formed therein, within the same cavity 116, the consumable compartment 124 and the desiccant compartment 126. Such an embodiment of the packaging element 110 is exemplarily illustrated in Figure 4. As an example, the consumable compartment 124 may be formed on a side of the cavity 116 facing the carrier sheet component 114, wherein the desiccant compartment 126 may be on a side of the cavity 116 facing the sealing sheet material 122.

[0088] The barrier 120 may comprise at least one water vapor permeable membrane 138 configured for separating the desiccant compartment 126 from the consumable compartment 124. Specifically, the membrane 138 may be attached to the sealing sheet material 122, with the desiccant compartment 126 formed between the membrane 138 and the sealing sheet material 122. In Figure 4, again, the arrow 136 indicates the water vapor moving direction.

[0089] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate different embodiments of a medical consumable kit 140. The medical consumable kit 140 comprises:

[0090] A. at least one packaging element 110 according to the present invention; and

[0091] B. at least one medical consumable 112 disposed within the consumable compartment 124; and optionally

[0092] C. at least one desiccant 128 disposed within the desiccant compartment 126.

[0093] The desiccant 128 may specifically be attached to the sealing sheet material 122 of the packaging element 110. Thus, as exemplarily illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, when the packaging element 110 is opened in order to remove the medical consumable 114 from the packaging element 110, the desiccant 128 stays attached to the sealing sheet material 122.

[0094] In Figure 9, a flow chart of a method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit 140 according to the present invention is illustrated. The method comprises the following steps: i. (denoted by reference number 142) providing at least one a carrier sheet component 114 having formed therein at least one cavity 116 and having at least one rim 118 at least partially surrounding the cavity 116; ii. (denoted by reference number 144) providing at least one sealing sheet material 122; iii. (denoted by reference number 146) receiving at least one medical consumable 112 in at least one consumable compartment 124 of the packaging element 110; iv. (denoted by reference number 148) receiving at least one desiccant 128 in at least one desiccant compartment 126 of the packaging element 110; and v. (denoted by reference number 150) sealing the consumable compartment 124 and the desiccant compartment 126 from a surrounding environment by coupling the sealing sheet material 122 to the rim 118 of the carrier sheet component 114, wherein the method further comprises: vi. (denoted by reference number 152) providing at least one barrier 120, wherein the consumable compartment 124 and the desiccant compartment 126 are separated via the at least one barrier 120, the barrier 120 preventing desiccant 128 from entering the consumable compartment 124 and the barrier 120 allowing for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment 124 to the desiccant compartment 126.

[0095] List of reference numbers packaging element medical consumable carrier sheet component cavity rim barrier sealing sheet material consumable compartment desiccant compartment desiccant first cavity second cavity channel arrow indicating water vapor moving direction water vapor permeable membrane medical consumable kit step i. step ii. step iii. step iv. step v. step vi.

Claims

Claims1. A packaging element (110) for packaging medical consumables (112), the packaging element (110) comprising: a. at least one carrier sheet component (114) having formed therein at least one cavity (116) and having at least one rim (118) at least partially surrounding the cavity (116); b. at least one barrier (120); and c. at least one sealing sheet material (122) configured for being coupled at least partially to the rim (118) of the at least one carrier sheet component (114) and for sealing the at least one cavity (116), wherein the at least one cavity (116) comprises at least one consumable compartment (124) for receiving the medical consumable (112) and at least one desiccant compartment (126) for receiving at least one desiccant (128), and wherein the consumable compartment (124) and the desiccant compartment (126) are separated via the at least one barrier (120), the barrier (120) being configured to prevent desiccant (128) from entering the consumable compartment (124) and the barrier (120) being configured to allow for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment (124) to the desiccant compartment (126).

2. The packaging element according to the preceding claim, wherein the sealing sheet material comprises one or more of a metal material and a plastic material, specifically wherein the sealing sheet material comprises a multilayer material comprising at least two layers, wherein at least one first layer comprises the metal material and wherein at least one second layer comprises the plastic material.

3. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier sheet component comprises one or more of a metal material and a plastic material, specifically wherein the carrier sheet component comprises a multilayer material comprising at least two layers, wherein at least one first layer comprises the metal material and wherein at least one second layer comprises the plastic material.

4. The packaging element (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the barrier (120) comprises one or more of at least one channel (134) formed in the carrier sheet component (114) and at least one water vapor permeable membrane (138).

5. The packaging element (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the barrier (120) comprises the at least one channel (134) formed in the carrier sheet component (114), wherein the carrier sheet component (114) has further formed therein at least two cavities (116), wherein the consumable compartment (124) is formed by at least one first cavity (130) of the at least two cavities (116) and wherein the desiccant compartment (126) is formed by at least one second cavity (132) of the at least two cavities (116), wherein the at least two cavities (116) are formed spatially separated within the carrier sheet component (114), and wherein the channel (134) fluidically connects the first cavity (130) and the second cavity (132).

6. The packaging element (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the channel (134) has at least one cross section in the shape of a trapezoid.

7. The packaging element (110) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein a width of a minimum cross section of the channel (134) is in the range of from 5% to 90% of a width of the desiccant compartment (126), specifically wherein a length of the channel (134) exceeds the width of the channel (134).

8. The packaging element (110) according to any one of the three preceding claims, wherein a depth of the desiccant compartment (126) is smaller than or equal to a depth of the consumable compartment (124).

9. The packaging element (110) according to any one of the four preceding claims, wherein the barrier (120) further comprises the at least one water vapor permeable membrane (138), wherein the membrane (138) is arranged on a desiccant compartment side of the channel (134), specifically wherein the membrane (138) is attached to the sealing sheet material (122).

10. The packaging element (110) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the consumable compartment (124) and the desiccant compartment (126) are formed within the same cavity (116), wherein specifically the consumable compartment (124)is formed on a side of the cavity (116) facing the carrier sheet component (114) and wherein the desiccant compartment (126) is on a side of the cavity (116) facing the sealing sheet material (122).

11. The packaging element (110) according to the preceding claim and according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the barrier (120) comprises the at least one water vapor permeable membrane (138) and wherein the membrane (138) is arranged such as to separate the desiccant compartment (126) from the consumable compartment (124), specifically wherein the membrane (138) is attached to the sealing sheet material (122), with the desiccant compartment (126) formed between the membrane (138) and the sealing sheet material (122).

12. A medical consumable kit (140), comprisingA. at least one packaging element (110) according to any one of the preceding claims;B. at least one desiccant (128) disposed within the desiccant compartment (126); and specificallyC. at least one medical consumable (112) disposed within the consumable compartment (124).

13. The medical consumable kit (140) according to the preceding claim, wherein the desiccant (128) is attached to the sealing sheet material (122) of the packaging element (HO).

14. A method of manufacturing the medical consumable kit (140) according any one of the preceding claims referring to a medical consumable kit (140), the method comprising: i. providing at least one a carrier sheet component (114) having formed therein at least one cavity (116) and having at least one rim (118) at least partially surrounding the cavity (116); ii. providing at least one sealing sheet material (122); iii. receiving at least one medical consumable (112) in at least one consumable compartment (124) of the packaging element (110); iv. receiving at least one desiccant (128) in at least one desiccant compartment (126) of the packaging element (110); andv. sealing the consumable compartment (124) and the desiccant compartment (126) from a surrounding environment by coupling the sealing sheet material (122) to the rim (118) of the carrier sheet component (114), wherein the method further comprises: vi. providing at least one barrier (120), wherein the consumable compartment (124) and the desiccant compartment (126) are separated via the at least one barrier (120), the barrier (120) preventing desiccant (128) from entering the consumable compartment (124) and the barrier (120) allowing for water vapor moving from the consumable compartment (124) to the desiccant compartment (126).

15. A use of the packaging element (110) according to anyone of the preceding claims referring to a packaging element (110), for packaging at least one medical consumable (112) selected from the group consisting of: a sensor element for detecting at least one detectable property of a sample of a bodily fluid; a medical assay, specifically com- prising a test strip.

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