Blood Sample Collection Device with Separation Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blood sample collection techniques require high volumes of blood, making alternate, less invasive methods less favorable and increasing patient apprehension, while also adding complexity in separating blood samples for different processing methods.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple sample collection pathways and containers that utilize a separation material to separate blood into distinct components, allowing for efficient collection and processing of blood samples with reduced volume requirements, using capillary action and pressure differentials to facilitate sample separation and transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional venipuncture is used to collect blood samples, then sufficient blood volume can be obtained for testing, but patient apprehension and procedural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood volumeVSAvoidpatient apprehension

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the blood collection and processing function into separate modules: a collection module that can obtain small volume blood samples through alternate site puncture, and a separation module that divides the sample into plasma and formed components. This segmentation allows the collection phase to use less invasive methods while the separation phase concentrates the blood components, effectively resolving the contradiction between obtaining sufficient blood volume and reducing patient apprehension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If alternate site puncture is used to reduce patient apprehension, then blood volume obtained is insufficient for conventional testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient apprehensionVSAvoidblood volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device changes the physical parameters of the blood sample through the separation process. By using a separation membrane with specific pore sizes and applying pressure differentials, the device concentrates the blood components (plasma and formed elements) into smaller volumes, effectively increasing the concentration and usable volume of blood components from the initial small volume alternate site puncture sample.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If blood samples are collected for multiple processing methods, then comprehensive testing is enabled, but collection and separation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidseparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the blood sample into distinct components (plasma and formed components) through a single separation membrane, with each component available for different types of testing. This segmentation approach enables multiple processing methods and comprehensive testing capabilities while maintaining relatively simple device structure, as the separation is achieved through a single membrane rather than multiple complex separation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier, a filtration medium, and a separation interface. By designing the membrane with appropriate pore sizes and properties, it can separate different blood components in a single operation, enabling the device to support multiple testing methodologies without requiring multiple separate separation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 efficient separation and processing of blood samples with reduced volume requirements, improving patient compliance and simplifying the collection process by effectively separating blood into plasma and other components for analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a formed component separation device will now be described. FIG. 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of a device 10 having a formed component separator 20 positioned along a pathway as indicated by arrow 30

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

capillary action and pressure differentials to facilitate sample separation and transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

capillary action and pressure differentials to facilitate sample separation and transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11247208B2Methods and devices for sample collection and sample separation

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 LABRADOR DIAGNOSTICS LLC

AI summary

Methods and devices are provided for sample collection and sample separation. In one embodiment, a device is provided for use with a formed component liquid sample, the device comprising at least one sample inlet for receiving said sample; at least a first outlet for outputting only a liquid portion of the formed component liquid sample; at least a second outlet for outputting the formed component liquid sample at least a first material mixed therein.