Sample tubes for biological fluids

Abstract

Sample tubes for biological fluids are disclosed herein. An example biological sample collection tube disclosed herein includes a first chamber, a second chamber including an outlet, and a one-way valve between the first chamber and the second chamber to enable a sample to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and prevent flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Description

SAMPLE TUBES FOR BIOLOGICAL FLUIDSFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to biological sampling and, more particularly, to sample tubes for biological fluids.BACKGROUND

[0002] Bodily fluids, such as capillary blood, can be sampled from patients and analyzed to monitor blood sugar levels, test for bloodborne pathogens, and / or test for other blood-related health metrics. Bodily fluid can be extracted via a sampling device, a needle, and / or another medical device. After extraction, the bodily fluid can be stored in a sample tube until tested.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 A is a schematic front view of an example sample tube implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure, the sample tube being in a first position.

[0004] FIG. IB is a schematic front view of the sample tube of FIG. 1 A in a second position.

[0005] FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an example first cap that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube of FIG. 1A.

[0006] FIG. 2B is a schematic front view of an example second cap that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube of FIG. 1A.

[0007] FIG. 2C is a schematic front view of an example third cap that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube of FIG. 1A.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube of FIGS. 1 A and IB dispensing a sample onto a linear flow assay.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube of FIGS. 1 A and IB dispensing a sample onto a cartridge of a portable diagnostic analyzer.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example sample tube and an example plurality of adapters implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of an example adjustable adapter implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure in a first position.

[0012] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable adapter of FIG. 6A in a second position.

[0013] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram depicting movement of a portion of an example iris assembly of the adjustable adapter of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0014] FIG. 6D is a plurality of front views of the adapter of FIGS. 6A-6C in a plurality of positions.

[0015] In general, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawing(s) and accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The figures are not necessarily to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Sample tubes to collect biological fluid samples from sampling devices are disclosed herein. An example sample tube disclosed herein includes a one-way valve that separates a first chamber of the sample tube from a second chamber of the sample tube. Some such example sample tubes disclosed herein include a flexible and / or compressible portion, which enables a user to open the one-way valve by apply ing pressure to the compressible portion. Some example sample tubes disclosed herein include an outlet disposed in the tip of the sample tubes, which enables samples to be directly dispensed into assays and / or medical diagnostic devices. Some example sample tubes disclosed herein include mixing features that mix collected samples with additives (e.g., anticoagulants, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.) during the storing and / or dispensing thereof. Example caps disclosed herein include metering features to regulate a volume of sample dispensed by the sample tubes disclosed herein. An example system disclosed herein includes a sample tube that can receive a plurality of adapters that enable the sample tube to be used with a variety of different commercially available sampling devices.

[0017] FIG. 1 A is a schematic front view of an example sample tube 100 in an example first position 101. In some examples, the sample tube 100 is also referred to herein as a “universal collection tube” because the sample tube 100 can be fit to the outlet of different sampling devices of different sizes as disclosed in more detail below. Also, in some examples, the sample tube 100 is an all-in-one draw and dispense tube (e g., an all-in-one draw and dispense vial, etc.) because the sample tube 100 accepts and holds a sample as the sample is drawn from a body and the sample tube 100 can dispense the sample like a pipette. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the sample tube 100 includes an example body 102, an example inlet 104, and an example outlet 106. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the interior of thebody 102 includes an example first chamber 108, an example first wall portion 109A, an example second wall portion 109B, an example second chamber 110, and an example one-way valve 112.

[0018] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the body 102 of the sample tube 100 includes an example interior surface 114 and an example exterior surface 116. In some examples, the body 102 of the sample tube 100 is composed of plastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), another type of plastic, etc.). In other examples, the sample tube 100 is composed of glass. In other examples, the body 102 can be composed of any other suitable material or combination of materials. In some examples, the body 102 can be manufactured via molding (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, vacuum molding, etc.), casting, extrusion, additive manufacturing, another suitable manufacturing process, and / or a combination thereof.

[0019] The inlet 104 is an opening in the sample tube 100 that facilitates the deposition of a sample therein. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the inlet 104 is adjacent to the first chamber 108. That is, bodily fluid input into the inlet 104 enters the first chamber 108. During operation of the sample tube 100, the sample tube 100 can be coupled to a fluid sampling device (e.g., a capillary blood microsampling device, a venous blood sampling device, another biological sampling device, etc.) via the inlet 104. For example, the sample tube 100 can include threads on the exterior surface 116 (e.g., external threads, etc.) and / or threads on the interior surface 114 adjacent to the inlet 104 to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube 100 to a fluid sampling device. In other examples, the sample tube 100 can be coupled to a fluid sampling device via another suitable means (e.g., an interference fit, in compression, via a bayonet interface, etc.). In some examples, a cap (e.g., a lid, etc.) can be coupled to the inlet 104 before and after a fluid sample is disposed in the sample tube 100 to prevent the inadvertent flow of a fluid sample out of the first chamber 108 and / or contamination of the first chamber 108. Example lids that can be used with the sample tube 100 are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2C.

[0020] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the inlet 104 includes an example inlet flange 118. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1 A, the inlet flange 118 extends from the exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100. In some examples, the inlet flange 118 facilitates the handling of the sample tube 100. In some examples, the inlet flange 118 is absent. In some such examples, the outer surface of the inlet 104 is flush with the exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100.

[0021] The outlet 106 is an opening in the sample tube 100 that facilitates the expulsion or dispensation of a sample therefrom. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the outlet 106 is formed in an example tip 120 of the sample tube 100. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the second chamber 110 converges (e.g., tapers, etc.) to the tip 120. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the tip 120 is opposite the inlet 104 of the sample tube 100. In other examples, the bottom of the second chamber 110 is rounded. In some examples, the outlet 106 and / or the tip 120 is shaped and sized to interface with a cartridge and / or interface of a diagnostic analyzer. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet 106 can be sized and / or shaped to cause samples to be dispensed in drops. In some examples, the outlet 106 includes a stopper, cap, and / or other feature that prevents the flow of a sample from the second chamber 110. In some such examples, the feature can be removed from the outlet 106 to enable the flow of the sample from the outlet 106.

[0022] The first chamber 108 is also referred to herein interchangeably as a “sample chamber” and an “upper chamber.” The first chamber 108 stores a sample received by the sample tube. In some examples, the first chamber 108 is filled with air and / or another gas. In other examples, if the sample tube 100 is a vacuum tube, the first chamber 108 is maintained at a vacuum (e.g., a pressure substantially below ambient pressure, etc.). In such examples, the inlet 104 can include a sealed cap (e.g., a rubber stopper, etc.) to prevent leakage of the ambient environment into the first chamber 108.

