Capillary Blood Sampler with Leaktight Base Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling and dispensing biological samples, particularly blood, often require large volumes and involve complex manipulations, leading to inefficiencies and risks of contamination, especially in cases where small volumes are needed or difficult to collect.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a capillary component that collects samples by capillary action and connects leaktightly to a dispensing device, allowing for precise volume collection and transfer with minimal manipulation, using a base with a connector system for secure attachment and a fluid connection that minimizes blood loss and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If venous sampling is performed using conventional tubes, then sufficient blood volume is collected for analysis, but the sampling procedure becomes complex and requires considerable blood volume (about 4 ml)
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling system into a capillary tube for blood collection and a base with connector for analyzer integration. This segmentation allows the capillary tube to collect small blood volumes directly at the puncture site while the base handles the connection and transfer functions, simplifying the overall procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary tube is nested within the base structure, with the tube inserted into a receptacle in the base. This nested configuration allows the small-volume collection capability of the capillary tube to be integrated with the connection functionality of the base, eliminating the need for separate collection and transfer steps.
2Quantity of substance
If capillary blood sampling is performed with small volumes (20-50 μl), then the sampling procedure is simplified and blood volume is minimized, but the collected volume is insufficient for traditional sampling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with a connector that can interface with both the capillary tube and the blood analyzer sampling system. This universal connector allows the device to handle small capillary blood volumes while maintaining compatibility with standard analysis systems that are designed for larger volumes, bridging the gap between micro-sampling and conventional analysis equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The base acts as an intermediary device between the capillary tube and the analyzer sampling system. It receives the small blood volume from the capillary tube and provides a standardized interface for connection to the analyzer, enabling small-volume samples to be processed by systems designed for larger volumes.
3Reliability
If multiple manipulation steps are used for sample transfer and pre-dilution, then the sample can be prepared for analysis, but the risk of contamination increases and blood loss is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the collection function (capillary tube) with the connection function (base with connector) into a single integrated unit. This combination eliminates the need for separate transfer steps where the sample would be exposed to the environment, thereby reducing contamination risk while maintaining sample preparation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is pre-configured with the connector and fluid connection pathways before sample collection. This preliminary preparation ensures that when blood is collected in the capillary tube, it can be immediately connected to the analyzer without intermediate handling or transfer steps, minimizing exposure and contamination risk.
4Ease of operation
If a capillary tube is used for collection, then small blood volumes can be collected easily, but the connection to the dispensing device requires secure leaktight attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is extracted as a separate component integrated into the base, distinct from the capillary tube itself. This allows the capillary tube to maintain its simple insertion function for easy sample collection, while the separate connector provides the robust leaktight attachment mechanism needed for reliable connection to the dispensing device.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a bayonet-style coupling mechanism with angled engagement surfaces that provide secure mechanical interlocking and leaktight sealing. This curved, multi-position engagement design ensures reliable connection while maintaining ease of attachment and detachment.
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 efficient collection and utilization of small biological sample volumes with reduced manipulations and minimized contamination risks, ensuring precise volume transfer for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary component (13) capable of collecting a sample of biological fluid by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to: (i) a sampler device for taking a sample of biological fluid, which comprises a capillary component, and a base rigidly connected to said capillary component and provided with a first connector capable of being reversibly attached in a leaktight manner to a second connector of a dispensing device; (ii) a dispensing device which also comprises means for transferring diluting fluid which open into said second connector. The application also relates to a biological analysis apparatus implementing the sampler and dispensing devices and to a method for sampling and dispensing a biological fluid.