Capillary tube assembly having a grip forming a vent

Abstract

Capillary tube assemblies and methods of construction and use are disclosed, including a capillary tube assembly comprising a capillary tube, a plunger, and a grip. The capillary tube has first and second tube ends, a bore, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second tube ends. The plunger has a first plunger portion disposed within the bore and a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore. The plunger is slidably disposed within the bore to be selectively moved toward the first tube end along the longitudinal axis. The grip has first and second grip ends, an opening extending between the first and second grip ends, and a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end to connect the capillary tube to the grip. The recess has a channel extending between the recess and the second grip end forming a vent.

Description

CAPILLARY TUBE ASSEMBLY HAVING A GRIP FORMING A VENT

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 675,102, filed July 24, 2024. The entire contents of the above-referenced patent application are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Capillary tubes are generally used in medical settings to collect blood samples from patients. Typically, a tip of a capillary tube is positioned against a blood droplet on a skin surface of a patient, and the capillary tube utilizes capillary action to collect a blood sample from the blood droplet. While the blood sample is collected by the capillary tube via capillary action, air internal to the capillary tube is displaced. The displaced air must be allowed to escape from the capillary tube into the atmosphere so that the capillary tube may properly collect the blood sample.

[0003] After the capillary tube collects the blood sample, the blood sample is generally transferred to a test instrument. The test instrument may use suction to extract the blood sample from the capillary tube, orthe capillary tube may mechanically eject the blood sample into the test instrument. Where the test instrument requires the capillary tube to mechanically eject the blood sample, the capillary tube may require the addition of mechanical means (e.g., bulbs, stoppers, etc.) to affect the ejection of the blood sample.

[0004] Because pre-assembled capillary tubes are easier for users to use, such capillary tubes are generally favored by businesses. However, it is challenging to design capillary tubes that prevent obstruction of air flow during blood sample collection. For example, existing capillary tubes address this challenge by using an air cushion (i.e., air internal to the capillary tube) to push the blood sample out of the capillary tube, ensuring that the blood sample reaches the correct location in the test instrument. However, this air cushion is incompatible for use with new test instruments, as the air cushion is likely to form bubbles which may mix with the blood sample and be moved with the blood sample over the sensors of the test instrument. The bubbles may cause the test instrumentto provide inaccurate measurements.

[0005] Therefore, an improved capillary tube is desired for use with such new test instruments. In particular, the improved capillary tube is desired to not only collect a carefully controlled volume of blood from a patient, but also deliver the blood sample to the new testinstrument for analysis. Further, the improved capillary tube should be pre-assembled and should use positive displacement (e.g., a plunger) to transfer the blood sample, eschewing use of an air cushion. This would avoid introduction of air bubbles into the new test instrument, which could impair integrity and accuracy of test results.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The problem of ensuring that only a blood sample is transferred to a test instrument is solved by the capillary tube assemblies and methods disclosed herein.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a capillary tube assembly, comprising: a capillary tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining a bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, the capillary tube having a longitudinal axis extending between the first tube end and the second tube end; a plunger having a first plunger portion disposed within the bore of the capillary tube and a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger being slidably disposed within the bore of the capillary tube to be selectively moved toward the first tube end along the longitudinal axis; and a grip having a grip body having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the second plunger portion of the plunger extending through the opening at the first grip end, the grip having at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening at the first grip end and engaging the second plunger portion of the plunger, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface, the at least one channel forming at least one vent.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes a method of constructing a capillary tube assembly, comprising: providing a capillary tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining a bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end; attaching a grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having a grip body having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface, the grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tubeto the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface forming at least one vent; and positioning a first plunger portion of a plunger through the opening of the grip and into the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger having a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube and extending through the opening at the first grip end, the at least one constriction portion of the grip engaging the second plunger portion of the plunger.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure includes a method of using a capillary tube assembly, comprising: receiving a fluid sample through a first tube end of a capillary tube into a bore of the capillary tube, the capillary tube having the first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining the bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, wherein a grip is disposed on the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface, the at least one channel forming at least one vent; and venting gas within the bore of the capillary tube through the second tube end of the capillary tube and the at least one vent of the grip as the fluid sample is received into the bore.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments described herein and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated, to scale or in schematic in the interest of clarity and conciseness. Not every component may be labeled in every drawing. Like reference numerals in the figures may represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. In the drawings:

[0011] FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a capillary tube assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure having a plunger in a resting position;

[0012] FIG. IB is a left side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

[0013] FIG. 1C is a right side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

[0014] FIG. ID is a cross-sectional view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 1C, taken from the line ID-ID shown in FIG. 1C and in the direction of the arrows;

[0015] FIG. 2A is a front view of another exemplary embodiment of the capillary tube assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure having an adapter in a storage position and the plunger in the resting position;

[0016] FIG. 2B is a left side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 2A;

[0017] FIG. 2C is a right side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 2A;

[0018] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 2C, taken from the line 2D-2D shown in FIG. 2C and in the direction of the arrows;

[0019] FIG. 3A is a front view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 2A having the adapter in an injection position and the plunger in the resting position;

[0020] FIG. 3B is a left side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 3A;

[0021] FIG. 3C is a right side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 3A;

[0022] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 3C, taken from the line 3D-3D shown in FIG. 3C and in the direction of the arrows;

[0023] FIG. 4A is a front view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 2A having the adapter in the injection position and the plunger in a working position;

[0024] FIG. 4B is a left side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 4A;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a right side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 4A;

[0026] FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. AC, taken from the line 4D-4D shown in FIG. 4C and in the direction of the arrows;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the plunger shown in FIG. 2A;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a capillary tube shown in FIG. 2A;

[0029] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the adapter shown in FIG. 2A;

[0030] FIG. 7B is a back perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A;

[0031] FIG. 7C is a top view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A;

[0032] FIG. 7D is a bottom view of the adapter shown in FIG. 7A;

[0033] FIG. 8A is a right side view of an exemplary embodiment of a grip shown in FIG.2A;

[0034] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the grip shown in FIG. 8A, taken along the line 8B-8B and in the direction of the arrows;

[0035] FIG. 8C is a front view of the grip shown in FIG. 8A;

[0036] FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of the grip shown in FIG. 8C, taken along the line8D-8D and in the direction of the arrows;

[0037] FIG. 8E is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the grip shown in FIG. 8D, taken from the rectangular region 7E;

[0038] FIG. 8F is a top view of the grip shown in FIG. 8A;

[0039] FIG. 8G is a bottom view of the grip shown in FIG. 8A;

[0040] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a method of constructing the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

[0041] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary embodiment of a method of using the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 1A;

[0042] FIG. 11A is a front view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 1A having the plunger in the working position;

[0043] FIG. 11B is a left side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 11A;

[0044] FIG. 11C is a right side view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 11A; and

[0045] FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of the capillary tube assembly shown in FIG. 11C, taken from the line 11D-11D shown in FIG. 11C and in the direction of the arrows.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0048] In addition, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concept. This description should be read to include one or more and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0049] Further, use of the term "plurality" is meant to convey "more than one" unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0050] As used herein, qualifiers like "substantially," "about," "approximately," and combinations and variations thereof, are intended to include not only the exact amount or value that they qualify, but also some slight deviations therefrom, which may be due to manufacturing tolerances, measurement error, wear and tear, stresses exerted on various parts, and combinations thereof, for example.