[0023] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the portion of the body 102 enclosing first chamber 108 is defined by the first wall portion 109A and the second wall portion 109B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the first wall portion 109 A is adjacent to the inlet 104 and the second wall portion 109B is adjacent to the second chamber 110 and the one-way valve 112. In some examples, the first wall portion 109A includes a grip to facilitate the handling of the sample tube 100 by a user of the sample tube 100 (e.g., to prevent the inadvertent expulsion of a sample from the sample tube 100 during the removal of the sample tube 100 from a sampling device, to facilitate shaking of the sample tube 100, etc.). For example, the first wall portion 109A can include finger grooves, a textured finish, and / or a high friction material coating (e.g., a rubber coating, a silicon coating, etc.).

[0024] In some examples, the first wall portion 109A is configured to be rigid (e.g., nonelastic, etc.) and the second wall portion 109B is configured to be flexible (e.g., elastic, compressible, etc.). In such examples, the first wall portion 109A is referred to herein as “a rigid wall portion” and the second wall portion 109B is referred to herein as a “flexible wall portion.” In some examples, the flexibility of the second wall portion 109B enables the compression ofthe body 102 by a user of the sample tube 100, which increases the pressure within the first chamber 108 and causes the one-way valve 112 to open. The compression of the second wall portion 109B is described below in conjunction with FIG. IB. In some such examples, the first wall portion 109A and the second wall portion 109B are composed of different materials (e.g., different densities of polyethylene, different types of plastics, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the first wall portion 109A is thicker than the second wall portion 109B. Additionally or alternatively, the first wall portion 109A is reinforced with a rigid doubler and / or backer.

[0025] The second chamber 110 is also referred to herein interchangeably as a “dispensing chamber” and a “lower chamber.” In the illustrated example of FIG. 1 A, the second chamber 110 is generally cone-shaped (e.g., the second chamber 110 converges to the tip 120 at the outlet 106, etc.). In other examples, the second chamber 110 can have any other suitable shape.

[0026] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the sample tube 100 can include an example additive 111 disposed in the first chamber 108. For example, the additive 111 can include an anticoagulant (e.g., sodium polyanethol sulfonate, sodium citrate, sodium heparin, lithium heparin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), acid-citrate-dextrose, etc.), a clot activator, a plasma separation gel, a serum separator gel, a glycolytic inhibiter (e.g., sodium fluoride, potassium oxalate, etc ), etc. In some examples, the composition of the additive 111 can depend on the type of sample to be stored in the sample tube 100 (e.g., blood, urine, etc.) and / or the assays the sample is to be subjected thereto. In some examples, the sample tube 100 can include a label and / or colored-coded cap based on the composition of the additive 111, and / or the type of sample included therein, and / or a type of assay.

[0027] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the additive 111 is in a reservoir in the first chamber 108. In other examples, the additive 111 can be disposed as a coating on the interior surface 114 of the first chamber 108. Additionally or alternatively, the additive 111 is disposed in the second chamber 110. In some examples, the additive 111 is absent (e.g., the first chamber 108 is empty and / or filled with air, etc.). In some examples, the inclusion of the additive 111 in the sample tube 100 eliminates the need for a user of the sample tube 100 to add the additives after the deposition of a sample within the sample tube 100.

[0028] The one-way valve 112 is a flow control device that regulates the flow of samples betw een the first chamber 108 and the second chamber 110. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the one-way valve 112 is disposed between the first chamber 108 and the second chamber 110 and is disposed between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106. In the first position 101 of the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the one-way valve 112 is closed, which fluidly seals the firstchamber 108 and the second chamber 110 (e.g., fluid cannot flow between the chambers 108, 110, etc.). In some examples, the one-way valve 112 can be configured to open under particular conditions. For example, the one-way valve 112 can be configured to move from a closed position (e.g., the position of FIG. 1A, etc.) to an open position when the first chamber 108 reaches a threshold pressure. In other examples, the one-way valve 112 can be opened via another mechanism (e.g., a volume of a sample in the first chamber 108 reaching a volume threshold, a user interface the exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100, etc.). The opening of the one-way valve 112 is described in additional detail below in conjunction with FIG. IB.

[0029] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1 A, the one-way valve 112 includes an example first flap 122A and an example second flap 122B. The flaps 122A, 122B are flexible members that are coupled to the interior surface 114 (e.g., cantilevered relative to the interior surface 114, etc ). In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the flaps 122A, 122B extend radially inward from the interior surface 114 of the sample tube 100. In the first position 101 of the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the first flap 122A and the second flap 122B abut in the interior of the sample tube 100 to form an example interface 124. The interface 124 fluidly seals the second chamber 110 from the first chamber 108. The abutment of the flaps 122A, 122B at the interface 124 and the geometry of the flaps 122A, 122B enables the flaps 122A, 122B to deflect into the second chamber 110 to open the one-way valve 112 (e.g., when a threshold weight or pressure is reached in the first chamber 108, etc.) and prevents the deflection of the flaps 122A, 122B into the first chamber 108. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the one-way valve 112 includes two flaps (e.g., the flaps 122A, 122B, etc.). In other examples, the one-way valve 112 can include a different quantity of flaps (e.g., one flap, three flaps, etc.). In some examples, the one-way valve 112 can be implemented by another type of one-way valve (e.g., a Reed valve, a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing valve, a butterfly check valve, etc.). In some examples, the interface 124 is a valve seat, on which a flow control member (e.g., a diaphragm, a valve ball, a valve disk, a valve plug, etc.) while the one-way valve 112 is closed. In some such examples, the flaps 122A, 122B and / or the interface 124 are absent.

[0030] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the sample tube 100 includes an example plasma separation filter 126. In some examples, the plasma separation filter 126 is absent. In some such examples, the additive 111 can include a plasma separation gel (e.g., a gel with a density between plasma and blood cells, etc.), which can be used to separate plasma and blood cells when the sample tube 100 is processed by a centnfuge.

[0031] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the sample tube 100 includes an example mixing feature 128. The mixing feature 128 encourages (e.g., facilitates, etc.) the mixing of asample and the additive 111 prior to the dispensing thereof via the outlet 106. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the mixing features 128 is in the second chamber 110. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing features 128 can be disposed in the first chamber 108. In some examples, the mixing feature 128 includes one or more grooves and / or edges formed in the interior surface 114 of the body 102 in the second chamber 110. For example, the mixing feature 128 can include one or more helical grooves that extend along the interior surface 114 between the one-way valve 112 and the outlet 106. In other examples, the grooves can have any other suitable shape and / or configuration.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, the mixing features 128 can include one or more mixing blades that extend from the interior surface 114 of the body 102 into the second chamber 110. In some examples, the mixing features 128 can be deployable (e.g., moveable between a deployed position and undeployed position, etc.). For example, in the deployed position, the mixing features 128 extend into the second chamber 110 and encourage the mixing of the sample and the additive 111. In some such examples, in the undeployed position, the mixing features 128 are flush with the interior surface 114 and do not encourage the mixing of the sample and the additive 111. In some examples, the mixing features 128 can be moved between a deployed position and an undeployed position via a user interface on an exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100 (e.g., a switch, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, if the mixing features 128 include (e.g., are composed of, etc.) a ferrous (e.g., ferromagnetic, etc.) or otherwise magnetically reactive material, the mixing features 128 can be deployed by moving a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, etc.) near the exterior of the second chamber 110. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the exterior surface 116 of the body 102 includes an example magnet interface 130 near the mixing features 128. In some examples, the magnet interface 130 includes a groove and / or flange to facilitate the positioning of a magnet near the mixing features 128. Additionally or alternatively, the sample tube 100 can be positioned in a holder, which indexes the mixing feature 128 into alignment with a magnet of the holder.

