Integrated Analyte Extraction Chamber for Accurate Small-Volume Quantitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling techniques, such as dried blood spot (DBS) testing, face challenges in accurately quantitating analytes due to variations in viscosity within blood samples, leading to biased sampling and difficulties in determining analyte concentration.
Innovation Solution
The described method and system integrate the collection of a known small volume of a liquid specimen with analyte extraction using a stationary phase within an extraction chamber, allowing for accurate determination of analyte concentration by selectively binding analytes and facilitating their analysis without extensive sample processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dried blood spot (DBS) testing is used to collect small volume specimens, then sample collection is simplified, but quantitation accuracy deteriorates due to viscosity variations causing biased sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling process into distinct functional zones: a hydrophilic region that controls liquid flow and a hydrophobic region that prevents over-saturation. This segmentation ensures a consistent, known volume is extracted regardless of blood viscosity variations, resolving the contradiction between ease of collection and quantitation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter paper employs local quality by having different regions with different properties: a hydrophilic region for controlled liquid absorption and a hydrophobic region for preventing excess saturation. This localized property differentiation ensures precise volume control while maintaining simple collection procedures.
2Reliability
If extensive sample processing steps are performed in the laboratory, then analyte extraction is achieved, but analytical throughput deteriorates and sample dilution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the extraction chamber and filter paper into a single integrated unit that performs both sampling and extraction functions. The stationary phase is incorporated directly into the filter paper structure, eliminating the need for separate extraction steps in the laboratory and thereby maintaining extraction reliability while significantly improving analytical throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-contained, performing extraction, concentration, and preparation functions within the collection device itself. The stationary phase automatically extracts analytes from the blood sample as it passes through the filter paper, eliminating the need for additional laboratory processing steps and preserving analytical throughput.
3Measurement precision
If DBS samples are processed in the laboratory, then analyte analysis is performed, but sample dilution occurs reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and concentrates analytes directly in the collection device using a stationary phase incorporated into the filter paper. This extraction process occurs before any laboratory handling, preventing dilution and maintaining high analyte concentration for enhanced sensitivity while still enabling accurate concentration determination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves quantitation accuracy, increases analytical sensitivity, and enhances throughput by allowing for direct analysis of the stationary phase or adsorbed analytes, reducing the need for subsequent sample processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
A stationary phase is configured to be disposed within the extraction chamber in contact with the liquid sample so as to adsorb one or more analyte species thereto
Data Source
AI summary
In various aspects, integrated specimen collection and analyte extraction devices are provided herein. For example, in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings. a device for extracting analytes from a specimen is provided, the device comprising a housing (12) defining an extraction chamber (14) for containing a known volume of a liquid specimen and having an inlet (16) for receiving the liquid specimen. A stationary phase (20) is configured to be disposed within the extraction chamber (14) in contact with the liquid sample so as to adsorb one or more analyte species thereto, wherein at least one of the stationary phase (20) and the one or more analytes adsorbed thereto within the extraction chamber (14) is removable from the extraction chamber (14) for analysis by a chemical analyzer.