[0051] The use of the term "at least one" or "one or more" will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one. In addition, the use of the phrase "at least one of X, V, and Z" will be understood to include X alone, V alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, V, and Z.

[0052] The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e., "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between two or more items and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, is not meant to imply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another or any order of addition.

[0053] Finally, as used herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0054] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1A-1D, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of a capillary tube assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The capillary tube assembly 10 generally comprises a capillary tube 14, a plunger 34, and a grip 42. As described in more detail below, the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D is arranged such that the plunger 34 is in a resting position.

[0055] The capillary tube 14 may have a first tube end 18a, a second tube end 18b opposite the first tube end 18a, and a sidewall 22 extending between the first tube end 18a and the second tube end 18b. The sidewall 22 has an inner surface 26 and an outer surface28. The inner surface 26 may define a bore 30 extending between the first tube end 18a and the second tube end 18b. As shown in FIG. 1A, the capillary tube 14 may have a longitudinal axis L extending between the first tube end 18a and the second tube end 18b.

[0056] The plunger 34 may have a first plunger portion 38a disposed within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 and a second plunger portion 38b disposed outside of the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the plunger 34 may be configured to be selectively positioned in the resting position in which the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 is extended away from the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14. Further, as described in more detail below, the plunger 34 may be slidably disposed within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 to be selectively moved along the longitudinal axis L between: the resting position shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2D in which the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 is positioned at a first distance from the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14; and a working position shown in FIGS. 4A-4D and FIGS. 11A-11D in which the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 is positioned a second distance away from the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 with the second distance less than the first distance. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 is positioned adjacent to and contacts the second tube end 18b in the working position.

[0057] The grip 42 may have a grip body 46 having a first grip end 50a, a second grip end 50b opposite the first grip end 50a, and a grip inner surface 54 defining an opening 58 extending between the first grip end 50a and the second grip end 50b. The second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 may extend through the opening 58 of the grip body 46 at the first grip end 50a.

[0058] As described in more detail below, the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 of the grip 42 may define at least one constriction portion (shown in FIG. 8D as a first constriction portion 152a and a second constriction portion 152b) (hereinafter, the "constriction portions 152") proximate to the opening 58 of the grip body 46 at the first grip end 50a.

[0059] As described in more detail below, the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 may define a recess 140 (shown in FIG. 8D) in fluid communication with (e.g., surrounding) the opening 58 of the grip 42. In some embodiments, the recess 140 is sized and adapted to receive the tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 and hold the grip body 46 in a stationary relationship with the tube end 18b. In some embodiments, the tube end 18b is flared so as to allow the grip body 46 to grip the tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14.

[0060] The grip inner surface 54 within the recess 140 may engage the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 in order to connect the capillary tube 14 to the grip 42. Further, the grip inner surface 54 adjacent to the recess 140 may have at least one channel (shown in FIG. 8B as a first channel 144a and a second channel 144b) (hereinafter, the "channels 144") forming at least one vent (shown in FIG. 8B as a first vent 148a and a second vent 148b) (hereinafter, the "vents 148") for gasses contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 to escape from the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8G, the channels 144 extend between the recess 140 and the second grip end 50b of the grip body 46 such that gasses contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 may escape from the second grip end 50b of the grip body 46 via the vents 148. However, in other embodiments, the channels 144 may extend between the recess 140 and other openings in the grip body 46 such that gasses contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 may escape from the other openings in the grip body 46 via the vents 148. Accordingly, the one or more channels 144 are configured to vent gasses contained within the capillary tube 14.

[0061] As described in more detail below, the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 of the grip 42 may define an expansion portion 156 proximate to the opening 58 of the grip body 46 at the first grip end 50a. In embodiments in which the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 of the grip 42 defines the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b, the expansion portion 156 may be located in between the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b.

[0062] In some embodiments, the capillary tube 14 may be constructed using glass or plastic, such as borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, quartz glass, polyolefins, fluoropolymers, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the capillary tube 14 may be constructed using metals or ceramics, such as stainless steel, aluminum, alumina, combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0063] I n some embodiments, the plunger 34 may be constructed using rigid plastics, such as polyolefins, styrenics, fluoropolymers, liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), bioplastics, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the plunger 34 may be constructed using reinforced composites (i.e., polymers reinforced with filaments made of glass, metal, or ceramics). In such embodiments, the polymers may include polyester (i.e., thermosetting polyester and / or thermoplastic polyester), phenolic, epoxy, diallyl phthalate,alkyd, melamine, polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylic, acetal, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, polyethylene.

[0064] In some embodiments, the grip 42 may be constructed using elastomers, such as natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), nitrile rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polyurethane (PU), silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), neoprene, Hypalon, chlorobutyl rubber, viton, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the grip 42 may be constructed using reinforced composites (i.e., polymers reinforced with filaments made of glass, metal, or ceramics). In such embodiments, the polymers may include polyester (i.e., thermosetting polyester and / or thermoplastic polyester), phenolic, epoxy, diallyl phthalate, alkyd, melamine, polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylic, acetal, polypropylene, ABS copolymer, polyethylene.

[0065] As referenced above, the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D is arranged such that the plunger 34 is in the resting position. In this arrangement, the capillary tube assembly 10 may be conveniently stored and / or transported.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2D, shown therein is another exemplary embodiment of the capillary tube assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the capillary tube assembly 10 further comprises a plug 62 (shown in FIG. 2D) and an adapter 70. The capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D is arranged such that the plunger 34 is in the resting position. Further, as described in more detail below, the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D is arranged such that the adapter 70 is in a storage position.