[0033] In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the sample tube 100 includes an example user interface 131. The user interface 131 provides feedback when the first chamber 108 includes a threshold volume of fluid. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1 A, the user interface 131 is a fill line that provides visual feedback when the first chamber 108 includes a threshold volume of fluid. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 131 can be implemented by a different system and / or structure. In some such examples, the user interface 131 can generate audio and / or tactile feedback.

[0034] FIG. IB is a schematic front view of an example sample tube 100 of FIG. 1 A in an example second position 132. In the illustrated example of FIG. IB, an example compressive force 134 is applied to the second wall portion 109B, which causes the elastic deformation of the second wall portion 109B. In some examples, the compression force 134 is generated by a user of the sample tube 100 squeezing the second wall portion 109B. In other examples, the compression force 134 can be applied in a different manner (e.g., by a tool, by a component in a diagnostic analyzer, etc.). In some examples, if the first chamber 108 is closed (e.g., a cap has been coupled to the inlet 104, etc.), the inward elastic deformation of the second wall portion 109B by the compressive force 134 reduces the volume of the first chamber 108 and increases the pressure in the first chamber 108. In the illustrated example of FIG. IB, the compression of the second wall portion 109B by the compression force 134 and the corresponding increase in pressure in the first chamber 108 causes the flaps 122A, 122B of the one-way valve 112 to deflect into the second chamber 110, the interface 124 of FIG. 1 to open, and form an example opening 136. The opening 136 causes the first chamber 108 to come into fluid communication with the second chamber 110. In some examples, because the second chamber 110 is at a lower pressure than the first chamber 108, fluid in the sample tube 100 (e.g., the sample and the additive 111 of FIG. 1A, etc.) flows from the first chamber 108 to the second chamber 110. That is, in the illustrated example of FIG. IB, the compressive force 134 causes the one-way valve 112 to open (e.g., the opening 136 to form between the flaps 122A, 122B, etc.) and fluid to flow from the first chamber 108 to the second chamber 110.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the one-way valve 112 can be opened in other manners. For example, the flaps 122A, 122B can be configured (e.g., the material of the flaps 122A, 122B, the size of the flaps 122 A, 122B, the thickness of the flaps 122A, 122B, the orientation of the flaps 122 A, 122B, etc.) to deflect down when a threshold weight of fluid is in the first chamber 108. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure in the first chamber 108 can be increased by displacing additional fluid in the first chamber 108. In some such examples, a cap coupled to the inlet 104 can be used to displace air into the first chamber 108. In some such examples, the displacement of a fixed volume of air into the first chamber 108 can be used to displace a corresponding volume of a sample through the one-way valve 112, through the second chamber 110, and out of the sample tube 100 via the outlet 106. Example caps that can displace air into the first chamber 108 are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2B and 2C.

[0036] The opening 136 enables fluid to flow from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110. In some examples, after flowing into the second chamber 110, the fluid is mixedby the mixing features 128. For example, the mixing features 128 can cause the sample disposed in the first chamber 108 to evenly mix with the additive 111 of FIG. 1. After flowing over the mixing features 128, the mixed fluid flows to the tip 120. In other examples, if the mixing features 128 are undeployed and / or absent, the fluid flows directly through the second chamber 110 into the tip 120. In some examples, if the outlet 106 is open (e.g., a stopper is not disposed therein, etc.), the sample is expelled from the sample tube 100 via the outlet 106.

[0037] FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example first cap 200 that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1. The first cap 208 keeps the sample tube 100 closed, which prevents contamination of the samples within the sample tube 100 and / or exposure of a user of the sample tube 100 to the sample stored therein.

[0038] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2A, the first cap 200 includes an example first portion 202, and an example second portion 204. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2A, the second portion 204 includes an example flange 206. The first cap 200 can be coupled to the inlet 104 of the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1A by disposing the first portion 202 in the inlet 104 such that the first portion 202 abuts the interior surface 114 of FIG. 1 A of the sample tube 100 and the flange 206 abuts the inlet flange 118. In some examples, the first cap 200 can be coupled to the body 102 of FIGS. 1 A and IB via a flexible member extending from the second portion 204 and the exterior surface 116 of FIGS. 1A and IB. In some examples, the first cap 200 is composed of a same material as the body 102 of the sample tube 100. In other examples, the first cap 200 can be composed of a different material as the body 102 (e.g., a plastic, a rubber, a natural material, etc.).

[0039] FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example second cap 208 that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1. The second cap 208 is an integrated transfer device, which enables a metered volume of sample to be dispensed from the sample tube 100. Like the first cap 200 of FIG. 2A, the second cap 208 keeps the sample tube 100 closed, which prevents contamination of the samples within the sample tube 100 and / or exposure of a user of the sample tube 100 to the sample stored therein.

[0040] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2B, the second cap 208 includes the first portion 202 of FIG. 2A, the flange 206 of FIG. 2A, and an example ejection button 210. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2B, the ejection button 210 includes an example interior volume 212 and is disposed over an example cavity 214. Like the first cap 200 of FIG. 2A, the second cap 208 of FIG. 2B can be coupled in the inlet 104 of FIGS. 1A and IB by disposing the first portion 202 in the inlet 104 such that the first portion 202 abuts the interior surface 114 of FIG. 1A of the sample tube 100 and the flange 206 abuts the inlet flange 118. In some examples, the secondcap 208 is composed of a same material as the body 102 of the sample tube 100. In other examples, the second cap 208 can be composed of a different material as the body 102 (e.g., a plastic, a rubber, a natural material, etc.). In some examples, the ejection button 210 can be composed of a semi-rigid material (e.g., a plastic, silicone, etc.) and / or any other suitable material.

[0041] When the second cap 208 is coupled to the sample tube 100, a user of the sample tube 100 can depress the ejection button 210 from an example first position 216A to an example second position 216B. In some examples, the depression of the ejection button 210 can cause the ejection button 210 to invert (e.g., move from the first position 216A to the second position 216B, etc.) and displace the volume 212 of the ejection button 210 into the first chamber 108 of the sample tube 100. That is, pressing the ejection button 210 can cause the ejection button 210 to elastically deform until the dome of the ejection button 210 reaches the second position 216B. In some examples, the displacement of the volume 212 into the first chamber 108 causes the pressure in the first chamber 108 to increase and a corresponding volume (e.g., an equal volume, etc.) of fluid to be expelled from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110 via the oneway valve 112. In some such examples, the ejection button 210 is a metering feature (e.g., a device that enables a metered amount of sample to be expelled from a sample tube, etc.). In some examples, after the expulsion of fluid via the action of the ejection button 210, the second cap 208 can be removed from the sample tube 100 and the ejection button 210 can be returned from the second position 216B to the first position 216A (e.g., by pressing the ejection button 210 from the cavity 214, etc.).

[0042] FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example third cap 218 that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1. The third cap 218 is an integrated transfer device, which enables a metered volume of sample to be dispensed from the sample tube 100. The third cap 218 is also referred to herein as a “pipette” and a “pipette cap.” Like the caps 200, 208 of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the third cap 218 keeps the sample tube 100 closed, which prevents contamination of the samples within the sample tube 100 and / or exposure of a user of the sample tube 100 to the sample stored therein.

[0043] In the illustrated example of FIG. 2C, the third cap 218 includes the first portion 202 of FIG. 2A, the flange 206 of FIG. 2A, the cavity 214 of FIG. 2B, an example piston block 220, an example piston 222, an example plunger 224, and an example retention flange 226. Like the first cap 200 of FIG. 2 A, the third cap 218 of FIG. 2C can be coupled in the inlet 104 of FIGS. 1 A and IB by disposing the first portion 202 in the inlet 104 such that the first portion 202 abuts the interior surface 114 of FIG. 1 A of the sample tube 100 and the flange 206 abutsthe inlet flange 118. In some examples, the piston block 220, the piston 222, and the plunger 224 is composed of a same material as the body 102 of the sample tube 100. In other examples, the piston block 220, the piston 222, and the plunger 224 can be composed of a different material as the body 102 (e.g., a plastic, a metal, etc.). In some examples, the piston 222 can include a flexible seal that abuts the interior of the piston block 220 to facilitate a fluid seal between the piston 222 and the piston block 220.

[0044] When the third cap 218 is coupled to the sample tube 100, a user of the sample tube 100 can depress the plunger 224, which causes the piston 222 to move toward the retention flange 226. In some examples, the depression of the plunger 224 displaces air in the cavity 214 into the first chamber 108 of the sample tube 100. In some examples, the displacement of air from the cavity 214 into first chamber 108 via the action of the piston 222 causes the pressure in the first chamber 108 to increase and a corresponding volume (e.g., an equal volume, etc.) of fluid to be expelled from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110 via the one-way valve 112. In some examples, the piston 222 and the plunger 224 is a metering feature (e.g., a device that enables a metered amount of sample to be expelled from the sample tube 100, etc.). In some examples, the plunger 224 can include features (e.g., visual markers, grooves, etc.) that provide feedback (e.g., visual feedback, tactile feedback, etc.) to a user of the third cap 218 to determine an amount of air displaced by the third cap 218 and the corresponding amount of sample fluid from the sample tube 100. In some examples, after the expulsion of fluid via the action of the ejection button 210, the second cap 208 can be removed from the sample tube 100 and the piston 222 can be moved back to a position distal to the retention flange 226. In some such examples, the third cap 218 can be coupled to another sample tube (e.g., another sample tube similar to the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1, etc ).

[0045] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube 100 of FIGS. 1A and IB dispensing a sample onto an example lateral flow assay 300. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the sample tube 100 includes an example sample 302, which is being expelled from the outlet 106 of FIGS. 1A and IB as example droplets 304. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the lateral flow assay 300 includes an example pad 306.

[0046] The lateral flow assay 300 is an assay that can identify the presence of a particular substance and / or compound in a liquid sample, i.e., a target analyte. In some examples, the sample 302 includes a biological fluid sample, such as blood, urine, saliva, sweat, serum, and / or another biological fluid. In other examples, the sample 302 can be any other type of fluid (e.g., a potable fluid, an environmental sample, etc.). In some examples, the lateral flowassay 300 can be used to detect the presence of antigen(s), hormone(s), pathogen(s), etc. in the sample 302.

[0047] In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the sample 302 is being dispensed from outlet 106 as the droplets 304. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the dispensation of the sample 302 is caused by the application of the compressive force 134 on the body 102 of the sample tube 100. Additionally or alternatively, the sample 302 can be dispensed from the sample tube 100 by another means (e.g., via the action of the second cap 208 of FIG. 2B, via the action of the third cap 218 of FIG. 2C, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 3, the outlet 106 can be sized and / or shaped such that sample 302 is expelled as droplets. In other examples, the outlet 106 can be sized and / or shaped to expel the sample 302 as a stream. The outlet 106 and the configuration of the sample tube 100 (e.g., the arrangement of the chambers 108, 110, etc.) enables the sample 302 to be directly moved from the sample tube 100 onto the lateral flow assay 300.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube 100 of FIGS. 1A and IB dispensing the sample 302 of FIG. 3 into an example cartridge 400 of an example portable diagnostic analyzer 402. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the cartridge 400 includes an example port 404. In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 includes an example slot 406.

[0049] The portable diagnostic analyzer 402 is an electronic device that can perform a variety of diagnostic tests based on blood or other fluids disposed on the cartridge 400. For example, the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 can detect a variety of substances in the sample 302 (e.g., lactate, blood gases, electrolytes, cardiac markers, etc.), perform a variety of hematology assays, perform a variety of endocrinology assays, etc. After receiving a sample, the cartridge 400 can be inserted into the slot 406, which enables the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 to analyze the inserted sample. In some examples, the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 is an i-STAT® analyzer from Abbott Laboratories.

[0050] In the illustrated example of FIG. 4, the tip 120 of the sample tube 100 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped, etc.) to fit within the port 404 of the cartridge 400. That is, the tip 120 can be directly inserted into the port 404 of the cartridge 400 and the sample 302 can be directly expelled via the outlet 106 into the cartridge 400 (e.g., compressive force 134, etc.). As such, the configuration of the sample tube 100 enables the direct deposition of a sample into the cartridge 400 from the sample tube 100. In some examples, the sample tube 100 can include a metering feature (e.g., the second cap 208 of FIG. 2B, the third cap 218 of FIG. 2C, etc.) toenable a metered volume of sample to be dispensed into the cartridge 400 and prevent the overfilling thereof.

