Tube adapter

Abstract

An adapter for a sample tube. The adapter having a proximal portion including a sample-tube interface configured to couple with the sample tube at a distal end of the sample tube. The adapter further includes a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a round bottom. A system and method of modifying a flat-bottom sample tube is also provided.

Description

[0001] TUBE ADAPTER

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 662,356, filed June 20, 2024, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety'. BACKGROUND

[0004] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to sample tube adapters for use in laboratory' automation systems.

[0005] A laboratory' automation system (LAS) can be used to perform multiple pre- analytic and post-analytic steps to automate sample preparation and distribution processes in clinical laboratories. The processes can include bar code identification, centrifugation, aliquoting of samples, transport of samples betyveen processes (modules), and delivery' of samples to laboratory' analyzers. Samples can be loaded onto the LAS and transferred to various locations of the LAS in tubes. Exemplary laboratory' automation systems can be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,182,419, filed August 14, 2014, and issued on November 10, 2015, and U.S. Patent No. 9,309,062, filed on August 14, 2014, and issued on April 12, 2016, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Similarly, automated systems can be used to perform rapid, sensitive, and high-throughput nucleic acid testing (NAT) of biological samples, e.g., blood, serum, or plasma samples from donors and / or patients. Systems and methods capable of performing rapid, sensitive, and high-NAT can be found in PCT Publication WO 2022 / 0232601, filed on April 29, 2022, and PCT Publication WO 2022 / 232550, filed on April 29, 2022, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0006] The vast majority of tubes processed in medical labs are tubes with round bottoms. Such tubes currently define the design of current laboratory automation systems. Tube designs other than those with round bottoms, such as tubes with flat bottoms, are difficult to handle in cun-ent laboratory automation systems without significant design changes. The design changes can be expensive to develop and implement. Furthermore, the changes can result in multiple LAS versions, each capable of interacting with a specific type of tube (flat bottom or round bottom).

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a solution to allow the handling of tubes with flat bottoms. The present invention provides a solution without any changes on the current laboratory automation systems.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the various embodiments described herein relate to sample tube adapters for use in laboratory automation systems. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the systems and methods particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

[0010] To achieve these and other advantages, and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes an adapter for a sample tube, the adapter having a proximal portion including a sample-tube interface configured to couple with the sample tube at a distal end of the sample tube, and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a round bottom. The adapter can be made of a thermoplastic polymer material, including polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0011] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the sample-tube interface can be dimensioned to be received in a flat bottom of the distal end of the sample tube. The sample tube-interface can be further dimensioned to couple to a sample tube having a diameter of 11 to 17 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the sample-tube interface can be internally threaded to accept a male fitting at the distal end of the sample tube during coupling.

[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the distal portion of the adapter can have a diameter larger than that of the proximal portion. Moreover, the distal portion can include a circumferential edge configured to align with a circumferential edge of the distal end of the sample tube when the sample-tube interface is received in the flat bottom of the distal end of the sample tube.

[0013] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the sample-tube interface can couple with the sample tube by a snap fit. Additionally, or alternatively, the sampletube interface and the sample tube can create an audible click when snap fit together. The sample-tube interface can also be coupled to the sample tube by one of friction fit, threading, and snapping. The sample-tube interface and the sample can also be machine- coupled prior to processing.

[0014] The present disclosure also provides a system for modifying a flat-bottom sample tube. The system includes an adapter having a proximal portion and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the proximal portion having a diameter smaller than that of the distal portion, and the distal portion including a round bottom; and a sample tube having a flat bottom distal end with an opening for receiving the sample-tube interface therein.

[0015] Furthermore, the present disclosure also provides a method of modifying a flat-bottom sample tube. The method includes providing an adapter having a proximal portion including a sample-tube interface configured to couple with the sample tube at a distal end of the sample tube, and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a round bottom, and coupling the sample-tube interface with the distal end of the sample tube.

[0016] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, coupling the sample-tube interface with the distal end of the sample tube can include sliding the sample-tube interface into an opening of the distal end of the sample tube. The sample-tube interface can be coupled with the sample tube by a snap fit. Additionally, or alternatively, the sample-tube interface and the sample tube can create an audible click when snap fit together.

[0017] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the systems and methods of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.

[0020] FIG. l is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adapter for mating with a sample tube in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, including an ex em pl ary sample tube.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the of the exemplary embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1 when coupling to the sample tube.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the of the exemplary embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1 when coupled to the sample tube.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a side, right perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1. including an exemplary sample tube. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1, and a right-side view of the exemplary sample tube.

