Blood Spot Collection Stencil for Clean Multi-Sample Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting capillary blood samples, such as the dried blood spot (DBS) method, often result in unsatisfactory samples due to smearing and contamination, leading to re-spotting and delays in data analysis, particularly in newborn screening programs.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection apparatus comprising a stencil with interconnected elements and a removable compression clip is used to secure an adsorbent media, ensuring precise sample placement and preventing contamination, featuring layers with absorbent and barrier properties to optimize sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the DBS method is used to collect capillary blood samples, then the convenience of self-collection and remote testing is improved, but the sample quality deteriorates due to smearing and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stencil as an intermediary tool between the blood collection process and the absorbent media. The stencil provides pre-defined spotting areas with boundaries that guide precise blood application, preventing smearing and contamination while maintaining the simplicity of the DBS method. This mediator structure enables users to achieve laboratory-quality samples through self-collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The stencil is prepared in advance with pre-defined spotting areas, boundaries, and alignment features before the blood collection process. This preliminary preparation ensures that when blood is applied, it automatically lands in the correct positions with proper spacing, eliminating the need for real-time precision control during the collection process itself.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are collected on the same card, then the productivity of screening programs is improved, but the risk of contamination between adjacent samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stencil divides the absorbent media surface into distinct, segmented spotting areas with clear boundaries. Each sample is confined to its own designated zone, preventing cross-contamination between adjacent samples. The segmentation includes spacing features that ensure adequate separation between multiple sample spots on the same card, allowing high-throughput collection while maintaining sample integrity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the stencil includes multiple layers with barrier properties, then the prevention of contamination is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stencil employs composite material construction with multiple layers serving different functions: a top layer with barrier properties to prevent external contamination, a middle layer providing structural support and containing the spotting areas, and a bottom layer that interfaces with the absorbent media. This composite structure achieves superior contamination protection while maintaining reasonable device complexity through integrated design.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise sample placement is ensured through stencil boundaries, then the manufacturing precision of sample spots is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stencil incorporates alignment features such as registration marks, guide edges, or self-aligning mechanisms that create an equipotential state for positioning. These features ensure that the stencil automatically aligns with the absorbent media or collection device, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining precise sample placement within the defined boundaries.
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 apparatus improves the quality of spotted samples by reducing contamination and excess material, thereby enhancing the efficiency of sample collection and reducing the need for re-collection, thus expediting data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a sample collection apparatus comprising a stencil with interconnected elements and a removable compression clip is used to secure an adsorbent media
Implementation Method 2
removable compression clip configured to secure an adsorbent media to the stencil
Data Source
AI summary
Provided here are apparatuses and methods for sample collection. One such sample collection apparatus includes a stencil having a first element, a second element, and a hinge connecting the first element and the second element. The first element has a top layer, an optional middle layer, and a bottom layer bonded together compositely with one or more design cutouts traversing the layers. The second element has an optional top layer and a bottom layer. The apparatus further includes a removable compression clip configured to secure an adsorbent media to the stencil. The apparatus may include an optional rivet to attach the removable compression clip to the stencil in a movable manner around the rivet. Also provided is a method for collecting a plurality of samples using the sample collection apparatus provided herein.