Blood Sampling Transfer Device with Closed System Mixing

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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 and inaccurate point-of-care testing due to open systems and manual handling of blood samples.

Innovation Solution

A closed system blood sampling transfer device with a lancing tape and transfer cartridge that reduces sample exposure, facilitates fast mixing with a sample stabilizer, and includes a frangible portion for secure connection, enabling efficient and accurate sample collection and separation for point-of-care testing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple devices (needles, vacuum tubes, syringes) are used for blood sampling, then blood can be collected and transported, but the process becomes device-intensive, increasing time and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood sampling efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate devices (lancing device, sampling transfer device, testing device) into an integrated assembly where the lancing tape and transfer cartridge are physically connected. This merging eliminates the need for separate needles, vacuum tubes, and syringes, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining blood sampling functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly performs multiple functions within a single device: the lancing device provides blood access, the transfer cartridge collects and stabilizes the sample, and the testing device analyzes it. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed, improving productivity by eliminating multiple handling steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If open systems and manual handling are used for blood samples, then flexibility is maintained, but sample exposure to skin and environment increases, reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood sample accuracyVSAvoidsample exposure to skin and environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a closed transfer cartridge with sealed walls that enclose the blood sample throughout the collection and transport process. This sealed flexible container prevents direct exposure to skin and environment, maintaining sample integrity and accuracy while allowing for portable use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer cartridge acts as an intermediary between the lancing device and the testing device, providing a closed pathway that prevents direct contact between the blood sample and the external environment. This intermediary component maintains sample purity while enabling the point-of-care testing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If manual handling and transfer of blood samples is performed, then adaptability is maintained, but time for collection and preparation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection and preparation timeVSAvoidmanual handling requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer cartridge is pre-loaded with stabilizing agents and designed for direct attachment to the lancing device. The sample stabilization and transfer processes are prepared in advance within the integrated assembly, eliminating the need for separate manual handling steps and reducing overall collection time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly is designed to perform the blood sampling and transfer process automatically through its closed architecture. The sample flows automatically from the lancing site through the sealed transfer cartridge to the testing device, reducing manual intervention and time loss while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides safer, reproducible, and more accurate blood sampling by minimizing exposure, improving sample quality, and simplifying the collection process, while allowing for efficient separation and transfer of plasma to point-of-care testing devices.

Implementation Method 1

provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow mixing:

Implementation Method 2

a lancing tape having a flow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20240398298A1Blood Sampling Transfer Device

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

A blood sampling transfer device that includes a lancing tape having a flow channel and a transfer cartridge removably connected to the lancing tape is disclosed. The blood sampling transfer device provides a closed system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample to both skin and environment and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer.