Fluid Separator Collection Card for Stable Blood Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and separating biological fluids, such as blood, face challenges including sample instability, container breakage, and the need for expensive equipment like centrifuges, while traditional dried sample devices are complex and lack clear indicators for sufficient sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained fluid sample collection card with an absorbent layer and a non-absorbent layer that allows differential separation of serum and plasma, enabling visual indication of sample volume and easy shipping, using Whatman LF-1 material and Mylar for efficient separation and stabilization of blood components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If liquid blood samples are collected and transported, then sufficient sample quantity is available for testing, but the risk of container breakage, leakage, and infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of blood from liquid to dried state on the filter paper. This transformation eliminates the need for liquid containment, preventing breakage and leakage while preserving sample components for later analysis. The dried blood spot maintains sample integrity during transport without requiring special biohazard handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable filter paper card that is inexpensive and single-use. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable centrifuge equipment and complex liquid sample handling systems. The disposable nature ensures sample stability and prevents cross-contamination while maintaining sufficient sample quantity for testing.
2Measurement precision
If centrifugation is used to separate serum from blood cells, then accurate analysis is possible, but expensive and space-consuming equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation function from complex centrifugation equipment and implements it directly in the collection device itself. The filter paper naturally separates serum from blood cells through capillary action and filtration, eliminating the need for external centrifugation equipment while maintaining analysis accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter paper card performs separation automatically through its inherent filtration properties and capillary action. No external equipment or complex procedures are needed - the device self-separates serum from cells as the blood is applied, providing accurate results without expensive machinery.
3Ease of operation
If dried blood samples are collected on filter paper, then shipping restrictions are eliminated, but sample components may degrade or mix during drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blood sample into distinct components during the drying process on the filter paper. Serum is separated and retained in specific zones while cellular components remain in other areas. This segmentation prevents mixing and degradation, maintaining composition stability while enabling easy shipping as a dried sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter paper acts as an intermediary medium that controls the drying process. It maintains proper moisture levels and facilitates controlled separation of components during drying, preventing degradation while enabling the sample to be shipped without liquid biohazard restrictions.
4Quantity of substance
If multiple vials of fluid are collected to ensure sufficient sample, then adequate sample quantity is available, but the complexity of handling and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample collection functions into a single filter paper card. The card can collect and retain sufficient blood volume for multiple tests in one application, eliminating the need to handle multiple vials. This merging simplifies processing while ensuring adequate sample quantity for comprehensive testing.
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 card provides stable, accurate separation of blood components, reducing the need for expensive equipment and ensuring sufficient sample collection, while being simple to manufacture and easy to mail, with enhanced stability and reproducibility of results.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent layer is configured to wick and separate the blood sample into different zones
Implementation Method 2
A non-absorbent layer is positioned between the absorbent layer and the support layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for separating and drying a fluid sample in one embodiment includes an upper layer including a sample window and a viewing window extending therethrough, the viewing window spaced apart from the sample window, an absorbent layer, having a width and a length, positioned beneath the upper layer and extending beneath the sample window and the viewing window, and a non-absorbent layer positioned beneath the absorbent layer, the non-absorbent layer having a width and a length greater than the width and the length of the absorbent layer.