Blood Sample Separation Device with Segmented Collection Pathways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood sample collection techniques require high volumes of blood, making alternate sites less favorable and increasing patient apprehension, and add complexity in separating samples for different processing methods.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple sample collection pathways and containers that utilize a separation material to efficiently separate and collect bodily fluids, allowing for simultaneous drawing and separation of blood and plasma from a single sample, reducing the need for high blood volumes and simplifying the collection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional blood collection techniques are used to obtain sufficient blood volume for testing, then adequate sample volume is achieved, but patient apprehension increases and alternate site puncture becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the blood sample into multiple separate containers within a single collection system. Multiple collection pathways split the sample into different tubes, allowing sufficient total volume collection while using a smaller gauge needle that reduces patient pain and apprehension during the puncture procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it collects blood from a single puncture site, separates the sample into multiple containers for different tests, and provides vacuum assistance for automated filling. This multi-functionality allows adequate volume collection for various tests while using a less invasive small-bore needle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional collection techniques are used, then sample collection is achieved, but the process of separating samples into different containers adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple collection tubes and pathways into a single integrated unit. The multi-chamber housing contains multiple vacuum-sealed tubes, each with its own pathway, allowing simultaneous collection and automatic separation into different containers without requiring separate manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection tubes are pre-sealed with vacuum levels and prepared beforehand. When the device is activated, the pre-prepared pathways and vacuum pressure automatically direct and separate the sample into the appropriate containers without requiring manual intervention or complex separation procedures during the collection process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single puncture site is used to collect sample, then patient comfort is improved, but the volume of blood obtained is insufficient for conventional testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the collection into multiple small-bore pathways that simultaneously draw blood from a single puncture site. Each pathway leads to a separate container, and the combined volume from all pathways provides sufficient total blood volume while each individual pathway uses a small gauge needle that minimizes patient pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses vacuum pressure in pre-sealed collection tubes to automatically draw blood through multiple pathways. The vacuum force pulls blood through small-bore needles and channels, enabling sufficient volume collection from a single puncture without requiring large-gauge needles that would increase patient pain.
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 collection and separation of blood and plasma from a single sample, reducing the volume required and simplifying the collection process, thereby improving patient compliance and reducing procedural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a separator along the sample collection pathway configured to remove formed components from the sample when outputting to the sample container
Implementation Method 2
at least two sample collection pathways configured to draw the bodily fluid sample into the device from a single end of the device in contact with the subject
Implementation Method 3
the sample containers operably engageable to be in fluid communication with the sample collection pathways, whereupon when fluid communication is established, the containers provide a motive force to move a majority of the two separate samples from the pathways into the containers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~5B
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.