[0067] The plug 62 may be positioned within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14. The plug 62 may have a first plug end 66a and a second plug end 66b. The plug 62 may be configured to permit passage of gasses between the first plug end 66a of the plug 62 and the second plug end 66b of the plug 62 (i.e., by having a high porosity). Further, the plug 62 may be configured to prevent passage of liquids or solids between the first plug end 66a of the plug 62 and the second plug end 66b of the plug 62. That is, in some embodiments, the plug 62 may have a small maximum pore size such that liquids (e.g., a fluid sample) are prevented from passing from the second plug end 66b of the plug 62 to the first plug end 66a of the plug 62, and solids (e.g., the plunger 34) are prevented from passing from the first plug end 66a of the plug 62 to the second plug end 66b of the plug 62, but gasses are permitted to pass from the secondplug end 66b of the plug 62 to the first plug end 66a of the plug 62. In other embodiments, the plug 62 may be configured to swell in response to contacting a liquid, thereby reducing the size of the pores such that liquids or solids cannot pass between the first plug end 66a of the plug 62 and the second plug end 66b of the plug 62, but gasses are permitted to pass between the first plug end 66a of the plug 62 and the second plug end 66b of the plug 62.

[0068] The plug 62 may have a compression fit within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14. That is, the edges of the plug 62 contacting the inner surface 26 of the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 may form a seal with the inner surface 26 of the sidewall 22, thereby preventing passage of liquids or solids around the plug 62, and maintaining the plug 62 stationary in the position shown in FIGS. 2A-2D until force is applied by the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34.

[0069] The plug 62 may remain stationary and be movable within the bore 30 responsive to such force being applied to the plug 62 by the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34. That is, moving the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 along the longitudinal axis L toward the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 (i.e., into the working position) may cause the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 to apply force to the plug 62, thereby causing the plug 62 to move.

[0070] The adapter 70 may have an adapter body 74 having a first adapter end 78a, a second adapter end 78b opposite the first adapter end 78a, a first adapter side 79a, a second adapter side 79b opposite the first adapter side 79a, an adapter outer surface 80, and an adapter inner surface 82 defining an adapter bore 86. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the adapter 70 may be configured to be selectively positioned in a storage position in which the adapter 70 is positioned proximate to (e.g., abutting) the grip 42 and angularly offset from the longitudinal axis L and / or the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14. That is, an angle formed between the adapter 70 in the storage position and the longitudinal axis L and / or the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 may be between 0 and 15 degrees, such as 8 degrees, for example, thereby allowing a user to draw a fluid sample into the capillary tube 14 without the adapter 70 becoming an obstruction.

[0071] As described in more detail below, the adapter 70 may be configured to be selectively movable between the storage position shown in FIGS. 2A-2D and an injection position shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-4D in which the adapter 70 is positioned proximate to (e.g., abutting) the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 and has a longitudinal axisLAangularly aligned with the longitudinal axis L and / or the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14. That is, an angle formed between the longitudinal axis LAof the adapter 70 in the injection position and the longitudinal axis L and / orthe sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 may be less than the angle formed between the longitudinal axis LAof the adapter 70 in the storage position and the longitudinal axis L and / or the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14, thereby facilitating injection of a fluid (e.g., blood) sample into a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptable (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis LAof the adapter 70 is parallel or coextensive with the longitudinal axis L in the injection position.

[0072] In embodiments without the adapter 70, such as is shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 may be sized and dimensioned to be communicatively coupled to (i.e., in fluid communication with) an input port of a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument. In embodiments with the adapter 70, such as is shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the first adapter end 78a of the adapter 70 may be sized and dimensioned to be communicatively coupled to (i.e., in fluid communication with) an input port of a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument.

[0073] The adapter body 74 may further define an adapter channel 88 extending between the adapter outer surface 80 and the adapter inner surface 82. The adapter channel 88 may have a first channel end 90a proximate to the first adapter end 78a and a second channel end 90b proximate to the second adapter end 78b. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the adapter channel 88 may be sized and dimensioned such that the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 extends outwardly from the adapter channel 88 at the first channel end 90a when the adapter 70 is in the storage position.

[0074] The grip body 46 may have an attachment component 92 extending outwardly from the second grip end 50b of the grip 42, and the adapter body 74 may define a complementary attachment component 94 extending inwardly from the second adapter end 78b of the adapter 70. As shown in FIG. 2C, the attachment component 92 of the grip 42 may selectively engage the complementary attachment component 94 of the adapter 70 when the adapter 70 is in the storage position in order to maintain the adapter 70 in the storage position.

[0075] In some embodiments, the plug 62 may be constructed using sintered glass, sintered polymers, porous polymers, fused silica, metal, electrospun fibers, open-cell metal foam, open-cell polymer foam, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In some embodiments where the plug 62 is configured to swell in response to contacting a liquid, the pores of the plug 62 may have a gum disposed within the pores, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) gum, guar gum, or xanthan gum, for example. In such embodiments, the gum may swell in response to contact with the liquid to add viscosity and "clog" the pores of the plug 62. The gum may be disposed within the pores of the plug 62 in the form of a powder. The gum and the liquid may interact to form a hydrogel.

[0076] In some embodiments, the adapter 70 may be constructed using rigid plastics, such as polyolefins, styrenics, fluoropolymers, liquid crystal polymers (LCPs), bioplastics, combinations thereof, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the adapter 70 may be constructed using reinforced composites (i.e., polymers reinforced with filaments made of glass, metal, or ceramics). In such embodiments, the polymers may include polyester (i.e., thermosetting polyester and / or thermoplastic polyester), phenolic, epoxy, diallyl phthalate, alkyd, melamine, polyamide, polycarbonate, acrylic, acetal, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer, polyethylene.

[0077] As referenced above, the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D is arranged such that the plunger 34 is in the resting position and the adapter 70 is in the storage position. In this arrangement, the capillary tube assembly 10 may be conveniently stored and / or transported.

[0078] The capillary tube assembly 10 in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 2A-2D may be used to draw a fluid sample from a patient into the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14. To draw a fluid sample from a patient, the capillary tube assembly 10 may be held with the first tube end 18a against a fluid sample droplet, and the fluid sample droplet may be drawn into the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 via capillary action. Due to the absence of any physical obstruction between the first tube end 18a and the plug 62 within the bore 30, the fluid sample may continue to flow into the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 until the sample reaches the plug 62, at which point, the fluid sample will cease flowing into the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14. Because the plug 62 is configured to permit passage of gasses between the first plug end 66a of the plug 62 and the second plug end 66b of the plug 62, gas (e.g., air) within the capillary tube 14 between the first tube end 18a and the second plug end 66b, will passthrough the plug 62 from the second plug end 66b to the first plug end 66a, through the capillary tube 14 from the first plug end 66a to the second tube end 18b, and out of the channels 144 forming the vents 148 formed in the grip body 46.