[0024] FIG. 6 is yet another top perspective view of the exemplary7embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1, and a right perspective view of the exemplary sample tube.

[0025] FIG. 7 is a right-side view of the exemplary embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1 during coupling to the sample tube.

[0026] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary' embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 1 during coupling to the sample tube.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The structure and corresponding method of operation of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system. The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0029] The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to various methods and systems for providing an adapter for a sample tube. For example, and not by way of limitation, the subject matter disclosed herein is directed to an adapter for a sample tube, the adapter having a proximal portion including a sample-tube interface configured to couple with the sample tube at a distal end of the sample tube, and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a round bottom.

[0030] For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, exemplary embodiments of the adapter are shown in FIGS. 1-8. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the present disclosure provides a system 1000 including an adapter 100 for a sample tube 110. The sample tube 110 includes a flat distal end 112. The adapter 100 includes a proximal portion 102 including a sample-tube interface 106 configured to couple with the sample tube 110 at a distal end 112 of the sample tube 110. The adapter 100 further includes distal portion 104 extending from the proximal portion 102. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the distal portion 104 has a round bottom. How ever, the distal portion 104 can also have any suitable shape or configuration.

[0031] FIGS. 2-3 and 5-8 show an example embodiment of how the sample-tube interface 106 of adapter 100 is configured to receive or be received in the distal end 112 of the sample tube 110. For example, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the sampletube interface 106 of adapter 100 can be configured to be received in an opening 114 (FIGS. 1 and 3) at the flat bottom 112 of the distal end of the sample tube 110. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, it is advantageous for the sample-tube interface 106 to sit snugly within the sample tube 110 to ensure stability of the sample tube 110 and prevent separation during processing. Accordingly, the sample-tube interface 106 of the adapter 100 can be dimensioned such that the outer walls of the sample-tube interface 106 contact the inner circumference of the opening 1 14 of the sample tube 1 10.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 5 for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the distal portion 104 of the adapter 100 can have a semi-spherical shape with a top and bottom portion. The top portion of the distal portion 104 of the adapter 100 can abut the proximal portion 102 of the adapter 100 and have a circumferential edge 120 with a diameter rf, and the proximal portion 102 of the adapter 100 can have a circumferential edge 118 with a diameter dl. For purpose of illustration and not limitation, and the diameter d of the distal portion 104 can be larger than the diameter dl of the proximal portion 102. Moreover, diameter d can be equal to the diameter of the flat bottom 112 of the distal end of the sample tube 110, and diameter dl can be equal to the diameter d minus the thickness of the flat bottom 112 of the distal end of the sample tube 110. For example, d can be 11 to 17 millimeters (mm) and dl can be 9 to 15 mm. Thus, as seen in FIGS. 2-3 and 7-8, the circumferential edge 120 of the distal portion 104 can align with the flat bottom 112 of the distal end of the sample tube 110 when the adapter 100 is coupled to the sample tube 110.

[0033] The sample-tube interface 106 can be coupled with the sample tube 110 by any suitable coupling mechanism, including but not limited to snap fit. The sample-tube interface 106 and the sample tube 110 can create an audible click when coupled together. Although specific coupling of the sample-tube interface 106 and sample tube 110 is described, the sample-tube interface 106 can be coupled to the sample tube 110 by any suitable means, including for example, friction fit, threading, or snapping. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the opening 114 of the sample tube 110 can also have a male fitting 1 16 therein. The sample tube interface 106 of the adapter 100 can be configured to engage the male fitting 116. For example, the sample-tube interface 106 can engage the male fitting 1 16 by friction fit or snap fit. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, male fitting 1 16 can include external threads (not shown). In such a configuration, the sample tube interface 106 of the adapter 100 can be internally threaded to accommodate the threads of male fitting 116 of the sample tube 110 upon coupling.

[0034] For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the adapter 100 can be coupled to the sample tube 110 by sliding the adapter 100 into the sample tube 1 10 manually or via a machine prior to having the sample tube processed in the lab-automation. For example, coupling the adapter 100 and sample tube 110 can be an automated part of the LAS.

