Needle-Free Capillary Blood Collection Device with Integrated Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for collecting biological samples, such as blood, are cumbersome, require trained personnel, and often result in excessive sample collection, with a lack of immediate stabilization capabilities for molecular diagnostic tests.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing, a retainer with a solution, and a collector with an absorbent member that facilitates easy sample collection and mixing with additives for stabilization, allowing self-collection and integration with automated testing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venous collection tubes with needles are used, then sample collection is reliable and additives are effectively delivered, but the procedure requires trained personnel and carries puncture risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the needle component from the collection system, replacing it with a needle-free capillary tube insertion method. The capillary tube is inserted directly into a vein or vessel without requiring needle puncture, thereby maintaining reliable sample collection while eliminating the need for trained personnel and removing puncture risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a intermediary device - a holder with a capillary tube - that mediates between the user and the blood collection process. The holder guides the capillary tube into the vein and contains the stabilization buffer, serving as an intermediary that simplifies operation while ensuring reliable sample collection and additive delivery.
2Ease of operation
If capillary tube based collection devices are used, then the procedure is simpler and safer, but the volume of sample collected is insufficient for molecular diagnostic tests
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the capillary tube dynamic by allowing it to extend beyond the holder after insertion. The flexible capillary tube can be advanced further into the vessel to collect additional sample volume as needed, transforming a static short tube into a dynamic collection system that can adapt to volume requirements for molecular diagnostic tests.
3Reliability
If immediate mixing with stabilization buffer is required, then molecular diagnostic sample quality is improved, but current collection devices lack integrated mixing capability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sample collection function and the stabilization buffer storage function into a single integrated device. The holder contains both the capillary tube for sample collection and the stabilization buffer reservoir, combining multiple functions into one device rather than requiring separate collection and mixing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention prepares the stabilization buffer in advance within the holder, positioned to be immediately delivered to the collected sample. The buffer is pre-loaded and positioned so that as soon as blood enters the capillary tube, the stabilization buffer is already in place to mix and stabilize the sample, ensuring immediate stabilization without requiring additional mixing actions.
4Quantity of substance
If excessive sample is collected with traditional devices, then sufficient sample is available for testing, but sample waste increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the volume parameter of the collection system by using a smaller capillary tube with controlled internal diameter. This parameter change allows collection of only the necessary sample volume required for molecular diagnostic tests, rather than collecting excessive amounts with traditional larger tubes, thereby reducing sample waste while ensuring sufficient sample availability.
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 simplified, efficient collection and stabilization of biological samples, particularly for molecular diagnostics, allowing for immediate stabilization and easy handling by patients or medical personnel, with integration into standard laboratory processes.
Implementation Method 1
Capillary tube based collection devices are used to collect a small volume of blood from a patient's fingertip or heel. These devices usually function by holding the tip of an open end capillary tube against the drop of fluid and the fluid is then drawn into the tube using capillary forces.
Implementation Method 2
the inwardly recessed central portion or the protrusion of the closed bottom of the vessel compresses the absorbent member when the collector is engaging or engaged with the open end portion of the housing, thereby squeezing the biological sample out of the absorbent member
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for collecting and stabilizing biological samples, and more particularly, for collecting and stabilizing blood or other bodily fluids from a user's fingertip, earlobe, heel or other locations. The present invention also relates to sample collection devices that simplify the process for mixing the biological samples with an additive or additives, provide for efficient storage and safe transport of the samples, and provide for easy access to the samples for subsequent processing.