[0051] Though a portable diagnostic analyzer 402 is shown in FIG. 4, the examples disclosed herein also may be used to dispense a sample into a non-portable diagnostic analyzer and / or a cartridge associated therewith. For example, the examples disclosed herein can be used to dispense a sample into a reaction vessel for use in a laboratory diagnostic analyzer such as the Alinity® analyzers by Abbott Laboratories. In some examples, the sample tube 100 can dispense a collected sample into multiple assays and / or testing devices so that multiple diagnostic tests can be run on the same sample (e.g., a complete blood count (CBC) panel, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) panel, an infectious disease test, etc.).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example kit or system 500 including an example sample tube 502 and an example first plurality of adapters 503 implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the sample tube 502 can be coupled to an example sampling device 504 via one or more of the plurality of adapters 503. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the plurality of adapters 503 includes an example first reducer adapter 506A, an example second reducer adapter 506B, an example third reduce adapter 506C, an example first expander adapter 508A, an example second expander adapter 508B, and an example third expander adapter 508C. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the sample tube 502 includes an example inlet flange 510 and an example interior surface 512. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the sample tube 513 has an example inlet diameter 513. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the sampling device 504 includes an example outlet 514, which has an example outlet diameter 515.

[0053] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C include an example first body 516A, an example second body 516B, and an example third body 516C, respectively, and an example first adapter flange 518A, an example second adapter flange 518B, an example third adapter flange 518C, respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C include an example first opening 520A, an example second opening 520B, and an example third opening 520C, respectively, which define corresponding an example first adapter diameter 522A, an example second adapter diameter 522B, and an example third adapter diameter 522C, respectively.

[0054] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C include an example first tube-side end 524A, an example second tube-side end 524B, and an example third tube-side end 524C, respectively, and an example first device-side end 526A, an example second device-side end 526B, and an example third device-side end 526C, respectively.In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the device-side ends 526A, 526B, 526C include an example first body 528A, an example second body 528B, and an example third body 528C. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C includes an example first flange 530A, an example second flange 530B, and an example third flange 530C. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the reducer adapters 506 A, 506B, 506C include an example first opening 532A, an example second opening 532B, and an example third opening 532C, respectively, which define corresponding an example first adapter diameter 534A, an example second adapter diameter 534B, and an example third adapter diameter 534C, respectively.

[0055] The sample tube 502 is a vessel to store a sample (e.g. , a bodily fluid sample, etc.) extracted by the sampling device 504. In some examples, the sample tube 502 is implemented by the sample tube 100 of FIGS. 1A-4. In other examples, the sample tube 502 can be implemented by another suitable type of sample tube (e.g., a flat-bottomed test tube, a roundbottom test tube, a screw tube test tube, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the sample tube 502 includes the inlet flange 510 and interior surface 512, which are similar to the inlet flange 118 of FIGS. 1A and IB and the interior surface 114 of FIGS. 1A and IB, respectively, unless noted otherwise.

[0056] The sampling device 504 is a device that extracts a bodily fluid sample from a patient. In some examples, the sampling device 504 includes a skin-piercing device, such as a lancet, a needle, a microneedle, an array of needles or microneedles, etc. to create a small wound in a patient’s skin. In some examples, the sampling device 504 draws bodily fluid from the patient and directs the bodily fluid to the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504. In some examples, the outlet 514 can include a needle or cannula extending therefrom, which directs blood out of the outlet 514. In some such examples, if the sample tube 502 is a vacuum tube, the needle of the outlet 514 can pierce a diaphragm of the sample tube 502, which draws blood from the interior of the sample device 504 into the sample tub 502.

[0057] The sampling device 504 can be coupled to the sample tube 502 by positioning the outlet 514 within the sample tube 502. To ensure transfer of the bodily sample from the sampling device 504 to the sample tube, the outlet diameter 515 of the outlet 514 and the inlet diameter 513 must be similarly sized (e.g., approximately equal to, etc.) to the inlet diameter 513. In some examples, to prevent containment and leakage and to form a fluid seal, the outlet diameter 515 of the outlet 514 and the inlet diameter 513 are sized to form an interference fit between the outlet 514 and the interior surface 512 of the sample tube 100. However, different sampling devices may have differently sized outlets. That is, commercially available sampling devices have outlets (e.g., outlets similar to the outlet 514, etc.) of different sizes. To facilitatethe compatibility of the sample tube 502 with a variety of sampling devices, the system 500 includes the plurality of adapters 503 to enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to sampling devices with outlets of different sizes. In some examples, the sample tube 502 and / or the plurality of adapters 503 can include a mechanical release to uncouple the sample tube 502 from the sample device 504 after a sample has been drawn into the sample tube 502.

[0058] The reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to the outlets of sampling devices with diameters that are smaller than the inlet diameter 513. The reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 by disposing the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C into the inlet 511 of the sample tube 502, such that the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C abut the interior surface 512 and the flanges 518A, 518B, 518C abut the inlet flange 510. In some examples, the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 via an interference fit. In other examples, the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C and the interior diameter can include threads, which enable the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C to be coupled to the sample tube 502 via a threaded coupling. After the adapters 506 A, 506B, 506C have been coupled to the sample tube 502, the openings 520 A, 520B, 520C can be disposed around the outlet of a sampling device (e.g., the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504, etc.).

[0059] The expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to the outlets of sampling devices with diameters that are larger than the inlet diameter 513. In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C are sized to fit within the inlet 511 of the sample tube 502 (e.g., the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C are slightly smaller than the inlet diameter 513, etc.). In some such examples, the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 by disposing the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C into the inlet 511 of the sample tube 502, such that the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C abut the interior surface 512 and the flanges 530A, 530B, 530C abut the inlet flange 510. In other examples, the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C are larger than the inlet diameter 513. In some such examples, the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C of the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C can be coupled to an exterior surface of the sample tube 502. In some examples, the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 via an interference fit. In other examples, the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C and the interior surface 512 can include threads, which enable the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C to be coupled to the sample tube 502 via a threaded coupling. After the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C have been coupled to the sample tube 502, the openings 532A, 532B, 532C of the device-side ends 526A, 526B, 526C can be disposed around the outlet of a sampling device (e.g., the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504, etc.).

[0060] The plurality of the adapters 503 enables the sample tube 502 to be coupled to a variety of different microsampling devices. In some examples, the adapter diameters 522A, 522B, 522C, 534A, 534B, 534C are sized to fit the diameters of different commercially available sampling devices. That is, the plurality of the adapters 503 can releasably secure and seal (e.g., fluidly seal, etc.) the sample tube 502 to sampling devices having outlets of different sizes (e.g., the plurality of the adapters 503 enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to different makes and models of sampling devices, etc.). In some examples, one or more of the plurality of adapters 503 can be sized to one or more standard sizes (e.g., standard sample tube sizes, etc.) from one or more manufacturers.