[0035] For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the adapter 100 can be used with sample tubes of any suitable diameter and range. For example, and for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the adapter 100 can be used with sample tubes used for obtaining and / or storing a sample, e.g. , a blood, serum, or plasma sample. For example, and for purpose of illustration and not limitation, the adapter 100 can be used with sample tubes with a nominal tube diameter range of 11 to 17 mm and nominal tube height range of 75 to 100 mm. For example, for purposes of illustration and not limitation, the nominal tube height can be 75 mm for a tube having a nominal diameter of 12 to 13 mm and the nominal tube height can be 100 mm for a tube having a nominal diameter of 13 to 17 mm.

[0036] For purpose of illustration and not limitation, the adapter 100 can be made of a hard thermoplastic polymer. For example, the adapter 100 can be made of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE).

[0037] In order to modify the sample tube for use in a medical workflow, an exemplary method of modifying a flat-bottom sample tube 110 can comprise providing an adapter 100 having a proximal portion 102 including a sample-tube interface 106 configured to couple with the sample tube 110 at a distal end 112 of the sample tube 1 10, and a distal portion 104 extending from the proximal portion 102, the distal portion 102 having a round bottom. The method can include coupling the sample-tube interface 106 with the distal end 112 of the sample tube 1 10. The adapter can contain one or more of the features described above with respect to adapter 100.

[0038] In addition to the disclosed subject matter claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other aspects of the disclosed subject matter having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other aspects of the disclosed subject matter having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to the aspects of the disclosed subject matter disclosed.

[0039] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adapter for a sample tube, the adapter comprising: a proximal portion including a sample-tube interface configured to couple with the sample tube at a distal end of the sample tube; and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a round bottom.

2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the sample-tube interface is dimensioned to be received in a flat bottom of the distal end of the sample tube.

3. The adapter of claim 2, wherein the sample-tube interface is internally threaded to accept a male fitting at the distal end of the sample tube during coupling.

4. The adapter of claim 1 , wherein the distal portion has a diameter larger than a diameter of the proximal portion.

5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the distal portion includes a circumferential edge configured to be aligned with a circumferential edge of the distal end of the sample tube when the sample-tube interface is received in the distal end of the sample tube.

6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the sample-tube interface is coupled with the sample tube by snap fit.

7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube create an audible click when snap fit together.

8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube are coupled by one of friction fit, threading, and snapping.

9. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube are machine-coupled.

10. The adapter of claim 1. wherein the sample-tube interface is dimensioned to couple to a sample tube having a diameter of 1 1 to 17 mm.

11. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is made of a thermoplastic polymer.

12. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is made of polyethylene (PE).

13. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the adapter is made of polypropylene (PP).

14. A system for modifying a flat-bottom sample tube, comprising: an adapter including a proximal portion and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the proximal portion having a sample-tube interface and a diameter smaller than a diameter of the distal portion, and the distal portion including a round bottom; and a sample tube having a flat bottom distal end with an opening for receiving the sampletube interface therein.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample-tube interface is internally threaded to accept a male fitting at the distal end of the sample tube during coupling.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the opening of the sample tube has a threaded male fiting configured to mate with the internally threaded sample-tube interface when the sample-tube interface is coupled to the sample tube.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the distal portion has a diameter larger than that of the proximal portion.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein the distal portion includes a circumferential edge configured to be aligned with a circumferential edge of the distal end of the sample tube when the sample-tube interface is received in the flat botom distal end of the sample tube.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample-tube interface is coupled with the sample tube by snap fit.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube create an audible click when snap fit together.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube are coupled by one of friction fit, threading, and snapping.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube are machine-coupled.

23. The system of claim 14, wherein the sample-tube interface is dimensioned to couple to a sample tube having a diameter of 11 to 17 mm.

24. The system of claim 14, wherein the adapter is made of a thermoplastic polymer.

25. The system of claim 14, wherein the adapter is made of polyethylene (PE).

26. The system of claim 14, wherein the adapter is made of polypropylene (PP).

27. A method of modifying a flat-bottom sample tube, comprising: providing an adapter comprising: a proximal portion including a sample-tube interface configured to couple with the sample tube at a distal end of the sample tube, and a distal portion extending from the proximal portion, the distal portion having a round bottom; and coupling the sample-tube interface with the distal end of the sample tube.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein coupling the sample-tube interface with the distal end of the sample tube comprises sliding the sample-tube interface into an opening of the distal end of the sample tube.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein the sample-tube interface is coupled with the sample tube by a snap fit.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the sample-tube interface and the sample tube create an audible click when snap fit together.

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