DBS Collection Device with Apertures and Observation Orifices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Dried Blood Spot (DBS) cards are prone to contamination and sample spoilage due to their open form factor, which can lead to unreliable testing results. Additionally, they often require multiple finger pricks to fill all collection spots, increasing the risk of incomplete or compromised samples.
Innovation Solution
A device that holds a DBS card in a desired orientation and features apertures aligned with the collection spots, allowing capillary blood to be collected precisely onto the card while minimizing contamination risks. The device also includes observation orifices for verifying saturation levels and ventilation openings for efficient drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open DBS card form factor is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination and sample spoilage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed housing structure with transparent or translucent walls that enclose the DBS card and collection area. This shell-like enclosure protects the blood sample from environmental contamination while maintaining visibility for the user to observe the collection process and saturation levels, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed housing creates a controlled, isolated environment for blood collection that prevents exposure to external contaminants. By sealing the collection area, the system establishes a protective barrier between the biological sample and the external environment, ensuring sample integrity while maintaining user-friendly operation through transparent viewing windows.
2Productivity
If multiple collection spots are provided on the DBS card, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient blood volume and incomplete sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates transparent or translucent portions in the housing that allow real-time visual observation of blood saturation levels in each collection spot. This feedback mechanism enables the user to monitor collection progress and determine when sufficient blood has been obtained, preventing incomplete sampling while maintaining the ability to collect multiple samples efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides multiple collection spots on the DBS card to accommodate variable blood volumes from different users or conditions. By offering extra collection areas, the system ensures that even users with limited blood volume can complete the sampling process reliably, thus maintaining productivity without compromising reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the DBS card is left open for collection, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to exposure to foreign objects and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a closed housing structure with transparent walls that enclose the DBS card and collection area. This shell provides physical protection against foreign objects and contaminants while maintaining visibility for user operation, effectively eliminating the harmful factors associated with open card exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the blood sample and the external environment. It allows light and visual observation to pass through while blocking physical contaminants and foreign objects, thus protecting the sample without interfering with the ease of operation.
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 device ensures proper saturation of each DBS collection spot while preventing contamination and cross-contamination, thereby enhancing the reliability of blood sample collection and drying, ultimately leading to more accurate diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) card having the means to collect, store, and ship blood samples
Implementation Method 2
after allowing time to dry, package the entire DBS card for mailing or transit
Data Source
AI summary
A device that assists with correct and efficient collection of capillary blood onto dried blood spot collection (DBS) card. The device may comprise a rectangular shape configured to hold a DBS card in a desired orientation for blood sample collection. The device comprises holes on a top side that are aligned above the circular target spots on the DBS card. The patient will be able to direct drops of capillary blood to pass through the top holes and then blood will travel into the DBS card at precise locations so as to ensure proper saturation while minimizing risk of outside contaminants and/or cross-contamination between target spots. Further, the patient can verify saturation level by looking through observation orifices disposed on the device.