Integrated Blood Sampling Device with Desiccant Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood sampling and storage methods require trained personnel, extensive sterile equipment, and refrigeration, and suffer from sample instability due to humidity and uneven distribution, making them unsuitable for remote use and self-sampling.
Innovation Solution
A single-use, all-in-one device with a capillary tube and integrated lancet for blood collection, using desiccant to dry samples within a sealed chamber, ensuring even distribution and stability, and allowing for self-sampling without external infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If venipuncture or finger stick methods are used for blood collection, then blood samples can be obtained, but the samples require refrigeration and sterile equipment, increasing device complexity and requiring trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lancet, collection tube, and drying chamber into a single integrated device. The lancet is housed within the collection tube assembly, and the entire structure is designed as one unified unit that performs multiple functions (puncturing, collecting, and drying) without requiring separate sterile equipment or refrigeration infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a disposable single-use device that eliminates the need for reusable sterile equipment. The entire collection system is designed as a discardable unit, reducing the complexity of maintaining sterile supplies and refrigeration infrastructure while still providing reliable blood collection and drying capabilities.
2Reliability
If liquid blood samples are collected for diagnostic testing, then testing can be performed, but the samples must be tested immediately or stored under refrigeration, reducing adaptability for remote use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the blood sample from liquid to dried form. By transforming the sample into a dried blood spot within the collection device, it maintains stability at ambient temperature without requiring refrigeration, thereby enabling adaptability for remote locations and self-sampling scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs the drying action immediately after blood collection as a preliminary step before storage and transport. The integrated drying chamber actively removes moisture from the blood sample right away, preserving it in a stable dried state that can be stored indefinitely at ambient conditions, thus preparing the sample for future testing without requiring immediate laboratory intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional DBS sampling with separate components is used, then dried samples can be obtained, but the process requires multiple separate components and trained health aides, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lancet, collection tube, and drying chamber into a single unified device. The lancet is housed within the collection tube assembly, and the entire structure functions as one integrated system that simultaneously performs puncturing, blood collection, and drying operations, eliminating the need for multiple separate components required in traditional DBS protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-functional device where a single unit performs multiple operations: the lancet component punctures the skin, the collection tube receives and contains the blood, and the integrated drying chamber removes moisture. This universal device eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sample stability.
4Loss of time
If filter paper is exposed to air during drying, then blood can be dried, but the sample is exposed to contamination and humidity, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a sealed drying chamber with a flexible or rigid enclosure that contains the filter paper and blood sample during the drying process. This封闭 environment prevents direct exposure to external air, thereby blocking contamination and humidity while still allowing the drying function to operate. The chamber may have controlled ventilation or moisture removal mechanisms that maintain drying efficiency without compromising the sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying chamber creates a controlled internal environment that isolates the blood sample from the external atmosphere. By maintaining a sealed space with controlled humidity and air flow, the system provides an inert-like environment that prevents contamination and excessive humidity exposure during drying, while still enabling efficient moisture removal from the blood sample.
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 enables easy, stable, and contamination-free collection and storage of dried blood samples, suitable for remote use, with improved sample distribution and longevity, facilitating self-sampling and reducing equipment needs.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary tube or small opening for transporting fluid
Implementation Method 2
using desiccant to dry samples within a sealed chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for sampling and storing biological fluids from a human or animal subject is provided. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a main body, lancet carrier or hub, lancet, lancet trigger, capillary tube, and sample compartments for collecting and storing dried blood and other bodily fluids. The lancet hub supports a lancet and provides for moving the lancet longitudinally between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The device includes a capillary tube having an internal diameter sized to draw and retain fluid from a contacted source using capillary action. The main body of the apparatus further includes a sample compartment for holding sampling and storage materials. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sample compartment can be accessed by lifting sample compartment lid. Also included is a new “fan” or “daisy” shaped collection material format for use in collecting and preserving samples.