[0079] In some embodiments, the inner surface 26 of the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 may be coated with an anticoagulant configured to prevent a fluid sample contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 from clotting. In some embodiments, the anticoagulant coating the inner surface 26 of the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 is calcium-balanced heparin. In some embodiments, the anticoagulant coats the inner surface 26 of the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 only between the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 and a point proximal to the second plug end 66b of the plug 62 when the plunger 34 is in the resting position, as shown in FIG. 2D.

[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, shown therein is the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIG. 2A arranged such that the plunger 34 is in the resting position and the adapter 70 is in the injection position. In this arrangement, the capillary tube assembly 10 may be communicatively coupled with (i.e., brought in fluid communication with) a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument.

[0081] As referenced above, the adapter 70 may be configured to be selectively positioned at the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 (i.e., by disengaging the complementary attachment component 94 of the adapter 70 from the attachment component 92 of the grip 42 and sliding the adapter 70 toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14). Further, the adapter bore 86 of the adapter 70 may be sized and dimensioned to receive the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14, and the adapter inner surface 82 may be sized and dimensioned to form a seal with the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14.

[0082] The capillary tube assembly 10 in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A-3D and with the fluid sample disposed within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 may be communicatively coupled to (i.e., brought into fluid communication with) a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument. That is, in the arrangement shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the first adapter end 78a of the adapter 70 may be coupled to the test instrument and / or storage receptacle such that a seal is formed between the first adapter end 78a of the adapter 70 andsaid test instrument and / or storage receptacle, thereby allowing the fluid sample to be injected into the test instrument or storage receptacle without introduction of gas into the fluid sample.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4D, shown therein is the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIG. 2A arranged such that the plunger 34 is in the working position and the adapter 70 is in the injection position.

[0084] As referenced above, the plunger 34 may be slidably disposed within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 to be selectively moved into a working position in which the plunger 34 is depressed (i.e., the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34 is proximal to the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14). The plunger 34 and the plug 62 may be arranged within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 such that moving the plunger 34 into the working position may cause the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 to apply force to the plug 62, thereby causin the plug 62 to move toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14. The plug 62, having formed a seal with the inner surface 26 of the capillary tube 14, may positively displace a fluid sample contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14, thereby injecting the fluid sample into a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument. After the fluid sample has been injected into the test instrument and / or storage receptacle, the capillary tube assembly 10 may be disposed of (e.g., in a biohazard waste stream).

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 5, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of the plunger 34 shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 5, the first plunger portion 38a and the second plunger portion 38b may be cylindrical in shape and have a common diameter. The plunger 34 may have a narrowed portion 98 between the first plunger portion 38a and the second plunger portion 38b. As described in more detail below, the narrowed portion 98 may be configured not to exert force on the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b, thereby preventing the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b from experiencing creep deformation. Creep deformation is a slow, permanent deformation caused by persistent mechanical stresses.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 6, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of the capillary tube 14 shown in FIG. 2A.

[0087] In some embodiments, the capillary tube assembly 10 further comprises an identifier 100 disposed on the outer surface 28 of the capillary tube 14. The identifier 100 may be indicative of at least one aspect of the capillary tube assembly 10. The identifier 100 may be a band of color.

[0088] In some embodiments, the capillary tube assembly 10 further comprises a protective covering 104 disposed over the capillary tube 14 between the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 and the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14. The protective covering 104 may be configured to protect the capillary tube 14 during transportation and / or storage. The protective covering 104 may not be removable and is further configured to protect a user from shards in the event that the capillary tube 14 breaks.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of the adapter 70 shown in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the adapter body 74 of the adapter 70 may have a grip engagement portion 108, a tube containment portion 112, and an analyzer engagement portion 114.

[0090] The grip engagement portion 108 of the adapter body 74 may be larger in diameter than the tube containment portion 112 of the adapter body 74, and the tube containment portion 112 of the adapter body 74 may be larger in diameter than the analyzer engagement portion 114.

[0091] The grip engagement portion 108 may define a plurality of adapter grooves 116 evenly disposed about the circumference of the grip engagement portion 108. The adapter grooves 116 may be configured to enhance a user's ability to grasp the adapter 70. For purposes of clarity, only one of the adapter grooves 116 is labeled with a reference character.

[0092] While the adapter grooves 116 are shown in FIGS. 7A-7C as being evenly disposed about the circumference of the grip engagement portion 108, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the adapter grooves 116 may be unevenly disposed about the circumference of the grip engagement portion 108. Furthermore, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the adapter grooves 116 may be disposed about the grip engagement portion 108 in any other arrangement.

[0093] The grip engagement portion 108 of the adapter body 74 may comprise a first adapter arm 118a and a second adapter arm 118b, wherein the first adapter arm 118a and the second adapter arm 118b collectively define an attachment slot 120 extending between the first adapter side 79a and the second adapter side 79b. The first adapter side 79a isopposite from the adapter channel 88, and the adapter channel 88 is in the second adapter side 79b. In some embodiments, the complementary attachment component 94 is defined by the adapter body 74 as a portion of the attachment slot 120 on the second adapter side 79b (i.e., the complementary attachment component 94 may be implemented as protrusions from the sides of the attachment slot 120 on the second adapter side 79b).

[0094] The first adapter arm 118a and the second adapter arm 118b of the adapter 70 may be configured to exert a pinching force on the capillary tube 14 to selectively maintain the adapter 70 in place. For example, when the adapter 70 is in the storage position, the pinching force exerted by the first adapter arm 118a and the second adapter arm 118b on the capillary tube 14 may maintain the adapter 70 in the storage position. Further, when the adapter 70 is in the injection position, the pinching force exerted by the first adapter arm 118a and the second adapter arm 118b on the capillary tube 14 may maintain the adapter 70 in the injection position.

[0095] The tube containment portion 112 of the adapter body 74 may be sized and dimensioned to at least partially contain a portion of the capillary tube 14 and may have a rounded side 128 and a planar side 132. In some embodiments, the planar side 132 of the tube containment portion 112 defines the adapter channel 88. In such embodiments, the capillary tube 14 may be slidably positioned within the tube containment portion 112 of the adapter body 74. Further, in such embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3C-3D and 4C-4D, the adapter body 74 may not entirely contain the capillary tube 14 when the adapter 70 is in the injection position, but may instead leave a portion of the capillary tube 14 (i.e., the portion of the capillary tube 14 aligned with the adapter channel 88) exposed, thereby allowing the adapter 70 to be moved between the injection position and the storage position in which the capillary tube 14 extends through the adapter channel 88.

[0096] The analyzer engagement portion 114 may be sized and dimensioned to be communicatively coupled to (i.e., in fluid communication with) a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument.

