Biological Sample Collection Assembly with Cell-Filtering Component
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological sample storage technologies face difficulties in separating free cells from samples, such as blood, which can interfere with testing and require specialized handling and transportation, especially in remote or resource-limited settings.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample collection and storage assembly that includes a filtering component to separate free cells from other components using chemical or physical methods, allowing the filtered sample to flow to an absorbent storage component via capillary action, and a housing to protect the sample and facilitate easy removal of the storage component for testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If free cells are not separated from the biological sample, then the sample can be stored and transported easily, but the sample cannot be used for testing or analysis due to interference from free cells
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering component is pre-configured in the assembly to automatically separate free cells from the biological sample during the collection process. This preliminary filtration action ensures that only cell-free filtrate reaches the storage component, eliminating the need for subsequent complex separation procedures at the testing location.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering component extracts and removes free cells from the biological sample, isolating only the desired cell-free filtrate for storage and transport. This extraction process resolves the contradiction by removing the interfering elements (free cells) while preserving the usable sample components.
2Reliability
If specialized handling and cold storage are used for biological samples, then sample integrity is maintained during transport, but handling complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly extracts and removes free cells that could compromise sample integrity during transport. By eliminating these potentially harmful elements beforehand, the sample becomes more stable and less susceptible to degradation, reducing the need for specialized cold storage and complex handling protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly appears to be a disposable single-use device that performs all necessary filtration and storage functions in one unit. This eliminates the need for reusable equipment requiring sterilization and complex handling, while maintaining sample integrity through integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If free cells are present in the stored sample, then the collection process is simpler, but the sample requires specialized processing at the testing location
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering component performs the cell separation action during sample collection itself, rather than requiring a separate processing step later. This preliminary filtration saves significant time at the testing location by ensuring the sample is already in the correct form for analysis when it arrives.
4Reliability
If the entire assembly is transported to the testing location, then sample protection is maximized, but transportation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is designed with separable components - the filtering component remains at the collection location while only the compact storage component containing the filtered sample needs to be transported. This segmentation reduces transportation weight and cost while maintaining sample protection through the integrated design of the storage portion.
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
Enables the collection, filtration, and storage of biological samples, particularly blood plasma, for safe and cost-effective transportation to centralized laboratories, allowing for subsequent testing without the need for specialized handling or cold storage, and supports applications like viral load monitoring and mass screening.
Implementation Method 1
the filtered sample to flow to an absorbent storage component via capillary action
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A biological sample collection and storage assembly, including: at least one filtering component; and an absorbent storage component; wherein the at least one filtering component is configured to filter a received biological sample in fluid form containing free cells and other biological components to separate the free cells from the other biological components such that the other biological components flow to the absorbent storage component for subsequent testing or analysis.