Capillary Blood Sample Dilution and Analysis System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and analyzing blood samples are cumbersome, particularly in remote locations, and often require complex equipment and trained personnel, posing challenges in maintaining and operating these systems, which is difficult in remote settings.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hand-held system using a capillary device and consumable loader to transport clinical samples into an analytical system, where bubbles are used for signaling and controlling sample flow and dilution, allowing for simple, efficient analysis with minimal training and reducing exposure to infectious agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional blood collection methods using multiple tubes and needles are used, then sufficient blood sample volume can be obtained, but the risk of infection exposure to personnel increases and staff time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the blood collection function from the traditional multi-tube system and concentrates it into a single capillary device that collects an extended volume of blood sample in one location, eliminating the need for multiple tubes and reducing personnel exposure risk while maintaining efficient sample acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary device is nested within a holder that interfaces with the analytical system, creating a compact integrated unit that combines sample collection, storage, and analysis functions in a space-efficient manner that reduces both exposure risk and time consumption
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex analytical systems are deployed in remote locations, then comprehensive blood analysis can be performed, but the difficulty of maintaining and operating the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into discrete modular components including the capillary device, holder, and analytical system that can be independently handled and replaced, making the complex analysis capability accessible in remote locations while simplifying operation through modular assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary component that bridges the simple capillary collection device and the analytical system, providing a user-friendly interface that simplifies operation while enabling comprehensive analysis capabilities in remote settings
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 simple, error-resistant, and cost-effective collection and analysis of blood samples in remote areas, reducing the need for complex equipment and trained personnel, while minimizing exposure to infectious agents and providing efficient sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary, which may be straight or curved, and which may contain sharp bends or branches, is loaded with a clinical sample to be analyzed
Implementation Method 2
Bubbles may be placed at one or both ends of the sample in the capillary, for signaling the start or cessation of sample flow to the detection and analysis system, and for controlling the rate of sample mixing during flow through the system
Implementation Method 3
Flow of the upstream fluid source and the sample is initially separate except for diffusion at the interface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for collection and delivery of sub-milliliter liquid samples is described that provides a dramatic simplification for the measurement of clinical values. The system produces high dilutions of capillary size samples, such as bodily fluids or blood, by a factor of 1000 or more. Multiple assays can be conducted on a sample of 0.1 cc or less. A small lancet can create a drop of blood on a fingertip or other location, which can be collected into a self-priming capillary blood collector. The sample is then loaded into a consumable loader. Then a fluid, such as saline, is flowed into the consumable loader, and passes through the capillary collector, washing out the fluid. Downstream, the blood in the capillary is reliably diluted by mixing with appropriate reagents to allow analysis of selected blood properties. One or more individual bubbles can be inserted into the stream during loading. The capillary loading system can be used for one or several assays on a single blood sample. It can be very compact and lightweight and is suitable for use in remote environments, such as outer space, in which it is difficult to access diagnostic assays.