[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8G, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of the grip 42 shown in FIG. 2A. For purposes of clarity, in FIGS. 8B and 8D, the capillary tube 14 and the plunger 34 are partially shown in phantom.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the grip body 46 of the grip 42 may have a grip outer surface 134 that is shaped to define a plurality of grip grooves 136 evenly disposed about the circumference of the grip body 46. The grip grooves 136 may be configured to enhance a user's ability to grasp the grip 42. For purposes of clarity, only one of the grip grooves 136 is labeled with a reference character.

[0099] While the grip grooves 136 are shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C as being evenly disposed about the circumference of the grip body 46, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the grip grooves 136 may be unevenly disposed about the circumference of the grip body 46. Furthermore, it should be understood that, in other embodiments, the grip grooves 136 may be disposed about the grip body 46 in any other arrangement.

[0100] As referenced above, the first grip end 50a of the grip body 46 may define a recess 140 (shown in FIG. 8D) in fluid communication with the opening 58 of the grip 42. The recess 140 may engage the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 in order to connect the capillary tube 14 to the grip 42. Further, the grip inner surface 54 may define the channels 144extending between the recess 140 and the grip outer surface 134. For example, the channels 144 may extend between the recess 140 and the second grip end 50b of the grip body 46, thereby forming at least one vent (shown in FIG. 8B as a first vent 148a and a second vent 148b) (hereinafter, the "vents 148").

[0101] The vents 148 in tandem with the recess 140 may provide a fluid passageway for gas contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 to escape from the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 when a fluid sample is being drawn into the capillary tube 14, through the vents 148, and out to the grip outer surface 134, such as from the second grip end 50b of the grip 42. This fluid passageway may allow the capillary tube 14 to draw a fluid sample from a patient into the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 while displacing any gas contained within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 between the plug 62 and the first tube end 18a, thereby ensuring that the fluid sample contacts the plug 62 and no gas is trapped within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 between the fluid sample and the plug 62. Once the fluid sample is within the bore 30, the fluid sample can be injected into a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument.

[0102] As referenced above, the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 of the grip 42 may define the constriction portions 152 proximate to the opening 58 of the grip body 46 atthe first grip end 50a. In some embodiments, the opening 58 of the grip 42 may be defined by the constriction portions 152, such as the first constriction portion 152a as shown in FIG. 8E. However, in other embodiments, the constriction portions 152 may be disposed at a distance from the opening 58. In such embodiments, the constriction portions 152 may be smaller in diameter than the opening 58 of the grip 42, thereby engaging and gripping the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34.

[0103] As referenced above, the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 of the grip 42 may define an expansion portion 156 proximate to the opening 58 of the grip body 46 at the first grip end 50a. In embodiments in which the grip inner surface 54 of the grip body 46 of the grip 42 defines the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b, the expansion portion 156 may be located in between the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b. The expansion portion 156 may be larger in diameter than the constriction portions 152 such that the expansion portion 156 does not engage the second plunger portion 38b of the plunger 34.

[0104] The constriction portions 152 and the expansion portion 156 may be in concentric alignment with the opening 58 of the grip 42. As shown in FIG. 8D, the narrowed portion 98 of the plunger 34 may be aligned with the first constriction portion 152a, the second constriction portion 152b, and the expansion portion 156 of the grip body 46 when the plunger 34 is in the resting position such that a gap 158 (shown in FIG. 8E) is formed between the narrowed portion 98 of the plunger 34 and the first constriction portion 152a, the second constriction portion 152b, and the expansion portion 156 of the grip body 46. As such, the plunger 34 may be configured not to exert force on the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b, thereby preventing the first constriction portion 152a and the second constriction portion 152b from experiencing creep deformation during transportation and / or storage.

[0105] In some embodiments, the narrowed portion 98 of the plunger 34 in the resting position may be aligned with the first constriction portion 152a, the second constriction portion 152b, and the expansion portion 156 of the grip body 46 to selectively maintain the plunger 34 in the resting position (i.e., by providing friction between the plunger 34 and the constriction portions 152) while reducing force that is required to move the plunger 34 between the resting position shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2D and the working position shownin FIGS. 4A-4D (i.e., by removing friction between the plunger 34 and the expansion portion 156).

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the attachment component 92 may be implemented as a tab. In embodiments where the complementary attachment component 94 is implemented as a plurality of protrusions extendingfrom the sides of the attachment slot 120 on the second adapter side 79b of the adapter 70, the attachment component 92 implemented as a tab may be configured to engage the complementary attachment component 94 implemented as a plurality of protrusions, thereby removably attaching the adapter 70 to the grip 42.

[0107] Referring now to FIG. 9, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of a method 160 of constructing a capillary tube assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the method 160 generally comprises the steps of: providing the capillary tube 14 (step 164); attaching the grip 42 to the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 (step 168); positioning the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 through the opening 58 of the grip 42 and the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 (step 170); and attaching the complementary attachment component 94 of the adapter 70 to the attachment component 92 of the grip 42 (step 172). In some embodiments, the method 160 does not include the step 172. In these embodiments, the capillary tube assembly 10 does not include the adapter 70.

[0108] In some such embodiments, the method 160 further comprises, prior to attaching the complementary attachment component 94 of the adapter 70 to the attachment component 92 of the grip 42 (step 172), positioning the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 through the second adapter end 78b of the adapter 70 and the first channel end 90a of the adapter channel 88 of the adapter 70.

[0109] In some embodiments, the method 160 further comprises, prior to attaching the grip 42 to the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 (step 168), coating the inner surface 26 of the capillary tube 14 with an anticoagulant. In some embodiments, coating the inner surface 26 of the capillary tube 14 with the anticoagulant is further defined as coating the inner surface 26 of the capillary tube 14 with calcium-balanced heparin. In some embodiments, coating the inner surface 26 of the capillary tube 14 with the anticoagulant is further defined as coating the inner surface 26 of the sidewall 22 of the capillary tube 14 with the anticoagulant only between the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 and a pointproximal to the second plug end 66b of the plug 62 when the plunger 34 is in the resting position.

[0110] In some embodiments, positioning the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 through the opening 58 of the grip 42 and the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 (step 170) is further defined as positioning the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 through the opening 58 of the grip 42, the first constriction portion 152a, the expansion portion 156, the second constriction portion 152b, and the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14.