[0061] In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the plurality of adapters 503 include six adapters (e.g., the 506A, 506B, 506C, 508A, 508B, 508C, etc.). In other examples, the plurality of adapters 503 can include a different quantity of adapters (e.g., one adapter, two adapters, four adapters, ten adapters, twenty -five adapters, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the adapters 506 A, 506B, 506C, 508A, 508B, 508C are configured to be disposed around an exterior surface of an outlet of a sampling device. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of adapters 503 can include adapters that are configured to be disposed within an interior surface of an outlet of a sampling device.

[0062] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an adjustable adapter 600 in an example first position 602A. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the adjustable adapter 600 of FIG. 6A in an example second position 602B. The adjustable adapter 600 can be used to couple the sample tube 502 of FIG. 5 to the sampling device 504 of FIG. 5. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the adjustable adapter 600 includes an example tube-side end 604A and an example device-side end 604B. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the adjustable adapter 600 includes an example body 606, an example flange 608, and an example opening 610 extending through the body 606. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the body 606 has an example first body portion 612A adjacent to the tube-side end 604A and an example second body portion 612B adjacent to the device side end 604B.

[0063] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6 A and 6B, the adjustable adapter 600 includes an example iris assembly 614 in the second body portion 612B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the iris assembly 614 includes an example plurality of blades 616, which include an example first blade 617A and an example second blade 617B. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the iris assembly 614 includes an example plurality of arms 618, which include an example first arm 619A and an example second arm 619B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the iris assembly 614 also includes an example outer ring 620, an exampleinner ring 622, and an example lock 623. The plurality of blades 616, the plurality of arms 618, the outer ring 620, the inner ring 622, the lock 623 can be composed of any suitable rigid material(s) (e.g., one or more plastics, one or more polymers, one or more composites, one or more metals, etc.).

[0064] As described above in conjunction with FIG. 5, to ensure transfer of the bodily sample from the sampling device 504 to the sample tube, the outlet diameter 515 of the outlet 514 is to be similarly sized (e.g., approximately equal to, etc.) to the inlet diameter 513. In some examples, the body 606 abuts the interior surface 512 of the sample tube 502 of FIG. 5 and the flange 608 abuts the inlet flange 510 of the sample tube 502 of FIG. 5. Different commercially available sampling devices may have differently sized outlets. To facilitate the compatibility of the sample tube 502 with a variety of sampling devices, the iris assembly 614 enables the adjustable adapter 600 to receive sampling devices with different outlet diameters. That is, the iris assembly 614 can adjust the diameter of the device-side end 604B into a plurality of diameters to accommodate differently sized outlets of sampling devices.

[0065] The plurality of blades 616 are the components of the iris assembly 614 that enable the adjustable adapter 600 to have a vanable diameter. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the plurality of blades 616 are movably disposed within the device-side end 604B of the adjustable adapter 600 (e.g., the plurality of blades 616 is radially movable within the device-side end 604B, etc.). In some examples, each of the plurality of blades 616 is the same size and shape. For example, the plurality of blades 616 can be polygonal (e.g. triangular, quadrilateral, etc.). In other examples, some or all of the sides of the plurality of blades 616 are curved (e.g., a triangle with curved sides, leaf-shaped, etc.). In other examples, some or all of the plurality of blades 616 have different sizes and / or shapes. In other examples, the plurality of blades 616 can include at least four blades (e.g., five blades, twelve blades, twenty' blades, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, each of the plurality of blades 616 is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality' of arms 618 via a first set of fasteners 624 and the body 606 via a second set of fasteners 625. The plurality of blades 616 is described in additional detail below in conjunction with FIG. 6D.

[0066] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6 A, 6B, and 6D the contact surfaces of the plurality of blades 616 (e.g., portions of the blades 616 that are to contact the outer diameter 515 of the sampling device 504, etc.) includes an example elastic sheath or liner 626. During operation, as the iris assembly 614 is tightened about the outer diameter 515 of the sampling device 502, the elastic liner 626 is compressed between the plurality of blades 616 and the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504. In some examples, the compression of the elastic liner 626forms a seal between the sampling tube 502 and the sampling device 504, which facilitates the transfer of a sample therebetween. The elastic liner 626 can be composed of one or more flexible material(s) (e.g., natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a soft plastic, another polymer, etc.). In some examples, the elastic liner 626 is absent. In some such example, the plurality of blades 616 are composed of a flexible material, which similarly facilitates the formation of a seal between the sampling tube 502 and the sampling device 504.

[0067] The plurality of arms 618 couple corresponding ones of the plurality of blades 616 to the inner ring 622. During operation of the adjustable adapter 600, the plurality of arms 618 pivot, which displaces the plurality of blades 616 radially. In some examples, the plurality of arms 618 are arc-shaped components that have a same radius of curvature of the body 606, the outer ring 620, and / or the inner ring 622. The plurality of arms 618 includes a same quantity of arms as the plurality of blades 616 (e.g., each of the plurality of blades 616 is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of arms 618, etc ).[006S] The outer ring 620 is an annular member that extends annularly within the second body portion 612B of the body 606. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the outer ring 620 includes an outer surface 627, which is flush with the outer diameter of the second body portion 612B. In some examples, the outer surface 627 of the outer ring 620 includes grooves, which can interface with one or more corresponding groove(s) on the lock 623. In some examples, the outer surface 627 is a user interface, which enables a user to adjust the diameter of the adjustable adapter 600 by adjusting the position of the plurality of blades 616.

[0069] The inner ring 622 is an annular member that is disposed within the body 606. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the inner ring 622 is coupled to the body 606 via an example groove 628. In some examples, the groove 628 enables the inner ring 622 to freely rotate relative to the body 606. In other examples, the inner ring 622 can be coupled to the body 606 in any other manner that enables the relative rotation of the inner ring 622 and the body 606 (e.g., connection via one or more pins and slots, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A and 6B, the inner ring 622 is coupled to each of the plurality of arms 618 via a third set of fasteners 631. The fasteners 624, 625, 631 can be implemented by any type(s) of fasteners that enable the relative rotation of the components coupled thereby (e.g., pins, etc.).

[0070] In the illustrated example of FIGS. 6 A and 6B, the outer ring 620 forms an example interface 629 with the inner ring 622. In some examples, the interface 629 is a geared interface (e.g., the inner diameter of the outer ring 620 includes gear teeth and the outer diameter of the inner ring 622 includes gear teeth enmeshed therewith, etc.). In other examples, the interface 629 can be implemented by any other suitable type of interface.

