Blood Sample Collection Device with Capillary Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and transporting small blood samples for diagnostic testing face challenges in ensuring convenient, reliable, and efficient collection, stabilization, and preservation, especially when immediate testing is not possible at the time of extraction.
Innovation Solution
A portable sample collection device that uses capillaries to meter and heparinize blood samples, with plungers to dispense the sample onto a storage media, and includes a stabilization agent like heparin or EDTA, along with a desiccant to preserve the sample, allowing for visible confirmation of collection and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a hypodermic needle and test tube are used to collect blood samples, then sufficient blood volume can be obtained for diagnostic testing, but the collection process becomes complex and requires immediate transport to a remote lab
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functional components within a compact housing: capillaries are nested within the housing, plungers are positioned within capillary access chambers, and the entire assembly fits within a portable device that can be carried to remote locations, eliminating the need for separate test tubes and complex transport arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: blood collection via capillaries, volume metering through capillary dimensions, stabilization via heparin coating on capillary interiors, storage in the housing chamber, and transport readiness all in one device, replacing multiple separate procedures
2Ease of operation
If small blood samples are collected via finger stick, then the collection process is simplified, but the samples cannot be easily transported to a remote lab for testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device prepares the blood sample in advance for stable transport by immediately drawing it into capillaries coated with heparin stabilization agent, sealing it within the housing, and protecting it during transport, so that when reached at the remote lab, the sample is already stabilized and ready for analysis without degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The capillaries serve as an intermediary between the finger stick collection and the final storage/transport state, providing a controlled environment with heparin coating that stabilizes the blood sample during the transition from collection to transport, ensuring reliability throughout the process
3Adaptability or versatility
If blood samples are collected without immediate testing, then testing flexibility is improved, but sample stabilization and preservation become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The capillaries are pre-coated with heparin stabilization agent that actively prevents blood coagulation and chemical degradation from the moment of collection, counteracting the natural destabilization processes that would occur during delayed testing, thereby maintaining sample composition stability throughout the transport and storage period
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 device effectively collects, stabilizes, and preserves small blood samples, enabling reliable transport and storage for remote lab analysis, improving the quality and feasibility of diagnostic testing.
Implementation Method 1
metering capillaries then extract blood from the sample port and deposit it onto a storage media via capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A blood sample collection and/or storage device includes a two-piece housing that encompasses a port at which a fingertip blood sample is collected. After the sample is taken, the two-piece housing is moved to a closed position to protect the sample for storage and optionally process the sample.