Blood Collection Device with Rotatable Plasma Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current blood sampling techniques are device-intensive, leading to increased time and cost, and often result in inconsistent results due to manual collection and open system exposure, which hampers the effectiveness of point-of-care testing.

Innovation Solution

A biological fluid collection device with a lancet housing and transfer cartridge that facilitates closed system blood sampling, allowing for efficient separation and analysis of blood components, minimizing exposure and enhancing reproducibility by using a rotatable body for plasma and cellular separation within a point-of-care testing device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional needle and vacuum tube collection methods are used, then blood sampling can be performed, but the process becomes device-intensive and increases time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood sampling efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the collection device includes a housing with an interior space that receives blood, a filter assembly for separating plasma from cellular components, and a transfer mechanism to move the sample to a testing device. This merging eliminates the need for separate vacuum tubes, needles, and manual transfer steps, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining sampling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The collection device is designed as a universal platform that can interface with various testing devices through standardized transfer mechanisms. The device performs multiple functions: collection, filtration, and sample transfer, making it adaptable to different testing requirements without requiring multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If manual collection and open system exposure are used, then blood sampling can be performed, but results become inconsistent and exposure risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest result consistencyVSAvoidexposure to blood and environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a closed-system transfer cartridge as an intermediary between the collection device and the testing device. This cartridge maintains a sealed environment throughout the transfer process, eliminating exposure to blood and the external environment while ensuring consistent sample conditions for reliable test results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer cartridge uses flexible sealing membranes and thin film structures to maintain a closed system during sample transfer. These flexible seals allow for reliable connections between components while preventing leakage and contamination, ensuring consistent sample integrity throughout the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If multiple intermediate devices are used in the sampling process, then blood can be collected and transferred, but the process time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample transfer easeVSAvoidtesting process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The collection device performs preliminary separation of plasma from cellular components using a filter assembly before transfer to the testing device. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate separation steps later, reducing overall process time while maintaining ease of operation through automated filtering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes continuous fluid communication between the collection device interior, filter assembly, and transfer cartridge through sealed channels. This continuous connection eliminates interruptions and air gaps between steps, allowing seamless transition from collection to separation to transfer, thereby reducing total process time while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

The solution provides a safer, more accurate, and reproducible blood sampling process by reducing exposure and improving sample quality, enhancing the reliability and ease of use in point-of-care testing systems.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable body for plasma and cellular separation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10136849B2Biological fluid collection device and biological fluid separation and testing system

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A biological fluid collection device that is adapted to receive a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid collection device is able to transfer the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device or a biological fluid separation and testing device. After transferring the blood sample, the biological fluid separation and testing device is able to separate the plasma portion from the cellular portion and analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.