[0071] During operation, the outer ring 620 can be rotated via an example first motion 630. For example, a user can rotate via the first motion 630 via the outer surface 627 of the outer ring 620 relative to the body 606. In some examples, rotation of the outer ring 620 causes a corresponding rotation of the inner ring 622. The rotation of the inner ring 622 causes the plurality of the arms 618 to pivot downwards and / or upwards, which causes a corresponding displacement of the plurality of arms 618 toward and / or away from the center of the iris assembly 614. Accordingly, a user can adjust the diameter of the device-side end 604B the iris assembly 614 via the first motion 630.

[0072] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the plurality of blades 616 of the iris assembly 614 have been adjusted so the device-side end 604B has an example first diameter 634. That is, the device-side end 604B has the first diameter 634 in the first position 602A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the first position 602A is the maximum open position of the iris assembly 614 of the adjustable adapter 600 (e.g., the plurality of blades 616 abut the outer ring 620, the plurality of arms 618 abut the outer ring 620, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6B, the plurality of blades 616 of the iris assembly 614 have been adjusted so the deviceside end 604B has an example second diameter 636. That is, the device-side end 604B has the second diameter 636 in the second position 602B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the second position 602B is the maximum closed position of the iris assembly 614 of the adjustable adapter 600 (e.g., the plurality of arms 618 are fully extended, etc.).

[0073] The lock 623 retains the outer ring 620 in a relative position relative to the body 606. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, the lock 623 can be slid axially via a second motion 632 along the second body portion 612B of the body 606. For example, the lock 623 can engage with (e.g., interface, etc.) the outer ring 620. In some such examples, the lock 623 includes a groove that interfaces with corresponding grooves on the outer surface 627 of the second body portion 612B and the outer ring 620. In some such examples, the lock 623 enables the iris assembly 614 to be locked in the cunent position of the iris assembly 614, such that the adjustable adapter 600 is locked in the current diameter of the iris assembly 614.

[0074] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram depicting an example first movement 639A, an example second movement 639B, and an example third movement 639C of the inner ring 622, the first arm 619A, and the first blade 617A, respectively. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, the movements 639A, 639B, 639C move the inner ring 622, the first arm 619A, and the first blade 617A between the first position 602A of the FIG. 6A and the second position 602B of FIG. 6B. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, the position of the first blade 617A and the firstarm 619A in the first position 602A is depicted in dashed lines and the position of the first blade 617A and the first arm 619A in the second position 602B is depicted in solid lines.

[0075] In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, an example first fastener 640 of the first set of fasteners 624 of FIGS. 6A and 6B couples the first blade 617A to the first arm 619A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, an example second fastener 642 of the second set of fasteners 625 of FIGS. 6A and 6B couples the first blade 617A to the body 606 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, an example third fastener 644 of the third set of fasteners 631 of FIGS. 6 A and 6B couples an example first end 648 A of the first arm 619Ato the inner ring 622. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, the first fastener 640 is disposed within an example slot 646 in an example second end 648B of the first arm 619A. In some examples, the slot 646 is absent (e.g., the first fastener 640 is disposed in a hole through the first arm 619A and the inner ring 622, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, the first blade 617A includes an example outer comer 650.

[0076] In the second position 602B, the outer corner 650 is adjacent to an example centerline 651 of the adjustable adapter 600 and the second end 648B is displaced toward the centerline 651. To move the iris assembly 614 from the second position 602B to the first position 602A, the inner ring 622 is rotated via the first movement 639A of (e.g., via the first motion 630 of the outer ring 620 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, etc.) in the counterclockwise direction, which causes a corresponding rotation of the first end 648 A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, the coupling of the first blade 617A to the outer ring 620 via the first fastener 642 prevents corresponding rotation of the first blade 617A in response to the first movement 639A. Instead, the first movement 639A of the inner ring 622 and the first end 648A of the first arm 619A cause the second end 648B of the first arm 619A to pivot about the first end 648A via the second movement 639B in a counterclockwise direction. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6C, the second movement 639B causes the relative movement of the first fastener 640 within the slot 646.

[0077] The second movement 639B of the second end 648B of the first arm 619A causes the first blade 617A to pivot about the first fastener 642 via the third movement 639C in the counterclockwise direction. It should be appreciated that the sides of the first blade 617A slide along the sides of other ones of the plurality of blades 616 during the movements 639A, 639B, 639C, which similarly guide the first blade 617A through the third movement 639C. The relative positions of the plurality of blades 616 through the movements 639A, 639B, 639C are depicted below in FIG. 6D. The movements 639A, 639B, 639C can be reversed (e.g., the inner ring 622 can be rotated clockwise, etc.) to move the iris assembly 614 from the first position 602A to thesecond position 602B. It should be appreciated that other ones of the plurality of arms 618 of FIGS. 6A and 6B and the plurality of blades 616 of FIGS. 6A and 6B are similarly disposed within the iris assembly 614 and respond similarly to the first movement 639A.

[0078] FIG. 6D is a plurality of front views of the adjustable adapter 600 of FIG. 6A. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6D, the adjustable adapter 600 is in an example first intermediate position 652A having an example first intermediate diameter 654A, an example second intermediate position 652B having an example second intermediate diameter 654B, an example third intermediate position 652C having an example third intermediate diameter 654C, and an example fourth intermediate position 652D having an example fourth intermediate diameter 654D, and an example fifth intermediate position 652E having an example fifth intermediate diameter 654E. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6D, the intermediate diameters 654 A, 654B, 654C, 654D, 654E range between the first diameter 634 of the first position 602A (e.g., the maximum open position of the adjustable adapter 600, etc.) and the second diameter 636 of the second position 602B (e.g., the maximum close position of the adjustable adapter 600, etc.). The diameters 634, 636, 654A, 654B, 654C, 654D, 654E of the positions 602A, 602B, 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D, 652E enable the adjustable adapter 600 to be coupled to sampling devices having different outlet diameters. While seven positions of the adjustable adapter 600 are depicted in FIG. 6D (e.g., the positions 602A, 602B, 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D, 652E, etc ), in some examples, the adjustable adapter 600 can be articulated into more positions between the first position 602A and the second position 602B.

[0079] “Including” and “comprising” (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein to be open ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim employs any form of “include” or “comprise” (e.g., comprises, includes, comprising, including, having, etc.) as a preamble or within a claim recitation of any kind, it is to be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase “at least” is used as the transition term in, for example, a preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same manner as the term “comprising” and “including” are open ended. The term “and / or” when used, for example, in a form such as A, B, and / or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to referto implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0080] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a”, “an”, “first”, “second”, etc.) do not exclude a plurality. The term “a” or “an” object, as used herein, refers to one or more of that object. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more”, and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although individually listed, a plurality of means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, e.g., the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may possibly be combined, and the inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous.

[0081] Unless specifically stated otherwise, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imputing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or ordering in any way, but are merely used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e.g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.

[0082] As used herein, “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects / values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of + / - 10% unless otherwise specified herein.