[0111] In some such embodiments, positioning the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 through the opening 58 of the grip 42 and the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 (step 170) is further defined as positioning the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 through the opening 58 of the grip 42, the first constriction portion 152a, the expansion portion 156, the second constriction portion 152b, and the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 such that the narrowed portion 98 of the plunger 34 is aligned with the first constriction portion 152a, the expansion portion 156, and the second constriction portion 152b such that a gap 158 (shown in FIG. 8E) is formed between the narrowed portion 98 of the plunger 34 and the first constriction portion 152a, the second constriction portion 152b, and the expansion portion 156 of the grip body 46.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method 160 further comprises positioning the plug 62 within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14.

[0113] In some embodiments, the method 160 further comprises positioning the protective covering 104 over the capillary tube 14 between the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 and the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14.

[0114] In some embodiments, the method 160 further comprises positioning an identifier 100 on the outer surface 28 of the capillary tube 14.

[0115] Referring now to FIG. 10, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of a method 180 of using the capillary tube assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the method 160 generally comprises the steps of: receiving a fluid sample through the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 (step 184); venting gas within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14 through the second tube end 18b of the capillary tube 14 and the vents 148 of the grip 42 as the fluid sample is received into the bore 30 (step 188); and moving the plunger 34 along the longitudinal axis L toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 to inject the fluid sample into a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storagereceptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument (step 192).

[0116] In some embodiments where the capillary tube assembly 10 further comprises the plug 62 positioned within the bore 30 of the capillary tube 14, the step of moving the plunger 34 along the longitudinal axis L toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 (step 200) may cause the first plunger portion 38a of the plunger 34 to apply force to the plug 62, thereby causing the plug 62 to move toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14. The plug 62, having formed a seal with the inner surface 26 of the capillary tube 14, may positively displace the fluid sample, thereby injecting the fluid sample into a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument.

[0117] In some embodiments, the method 180 further comprises, prior to receiving the fluid sample through the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 (step 184), placing the adapter 70 in the storage position by attaching the complementary attachment component 94 of the adapter 70 to the attachment component 92 of the grip 42.

[0118] In some embodiments, the method 180 further comprises, prior to moving the plunger 34 along the longitudinal axis L toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 to inject the fluid sample into a test instrument (e.g., a sample analyzer) and / or a storage receptacle (e.g., a test or sensor cartridge) configured to be received within a test instrument (step 192), placing the adapter 70 in the injection position by detaching the complementary attachment component 94 of the adapter 70 from the attachment component 92 of the grip 42, moving the adapter 70 toward the first tube end 18a of the capillary tube 14 until the analyzer engagement portion 114 is clear of the first tube end 18a, rotating the adapter 70 to be flush with the sidewall 22, and then moving the adaptor 70 toward the second tube end 18b until the first tube end 18a is within the adaptor 70.

[0119] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11D, shown therein is the capillary tube assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1A arranged such that the plunger 34 is in the working position.

[0120] The foregoing description provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventive concepts to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the methodologies set forth in the present disclosure.

[0121] Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one other claim, the disclosure includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0122] No element, act, or instruction used in the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such outside of the preferred embodiment. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.NON-LIMITING ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIVE CONCEPTS

[0123] The following is a numbered list of non-limiting illustrative embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein:

[0124] Illustrative embodiment 1. A capillary tube assembly, comprising: a capillary tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining a bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, the capillary tube having a longitudinal axis extending between the first tube end and the second tube end; a plunger having a first plunger portion disposed within the bore of the capillary tube and a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger being slidably disposed within the bore of the capillary tube to be selectively moved toward the first tube end along the longitudinal axis; and a grip having a grip body having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip innersurface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the second plunger portion of the plunger extending through the opening at the first grip end, the grip having at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening at the first grip end and engaging the second plunger portion of the plunger, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface, the at least one channel forming at least one vent.

[0125] Illustrative embodiment 2. The capillary tube assembly of illustrative embodiment 1, further comprising a plug positioned within the bore of the capillary tube, the plug having a first plug end and a second plug end, the plug configured to permit passage of gas betweenthe first plug end and the second plug end and to prevent passage of liquids or solids between the first plug end and the second plug end, the plug having a compression fit within the bore so as to remain stationary until force is applied by the first plunger portion of the plunger and to be movable responsive to force being applied by the first plunger portion of the plunger.

[0126] Illustrative embodiment 3. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the plunger is configured to be selectively movable between a resting position and a working position, the plunger and the plug being arranged within the bore of the capillary tube such that moving the plunger into the working position causes the first plunger portion of the plunger to apply force to the plug, thereby causing the plug to move.

[0127] Illustrative embodiment 4. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the grip body of the grip has a first constriction portion and a second constriction portion proximate to the opening and an expansion portion in between the first constriction portion and the second constriction portion.

[0128] Illustrative embodiment 5. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the plunger has a narrowed portion between the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion, the narrowed portion aligned with the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body when the plunger is in the resting position such that a gap is formed between the narrowed portion of the plunger and the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body.

[0129] Illustrative embodiment 6. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising an adapter on the capillary tube and configured to be selectively positioned at the first tube end of the capillary tube, the adapter having an adapter body having a first adapter end, a second adapter end, and an adapter inner surface defining an adapter bore sized and dimensioned to receive the first tube end of the capillary tube, the adapter inner surface at the first adapter end being sized and dimensioned to form a seal with the first tube end of the capillary tube.

[0130] Illustrative embodiment 7. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the adapter is configured to be selectively movable between an injection position at the first tube end of the capillary tube and a storage position proximate to the grip, wherein the grip body has an attachment component extendingoutwardly from the second grip end, and the adapter body defines a complementary attachment component extending inwardly from the second adapter end, and wherein the attachment component and the complementary attachment component are selectively attachable when the adapter is in the storage position.

[0131] Illustrative embodiment 8. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the adapter body of the adapter has an adapter outer surface and an adapter channel extending between the adapter outer surface and the adapter inner surface, the adapter channel having a first channel end proximate to the first adapter end and a second channel end proximate to the second adapter end, the adapter channel sized and dimensioned such that the first tube end of the capillary tube extends outwardly from the adapter channel at the first channel end when the adapter is in the storage position.

[0132] Illustrative embodiment 9. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising a protective covering disposed over the first tube end of the capillary tube and extending toward the second tube end of the capillary tube.

[0133] Illustrative embodiment 10. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the sidewall of the capillary tube further defines an outer surface, the capillary tube assembly further comprising an identifier disposed on the outer surface of the capillary tube, the identifier indicative of at least one aspect of the capillary tube assembly.

[0134] Illustrative embodiment 11. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the recess of the grip has a first channel and a second channel extending between the recess and the second grip end forming a first vent and a second vent.

[0135] Illustrative embodiment 12. The capillary tube assembly of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the inner surface of the capillary tube is coated with an anticoagulant.