[0083] Sample tubes for biological fluids are disclosed herein. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0084] Example 1 includes a biological sample collection tube including a first chamber, a second chamber including an outlet, and a one-way valve between the first chamber and the second chamber to enable a sample to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and prevent flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

[0085] Example 2 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the biological sample collection tube includes a rigid wall portion, and a flexible wall portion, a compression of the flexible wall portion to open the one-way valve.

[0086] Example 3 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the rigid wall portion is adjacent to an inlet of the first chamber and the flexible wall portion is adjacent to the one-way valve.

[0087] Example 4 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the one-way valve includes a flap coupled to a first interior surface of the biological sample collection tube.

[0088] Example 5 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including grooves formed in a second interior surface of the second chamber.

[0089] Example 6 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a mixing blade coupled to a second interior surface of the second chamber.

[0090] Example 7 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the mixing blade is ferromagnetic and further including a magnet interface on an exterior surface of the second chamber, the magnet interface aligned with the mixing blade.

[0091] Example 8 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a plasma separation filter in at least one of the first chamber of the second chamber.

[0092] Example 9 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the second chamber tapers to a tip.

[0093] Example 10 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the outlet is at the tip.

[0094] Example 11 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including an interface to generate feedback when the first chamber includes a threshold volume of fluid.

[0095] Example 12 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a metering feature to regulate a volume of fluid expelled via the outlet.

[0096] Example 13 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a cap to be coupled to an inlet of the first chamber, the cap including the metering feature, the metering feature including an ejection button.

[0097] Example 14 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a cap to be coupled to an inlet of the first chamber, the cap including a piston to displace air into the first chamber, and a plunger coupled to the piston, the metering feature including the plunger.

[0098] Example 15 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including an anticoagulant in the first chamber.

[0099] Example 16 includes a system for storing and dispensing a biological fluid sample, the system comprising a sample tube including an inlet, a first adapter to be coupled to the inlet, the first adapter to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube to a first sampling device having a first outlet of a first size, and a second adapter to be coupled to the inlet, the second adapter to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube to a second sampling device having a second outlet of a second size, the second size different than the first size.

[0100] Example 17 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the first adapter is to be coupled to an interior diameter of the inlet.

[0101] Example 18 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the first adapter includes a first flange to abut the inlet.

[0102] Example 19 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the first adapter has a variably-sized inner diameter.

[0103] Example 20 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the sample tube includes a tip opposite the inlet, the tip including an outlet, and a one-way valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

[0104] Example 21 includes an apparatus to couple a sample tube to a sampling device, the apparatus comprising a body including a first end to be coupled to the sample tube and a second end to be coupled to the sampling device, and an iris assembly adjustable between a first position and a second position, the second end having a first diameter in the first position, the second end having a second diameter in the second position, the first diameter greater than the second diameter.

[0105] Example 22 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the body includes a flange between the first end and the second end, the flange to abut the sample tube.

[0106] Example 23 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the iris assembly includes an outer ring, an inner ring engaged within the outer ring, an arm coupled tothe inner ring, and a blade movably disposed within the second end, the blade coupled to the arm, the blade to abut the sample tube.

[0107] Example 24 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the outer ring includes a user interface to adjust a radial position of the blade.

[0108] Example 25 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the blade includes an elastic liner.

[0109] Example 26 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, further including a lock to retain the iris assembly in at least one of the first position or the second position.

[0110] Example 27 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the lock is disposed on an outer diameter of the body, the lock to engage with the outer ring.

[0001] The following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference. Although certain example systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods fairly falling within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

What Is Claimed Is:

1. A biological sample collection tube including: a first chamber; a second chamber including an outlet; and a one-way valve between the first chamber and the second chamber to enable a sample to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and prevent flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.

2. The biological sample collection tube of claim 1, wherein the biological sample collection tube includes: a rigid wall portion; and a flexible wall portion, a compression of the flexible wall portion to open the one-way valve.

3. The biological sample collection tube of claim 2, wherein the rigid wall portion is adjacent to an inlet of the first chamber and the flexible wall portion is adjacent to the one-way valve.

4. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the one-way valve includes a flap coupled to a first interior surface of the biological sample collection tube.

5. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-4, further including grooves formed in a second interior surface of the second chamber.

6. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-4, further including a mixing blade coupled to a second interior surface of the second chamber.

7. The biological sample collection tube of claim 6, wherein the mixing blade is ferromagnetic and further including a magnet interface on an exterior surface of the second chamber, the magnet interface aligned with the mixing blade.

8. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-7, further including a plasma separation filter in at least one of the first chamber or the second chamber.

9. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the second chamber tapers to a tip.

10. The biological sample collection tube of claim 9, wherein the outlet is at the tip.

11. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-10, further including an interface to generate feedback when the first chamber includes a threshold volume of fluid.

12. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-11, further including a metering feature to regulate a volume of fluid expelled via the outlet.

13. The biological sample collection tube of claim 12, further including a cap to be coupled to an inlet of the first chamber, the cap including the metering feature, the metering feature including an ejection button.

14. The biological sample collection tube of claim 12, further including a cap to be coupled to an inlet of the first chamber, the cap including: a piston to displace air into the first chamber; and a plunger coupled to the piston, the metering feature including the plunger.

15. The biological sample collection tube of any one of claims 1-14, further including an anticoagulant in the first chamber.

16. A system for storing and dispensing a biological fluid sample, the system comprising: a sample tube including an inlet; a first adapter to be coupled to the inlet, the first adapter to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube to a first sampling device having a first outlet of a first size; and a second adapter to be coupled to the inlet, the second adapter to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube to a second sampling device having a second outlet of a second size, the second size different than the first size.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first adapter is to be coupled to an interior diameter of the inlet.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first adapter includes a first flange to abut the inlet.

19. The system of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the first adapter has a variably-sized inner diameter.

20. The system of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the sample tube includes: a tip opposite the inlet, the tip including an outlet; and a one-way valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet.

21. An apparatus to couple a sample tube to a sampling device, the apparatus comprising: a body including: a first end to be coupled to the sample tube; and a second end to be coupled to the sampling device; and an iris assembly adjustable between a first position and a second position, the second end having a first diameter in the first position, the second end having a second diameter in the second position, the first diameter greater than the second diameter.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the body includes a flange between the first end and the second end, the flange to abut the sample tube.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the iris assembly includes: an outer ring; an inner ring engaged within the outer ring; an arm coupled to the inner ring; and a blade movably disposed within the second end, the blade coupled to the arm, the blade to abut the sample tube.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the outer ring includes a user interface to adjust a radial position of the blade.

25. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-24, wherein the blade includes an elastic liner.

26. The apparatus of any one of claims 23-25, further including a lock to retain the iris assembly in at least one of the first position or the second position.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the lock is disposed on an outer diameter of the body, the lock to engage with the outer ring.

Images