[0136] Illustrative embodiment 13. A method of constructing a capillary tube assembly, comprising: providing a capillary tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an innersurface defining a bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end; attaching a grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having a grip body having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface, the grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end andthe second grip end, the grip having at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface forming at least one vent; and positioning a first plunger portion of a plunger through the opening of the grip and into the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger having a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube and extending through the opening at the first grip end, the at least one constriction portion of the grip engaging the second plunger portion of the plunger.

[0137] Illustrative embodiment 14. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising positioning a plug having a first plug end and a second plug end, the plug configured to permit passage of gas between the first plug end and the second plug end and to prevent passage of liquids or solids between the first plug end and the second plug end, the plug having a compression fit within the bore so as to remain stationary until force is applied to the plug and to be movable responsive to force being applied to the plug, the first plunger portion of the plunger being configured to selectively apply force to the plug.

[0138] Illustrative embodiment 15. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the plunger is configured to be selectively movable between a resting position and a working position, the plunger and the plug being arranged within the bore of the capillary tube such that moving the plunger into the working position causes the first plunger portion of the plunger to apply force to the plug, thereby causing the plug to move, wherein the grip body of the grip has a first constriction portion and a second constriction portion proximate to the opening and an expansion portion in between the first constriction portion and the second constriction portion, and wherein positioning the first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip and the bore of the capillary tube is further defined as positioning the first plunger portion of the plungerthrough the opening of the grip, the first constriction portion, the expansion portion, the second constriction portion, and the bore of the capillary tube.

[0139] Illustrative embodiment 16. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the plunger has a narrowed portion between the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion, and wherein positioning the first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip, the first constriction portion, the expansion portion,the second constriction portion, and the bore of the capillary tube is further defined as positioning the first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip, the first constriction portion, the expansion portion, the second constriction portion, and the bore of the capillary tube such that the narrowed portion of the plunger is aligned with the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body such that a gap is formed between the narrowed portion of the plunger and the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body.

[0140] Illustrative embodiment 17. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising attaching a complementary attachment component of an adapter to an attachment component of the grip, the adapter configured to be selectively movable between an injection position at the first tube end of the capillary tube and a storage position proximate to the grip, the attachment component and the complementary attachment component being selectively attachable when the adapter is in the storage position, the adapter having an adapter body having a first adapter end, a second adapter end, and an adapter inner surface defining an adapter bore sized and dimensioned to receive the first tube end of the capillary tube, the complementary attachment component extending from the adapter body, the adapter inner surface at the first adapter end being sized and dimensioned to form a seal with the first tube end of the capillary tube.

[0141] Illustrative embodiment 18. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising, prior to attaching the complementary attachment component of the adapterto the attachment component of the grip, positioningthe first tube end of the capillary tube through the second adapter end of the adapter and a first channel end of an adapter channel of the adapter, the first channel end proximate to the first adapter end, the adapter body having an adapter outer surface, the adapter channel extending between the adapter outer surface and the adapter inner surface, the adapter channel having a second channel end proximate to the second adapter end, the adapter channel sized and dimensioned such that the capillary tube extends from the adapter channel at the first channel end when the adapter is in the storage position.

[0142] Illustrative embodiment 19. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising positioning a protective covering over the first tube end of the capillary tube and extending toward the second tube end of the capillary tube.

[0143] Illustrative embodiment 20. The method of any one of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein the sidewall of the capillary tube further defines an outer surface, and the method further comprises positioning an identifier on the outer surface of the capillary tube, the identifier indicative of at least one aspect of the capillary tube assembly.

[0144] Illustrative embodiment 21. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, wherein attaching the grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube is further defined as attaching the grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having the grip body having the first grip end, the second grip end, the grip outer surface, and the grip inner surface, the grip inner surface defining the opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having the at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening, the grip having the recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having a first channel and a second channel extending between the recess and the second grip end forming a first vent and a second vent.

[0145] Illustrative embodiment 22. The method of any one of the preceding illustrative embodiments, further comprising coating the inner surface of the capillary tube with an anticoagulant.

[0146] Illustrative embodiment 23. A method of using a capillary tube assembly, comprising: receiving a fluid sample through a first tube end of a capillary tube into a bore of the capillary tube, the capillary tube having the first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining the bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, the capillary tube having a longitudinal axis extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, wherein a plunger has a first plunger portion disposed within the bore of the capillary tube and a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger being slidably disposed within the bore of the capillary tube to be selectively moved toward the first tube end along the longitudinal axis, wherein a grip is disposed on the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extendingT1between the recess and the grip outer surface, the at least one channel forming at least one vent; venting gas within the bore of the capillary tube through the second tube end of the capillary tube and the at least one vent of the grip as the fluid sample is received into the bore; and moving the plunger along the longitudinal axis toward the first tube end of the capillary tube to inject the fluid sample into a test instrument.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A capillary tube assembly, comprising: a capillary tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining a bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, the capillary tube having a longitudinal axis extending between the first tube end and the second tube end; a plunger having a first plunger portion disposed within the bore of the capillary tube and a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger being slidably disposed within the bore of the capillary tube to be selectively moved toward the first tube end along the longitudinal axis; and a grip having a grip body having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the second plunger portion of the plunger extending through the opening at the first grip end, the grip having at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening at the first grip end and engaging the second plunger portion of the plunger, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface, the at least one channel forming at least one vent.

2. The capillary tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plug positioned within the bore of the capillary tube, the plug having a first plug end and a second plug end, the plug configured to permit passage of gas between the first plug end and the second plug end and to prevent passage of liquids or solids between the first plug end and the second plug end, the plug having a compression fit within the bore so as to remain stationary until force is applied by the first plunger portion of the plunger and to be movable responsive to force being applied by the first plunger portion of the plunger.

3. The capillary tube assembly of claim 2, wherein the plunger is configured to be selectively movable between a resting position and a working position, the plunger and theplug being arranged within the bore of the capillary tube such that moving the plunger into the working position causes the first plunger portion of the plunger to apply force to the plug, thereby causing the plug to move.

4. The capillary tube assembly of claim 3, wherein the grip body of the grip has a first constriction portion and a second constriction portion proximate to the opening and an expansion portion in between the first constriction portion and the second constriction portion.

5. The capillary tube assembly of claim 4, wherein the plunger has a narrowed portion between the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion, the narrowed portion aligned with the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body when the plunger is in the resting position such that a gap is formed between the narrowed portion of the plunger and the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body.

6. The capillary tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adapter on the capillary tube and configured to be selectively positioned at the first tube end of the capillary tube, the adapter having an adapter body having a first adapter end, a second adapter end, and an adapter inner surface defining an adapter bore sized and dimensioned to receive the first tube end of the capillary tube, the adapter inner surface at the first adapter end being sized and dimensioned to form a seal with the first tube end of the capillary tube.

7. The capillary tube assembly of claim 6, wherein the adapter is configured to be selectively movable between an injection position at the first tube end of the capillary tube and a storage position proximate to the grip, wherein the grip body has an attachment component extending outwardly from the second grip end, and the adapter body defines a complementary attachment component extending inwardly from the second adapter end, and wherein the attachment component and the complementary attachment component are selectively attachable when the adapter is in the storage position.

8. The capillary tube assembly of claim 7 , wherein the adapter body of the adapter has an adapter outer surface and an adapter channel extending between the adapter outer surface and the adapter inner surface, the adapter channel having a first channel end proximate to the first adapter end and a second channel end proximate to the second adapter end, the adapter channel sized and dimensioned such that the first tube end of the capillary tube extends outwardly from the adapter channel at the first channel end when the adapter is in the storage position.

9. The capillary tube assembly of claim 1, further comprising a protective covering disposed over the first tube end of the capillary tube and extending toward the second tube end of the capillary tube.

10. The capillary tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the sidewall of the capillary tube further defines an outer surface, the capillary tube assembly further comprising an identifier disposed on the outer surface of the capillary tube, the identifier indicative of at least one aspect of the capillary tube assembly.

11. The capillary tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess of the grip has a first channel and a second channel extending between the recess and the second grip end forming a first vent and a second vent.

12. The capillary tube assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the capillary tube is coated with an anticoagulant.

13. A method of constructing a capillary tube assembly, comprising: providing a capillary tube having a first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining a bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end; attaching a grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having a grip body having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface, the grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having at least oneconstriction portion proximate to the opening, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface forming at least one vent; and positioning a first plunger portion of a plunger through the opening of the grip and into the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger having a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube and extending through the opening at the first grip end, the at least one constriction portion of the grip engaging the second plunger portion of the plunger.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a plug having a first plug end and a second plug end, the plug configured to permit passage of gas between the first plug end and the second plug end and to prevent passage of liquids or solids between the first plug end and the second plug end, the plug having a compression fit within the bore so as to remain stationary until force is applied to the plug and to be movable responsive to force being applied to the plug, the first plunger portion of the plunger being configured to selectively apply force to the plug.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plunger is configured to be selectively movable between a resting position and a working position, the plunger and the plug being arranged within the bore of the capillary tube such that moving the plunger into the working position causes the first plunger portion of the plunger to apply force to the plug, thereby causing the plug to move, wherein the grip body of the grip has a first constriction portion and a second constriction portion proximate to the opening and an expansion portion in between the first constriction portion and the second constriction portion, and wherein positioning the first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip and the bore of the capillary tube is further defined as positioning the first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip, the first constriction portion, the expansion portion, the second constriction portion, and the bore of the capillary tube.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plunger has a narrowed portion between the first plunger portion and the second plunger portion, and wherein positioningthe first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip, the first constriction portion, the expansion portion, the second constriction portion, and the bore of the capillary tube is further defined as positioning the first plunger portion of the plunger through the opening of the grip, the first constriction portion, the expansion portion, the second constriction portion, and the bore of the capillary tube such that the narrowed portion of the plunger is aligned with the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body such that a gap is formed between the narrowed portion of the plunger and the first constriction portion, the second constriction portion, and the expansion portion of the grip body.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising attaching a complementary attachment component of an adapter to an attachment component of the grip, the adapter configured to be selectively movable between an injection position at the first tube end of the capillary tube and a storage position proximate to the grip, the attachment component and the complementary attachment component being selectively attachable when the adapter is in the storage position, the adapter having an adapter body having a first adapter end, a second adapter end, and an adapter inner surface defining an adapter bore sized and dimensioned to receive the first tube end of the capillary tube, the complementary attachment component extending from the adapter body, the adapter inner surface at the first adapter end being sized and dimensioned to form a seal with the first tube end of the capillary tube.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising, prior to attaching the complementary attachment component of the adapter to the attachment component of the grip, positioning the first tube end of the capillary tube through the second adapter end of the adapter and a first channel end of an adapter channel of the adapter, the first channel end proximate to the first adapter end, the adapter body having an adapter outer surface, the adapter channel extending between the adapter outer surface and the adapter inner surface, the adapter channel having a second channel end proximate to the second adapter end, the adapter channel sized and dimensioned such that the capillary tube extends from the adapter channel at the first channel end when the adapter is in the storage position.

19. The method of claim 13, further comprising positioning a protective covering over the first tube end of the capillary tube and extending toward the second tube end of the capillary tube.

20. The method of claim 13, wherein the sidewall of the capillary tube further defines an outer surface, and the method further comprises positioning an identifier on the outer surface of the capillary tube, the identifier indicative of at least one aspect of the capillary tube assembly.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein attaching the grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube is further defined as attaching the grip to the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having the grip body having the first grip end, the second grip end, the grip outer surface, and the grip inner surface, the grip inner surface defining the opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having the at least one constriction portion proximate to the opening, the grip having the recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having a first channel and a second channel extending between the recess and the second grip end forming a first vent and a second vent.

22. The method of claim 13, further comprising coating the inner surface of the capillary tube with an anticoagulant.

23. A method of using a capillary tube assembly, comprising: receiving a fluid sample through a first tube end of a capillary tube into a bore of the capillary tube, the capillary tube having the first tube end, a second tube end, and a sidewall having an inner surface defining the bore extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, the capillary tube having a longitudinal axis extending between the first tube end and the second tube end, wherein a plunger has a first plunger portion disposed within the bore of the capillary tube and a second plunger portion disposed outside of the bore of the capillary tube, the plunger being slidably disposed within the bore of thecapillary tube to be selectively moved toward the first tube end along the longitudinal axis, wherein a grip is disposed on the second tube end of the capillary tube, the grip having a first grip end, a second grip end, a grip outer surface, and a grip inner surface defining an opening extending between the first grip end and the second grip end, the grip having a recess in fluid communication with the opening and engaging the second tube end of the capillary tube to connect the capillary tube to the grip, the recess having at least one channel extending between the recess and the grip outer surface, the at least one channel forming at least one vent; venting gas within the bore of the capillary tube through the second tube end of the capillary tube and the at least one vent of the grip as the fluid sample is received into the bore; and moving the plunger along the longitudinal axis toward the first tube end of the capillary tube to inject the fluid sample into a test instrument.

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